I debated about writing this because this is a black-owned business. But honestly, just because you…read moreare black-owned doesn't mean you shouldn't strive to provide an excellent experience.
I purchased a table for my family and friends to attend the Sip & Swirl Events in Livermore. We were excited to attend. We were told we would be in a VIP section and receive wristbands. This experience was supposed to include a table covering, ice bucket, charcuterie board, and a small centerpiece. We were also supposed to get pours from Staff Walking Through The Event. We were also told that VIP guests Did NOT need to check in with general admission. They stated that my guests and I would go straight to the VIP area, which would be near the event center. Our table would have my name on it, as well as eight pink wristbands.
Since there were so many issues, I will list the points.
The event started at 4 pm, and at 1:37 pm, I received an email stating that the event truck was broken into and all items for the event were stolen. She requested that we bring chairs, blankets, food, and wine glasses.
When we arrived at the event, no one was there to greet or direct us.
There was no check-in table, and I had to ask other event attendees who was running the event.
After 10 minutes of searching for the host, I showed her my ticket and asked where my table was. She looked confused, walked away, and never returned.
I then began to walk around the event to see if I could locate the table. I finally found my table with my name on a pink Party City wine bag, but they were still setting up my table. Which appeared to be an afterthought as we were separate from all the other tables.
I then had to chase the host down again to get the wristbands for my guest. I asked about the charcuterie because, in the email, she said she had the items, just no boards. She responded she had the things but no boards, as they were stolen.
However, she was trying to figure out a plan. Mind you, we never got any salami!
There was no wine to sip or swirl as no one was working the event. They had two bars located clear across from our table. The lines were super long, and we were expected to stand in line for one pour.
I made the best of the situation, so I went inside Wente and purchased wine for the table and two charcuterie boards. Only to be approached by someone who identified themselves as a helper of the host, stating that I could not bring outside wine into the event.
Well, one, it's not outside wine; I purchased it at Wente Vineyards, and two, what do you expect us to do, sit at the table and wait for the non-existent workers to pour the non-existent wine?
The DJ could not turn up the music until 6 p.m. due to other patrons at the winery who were not a part of our event, our table was clear across the other side. We were unable to hear the music.
One of the event attendees had a medical emergency, and there was no event staff to be found. EMS was called, and the Wente staff had to come and assist her, and they were very helpful.
Also, I'm still unclear; the host says her truck was broken into while she had lunch. So the event started at 4 pm. At noon, shouldn't you be at the event setting up and not getting lunch? I don't know. Maybe I'm a skeptic, but it sounds wild to me.
Lastly, even if all your items were stolen, that doesn't account for you not having anyone working the event. Were the event staff stolen out of the truck as well? She also could have publicly addressed the attendees and said something to us to help us understand the flow of the event. It just appeared like we gathered together and all wore pink, but no one was there to organize.
I'll say this: Our community always knows how to pivot and have a good time despite everything. I saw folks having pizzas delivered and buying wine. I know the Wente staff appreciated our purchases. The whole team at Wente was terrific, and they were very helpful! This is in no way a reflection of their service and their beautiful property. I plan to go to Wente again as the wine was excellent, and their staff were amazing!