Running Hare Vineyard

We got married on August 19th 2022 and had our reception at Running Hare Vineyard, Prince Frederick MD. We had a wine tasting before our wedding day to choose 4 wines off their wine choices to serve at our wedding.

We were truly blown away by what we were served during our wine tasting. My husband is more of a beer fan, but he was truly impressed by their wine.

My side of the family are wine connoisseurs and I was pumped for them to try Running Hare's wines, Tyler too was excited because he knows my family enjoys wine.

During the evening of our wedding day, my sister came to me and told me that the Rose was off, I was a little concerned, but I was too busy with my agenda for the evening.

The day after the wedding, I was told that my sister went up to the bartender and complained about her Rose. The bartender responded back to her that maybe it was just her palate, that their Rose is one of the best wines they have. I was then told from my family and so many other people after our wedding how bad the wine was.

People told me it tasted like vinegar, rubbing alcohol and paint thinner. My husband, myself and my parents were mortified and super embarrassed that our friends and family were served such wine. Furthermore, the bartenders knew that people were complaining about the wine, but did nothing about it but keep serving the bad wine.

The weekend went by and we heard nothing from the general manager/Running Hare Vineyard. My mom contacted Cheryl (general manager) and told her her concerns, complaints and needed a refund.

Cheryl agreed with my Mom that she knew the wine was bad at the end of the wedding night because she tried all the wines herself and she was embarrassed.

I am confused why the general manager is not contacting the customer to profusely apologize for their mistake and that the customer is reaching out to the general manager about this, knowing their was a problem. Seems like Running Hare Vineyard was hoping we wouldn't complain and ask for a refund.

Adding to this, the general manager, Cheryl, told my Mom, she would have to ask her husband, David about the refund request. Later, Cheryl told my Mom, David wasn't too happy with the request of a refund.

Cheryl's husband David is a bartender. Why is a general manager asking a bartender about this matter?

Who is in charge here?

After not hearing from Cheryl for some time my Mom asked again for the refund and complained to her again. After my Mom's email Cheryl quickly emailed my Mom back and told her the check was put in the mail that day. My parents received their refund for the wine portion of the drink package.

I am very disturbed by the lack of professionalism and customer service that has taken place here.

First, it was our wedding day, a day no one gets back.

Second, the bartenders of the business knew there were complaints over the wine, but chose to ignore their customers concerns.

Third, my parents mean the world to me and their kindness was taken advantage of by this business. My parents did everything possible to make that day special for my husband and I, and all that attended our event.

It was a very memorable day for my husband and I, regardless of what took place.

I wanted to express my issues to inform other couples of their mishaps and that I wouldn't want anyone else to experience this kind of treatment from a business. It is my hope that Running Hare Vineyard will work on striving for excellence in the future and meet their business criteria.