Title: Consistently Poor Service – Disappointing Experience with Benita at Wilson Family Winery
I’ve been a loyal member at Wilson Family Winery for approximately five years, and while most visits in the past were enjoyable. However, every single interaction I’ve had with hostess Benita has been less than professional or welcoming. Unfortunately, today’s visit reinforced that pattern and left my guests and me feeling completely unwelcome.
Today, I brought in three new guests who had never visited Wilson before. Our party of seven sat down, and almost immediately, we were met with Benita’s unfriendly demeanor. Within minutes, my guests who had no prior knowledge of my past experiences were commenting on how rude and unprofessional she seemed. That’s three brand-new impressions, all negative, before we even finished our first tasting.
A few concerning things happened:
Account & Payment Issues – My card on file was changed without my permission when I purchased a drink on a prior visit, Benita even attempted to hold me responsible for another member’s bill simply because I knew them, despite us having different last names and separate wine club accounts.
Unprofessional Behavior – Today, both Benita and a staff member (introduced as marketing at first/than became the HR representative) spoke to our group in raised voices from behind the counter, apparently because they didn’t like that we were discussing our poor customer service experience. This is unacceptable, especially from someone in an HR role who should be diffusing conflict, not escalating it.
Accusations & Inaccuracies – My friend, who was tasting, was told “this is your 7th drink,” which was simply untrue. She had received only four tastings. This comment was unnecessary and came across as accusatory and judgmental.
Lack of Communication About Closing – We were never informed that the tasting room had closed, even though there were advertisements for live music (one of the main reasons we came). Instead of a polite notice, we were told after the fact that we had “been allowed to stay past closing,” as if it were a favor, despite no one communicating that we were overstaying.
Final Confrontation – As we were leaving, bill already settled, Benita actually followed us outside to ask—aggressively, if I wanted to cancel my wine club membership. My mother, witnessing this, even told her to leave me alone. This kind of behavior is completely unacceptable and not the way to treat loyal customers.
What’s most disappointing is that Wilson Family Winery usually promotes a warm, family-friendly atmosphere, but Benita’s consistent negativity, unfriendliness, and lack of basic hospitality give the winery a bad name. Out of the seven people in our group today, not one walked away with a positive impression.
Customer service is about creating an inviting, respectful, and enjoyable environment for everyone. Sadly, Benita does the opposite. I have never experienced issues here with any other staff member, but she consistently leaves guests feeling unwelcome and undervalued.
Hospitality is the heart of the wine industry, you get more bees with honey, and Wilson Family Winery deserves a representative who reflects that. Unfortunately, until that changes, I cannot recommend this location to friends, family, or fellow wine lovers.
Sara Christopherson Hyde
Great find with great staff. Thank you!
John Hyde
Great location, great wine, great staff
Mrs Mocha
I’ve only been here when that have their annual rib cook off. Which by the way is SO worth it! There is AMAZING ribs, live entertainment and even a little grass area with games for the kids. NOT to mention their great wine slushies! They are delicious!
Steve S
This is a very good winery with a great selection of red wines. So far, this has been the best winery in Lodi. I marked them down one star because of their two hosts. Kim and Maria knew very little about their wines and couldn't provide details on them.
Ann Gibson
Great experience. Benita was wonderful explaining the different wines and did not rush the personal tasting. Definitely will be back.
Angie
I cannot recommend this place enough! So many wine slushy options, phenomenal service and popcorn with a secret seasoning. Trista in particular is so friendly and personable.
Michele Kopel
Saturday June 8th, I brought a group of 4 ladies to Wilson’s. The ladies had a wonderful experience. They loved their Slushee tastings. Wilson’s always takes such good care of our guests.
I absolutely love this place the people and patrins are phenomenal. I will be coming back.
Aaron MacDonald
Very friendly employees. Clean grounds.
Bianca Zuniga
Always great services. Kid friendly and great slush wine.
Lisa Cox (Loffelbein)
Have been a patient of Dr Wilsons for years and have never been out to the winery( and I live super close) . My sister and I took a chance that we could still wine taste even though they were going to close soon. The staff adena, Trista and Kim made us feel very welcome and they were trying to close. We were able to get a couple wine slushies.... which are the bomb! The grounds here are beautiful.... looking forward to catching some live music( the 24th?)soon and tasting all the wines!! Thank you !! Lisa and Teresa ????????????
