mamaluvs2travel Oh my, your critical comments about our venue’s tableware were a bit unkind; and, more to point, quite frankly they were NOT TRUE. You dropped us a star for something for which you claim we are guilty – plastic wine glasses. Our tableware and glassware are plastic because it is a HEALTH DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENT for our new venue. Disposable service enables us to offer everyone as you described an “adorable setting” without taxing our shared septic field (our town does not have a sewer). Had we been allowed to serve our wine guests on china plates, our wine in wine glasses and offer silverware, we would have loved to. We had a choice – use paper and plastic or be closed – I think we made the right choice. On your other point, we wish you had asked for napkins. We apologize. We do appreciate your complimenting our wine and charcuterie; and, especially calling us a cute place. We do hope you return as we look forward to expanding our food and beverage.

KikiMcCoy, So sorry to disappoint. Your disappointment is pale in comparison to our own. It would be hard to believe that we were pleased with our limited menu of charcuterie and oyster shooters when we were the ones who convinced the State of Virginia to brand itself with the oyster and the Virginia Oyster Trail was our brainchild? We like so many businesses are experiencing a staffing shortage. When we find the right people, we will expand our oyster offerings. We considered not being open; but what staff we have would be adversely affected. We wish you had been more empathetic during these troubling times. You may have found our wine a little more appealing if you had noted on our tasting notes that our winemakers were # 1 in Virginia in 2020 and #2 in 2021. Though you say otherwise, we do invite you to return when we are at full strength; and we will provide you with one of the best possible oyster experiences.

Yes, Virginia has many amazing wineries; and, we are most complimented that you chose us. We do truly regret you were disappointed; however, you apparently misunderstood our flight presentation; therefore, your review is mostly factually incorrect; and, we certainly don’t want the readers of this review to be misled by your claims. It is possible that one of our wine team members could have been better at describing the flight and the Dog and Oyster wine experience. If so, we apologize. We list below excerpts from your review and the associated fact. What we do not understand is why you would make these statements when the tasting notes provided you listed and clearly identified each wine you tasted including the winery. REVIEWER: “They had 1 wine of their own to try” FACT: 3 out 5 wines in our flights were Dog and Oyster wines and all three were 100% estate grown. We have never offered only 1 of our wines. BACKGROUND: Due to impact of COVID, wine sales in recent months have been extraordinary and totally unexpected – example - up 70% over September of last year. Our wine was selling out before the scheduled next bottling which will take place in late October. We did not want to disappoint our guests by being unable to offer white wine to pair with our oysters. So, we added two wonderful whites from our wine trail friend, Ingleside Vineyards, one of Virginia’s most esteemed wineries. Though our decision was out of necessity, there are wineries that offer wine from other vineyards. One stop and being able to taste wine from other wineries is appealing to most. REVIEWER: “They sometimes offer 2” FACT: Same answer as the previous fact. REVIEWER: They do offer a wine flight with wines from other local wineries. FACT: As stated, our flights have wines from our winery and only one other – Ingleside. REVIEWER: They have some for sale at the register, so why can't you taste those? FACT: I just reconfirmed that the wines displayed at the register are the ones you tasted in your flight. If we mistakenly displayed any of our sold-out wines at the register, they were not for sale and we apologize. Customarily we hold back a case of each vintage for future special occasions. We do hope you give us another opportunity to have you as our guest; and, hopefully on a weekend when we offer our oysters. We do offer charcuterie Monday-Friday. For the readers of this response, we should be back at full strength in November offering 2 whites, 2 roses’ and a red – all Dog and Oyster.