Rebekah Boron-Trotter
This place is amazing! Great staff, great atmosphere, and amazing wine selections for a reasonable price. Definitely a must try if you are in town!
Straight disrespectful
Very friendly people
Title: Consistently Poor Service – Disappointing Experience with Benita at Wilson Family Winery
I’ve been a loyal member at Wilson Family Winery for approximately five years, and while most visits in the past were enjoyable. However, every single interaction I’ve had with hostess Benita has been less than professional or welcoming. Unfortunately, today’s visit reinforced that pattern and left my guests and me feeling completely unwelcome.
Today, I brought in three new guests who had never visited Wilson before. Our party of seven sat down, and almost immediately, we were met with Benita’s unfriendly demeanor. Within minutes, my guests who had no prior knowledge of my past experiences were commenting on how rude and unprofessional she seemed. That’s three brand-new impressions, all negative, before we even finished our first tasting.
A few concerning things happened:
Account & Payment Issues – My card on file was changed without my permission when I purchased a drink on a prior visit, Benita even attempted to hold me responsible for another member’s bill simply because I knew them, despite us having different last names and separate wine club accounts.
Unprofessional Behavior – Today, both Benita and a staff member (introduced as marketing at first/than became the HR representative) spoke to our group in raised voices from behind the counter, apparently because they didn’t like that we were discussing our poor customer service experience. This is unacceptable, especially from someone in an HR role who should be diffusing conflict, not escalating it.
Accusations & Inaccuracies – My friend, who was tasting, was told “this is your 7th drink,” which was simply untrue. She had received only four tastings. This comment was unnecessary and came across as accusatory and judgmental.
Lack of Communication About Closing – We were never informed that the tasting room had closed, even though there were advertisements for live music (one of the main reasons we came). Instead of a polite notice, we were told after the fact that we had “been allowed to stay past closing,” as if it were a favor, despite no one communicating that we were overstaying.
Final Confrontation – As we were leaving, bill already settled, Benita actually followed us outside to ask—aggressively, if I wanted to cancel my wine club membership. My mother, witnessing this, even told her to leave me alone. This kind of behavior is completely unacceptable and not the way to treat loyal customers.
What’s most disappointing is that Wilson Family Winery usually promotes a warm, family-friendly atmosphere, but Benita’s consistent negativity, unfriendliness, and lack of basic hospitality give the winery a bad name. Out of the seven people in our group today, not one walked away with a positive impression.
Customer service is about creating an inviting, respectful, and enjoyable environment for everyone. Sadly, Benita does the opposite. I have never experienced issues here with any other staff member, but she consistently leaves guests feeling unwelcome and undervalued.
Hospitality is the heart of the wine industry, you get more bees with honey, and Wilson Family Winery deserves a representative who reflects that. Unfortunately, until that changes, I cannot recommend this location to friends, family, or fellow wine lovers.
Great find with great staff. Thank you!
Great location, great wine, great staff
I’ve only been here when that have their annual rib cook off. Which by the way is SO worth it! There is AMAZING ribs, live entertainment and even a little grass area with games for the kids. NOT to mention their great wine slushies! They are delicious!
This is a very good winery with a great selection of red wines. So far, this has been the best winery in Lodi. I marked them down one star because of their two hosts. Kim and Maria knew very little about their wines and couldn't provide details on them.
Great experience. Benita was wonderful explaining the different wines and did not rush the personal tasting. Definitely will be back.
I cannot recommend this place enough! So many wine slushy options, phenomenal service and popcorn with a secret seasoning. Trista in particular is so friendly and personable.
Saturday June 8th, I brought a group of 4 ladies to Wilson’s. The ladies had a wonderful experience. They loved their Slushee tastings. Wilson’s always takes such good care of our guests.
Restaurantji Recommends
I absolutely love this place the people and patrins are phenomenal. I will be coming back.
Very friendly employees. Clean grounds.
Always great services. Kid friendly and great slush wine.
Have been a patient of Dr Wilsons for years and have never been out to the winery( and I live super close) . My sister and I took a chance that we could still wine taste even though they were going to close soon. The staff adena, Trista and Kim made us feel very welcome and they were trying to close. We were able to get a couple wine slushies.... which are the bomb! The grounds here are beautiful.... looking forward to catching some live music( the 24th?)soon and tasting all the wines!! Thank you !! Lisa and Teresa ????????????
This place is amazing! Great staff, great atmosphere, and amazing wine selections for a reasonable price. Definitely a must try if you are in town!
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