It's been a long time since my last visit to Cooper's Hawk. I went with my Niece and Great Niece…read morefor a tasting yesterday (Saturday) and we also had dinner reservations. All 3 of us chose sweet for our wine tasting. Our server was a lot of fun and very knowledgeable about the wine. You get to taste one wine on each category listed on your menu. The samples of each wine are a generous pour. Some Wineries I've visited, do not provide big enough samples to determine if you like them enough to buy a bottle or not. Sweet Red was my favorite. Sweet Red is currently known as Romance Red. It changes names Seasonally. Dinner was outstanding. I had Gnocchi with Roasted Butternut Squash, Wild mushrooms, Sweet onion cream, Spinach, Feta and Crispy onions. It was a very tasty meal. My Great Niece chose the Pork chop and said it was the best she had ever had. My Niece had a Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad which she said was delicious. I had a very enjoyable afternoon with my Nieces. We will definitely return to Cooper's Hawk soon.

Great for Wine, Not for Dinner (Unfortunately) I don't know…read morewhy my Bestie and I keep doing this to ourselves -- we love Cooper's Hawk for the wine tastings, but every time we try to give dinner another chance... it ends the same way. After our tasting, we decided to sit down and order one of our longtime favorites: the short rib with mashed potatoes and vegetables. We hadn't had it in a few months because the last time was an epic fail, but we figured we'd give it another shot. As always, the pretzel bread and butter were a highlight -- that part never misses. The entrée, however, was another disappointment. The vegetables were noticeably undercooked -- still hard and crunchy -- and the dish came out with barely any sauce, even though I specifically asked for extra. For a short rib dish, you expect that rich, flavorful gravy to tie everything together... and it just wasn't there. A manager did come over after I pointed it out, and she genuinely tried to make it right, which I appreciated. We were offered another meal to take home, but at that point we were honestly just over it. To end on a positive note, I tried the Banoffee Pie for the first time (recommended by the manager), and it was actually really good -- rich, sweet, and worth trying. I also ordered their chocolate cake to go (which I usually love), but when I got home, it wasn't in the bag. I had to call for a refund, which they did handle -- but it just added to the overall frustration. At this point, it's become a pattern. When I first started coming here over a year ago, everything was consistently great. Lately, though, the dinner experience has been more miss than hit. We'll absolutely continue coming back for the wine tastings -- those are still top-tier. But for dinner? We're done trying.

We were on a Filipino food crawl and needed a break and decided to stop in at the Winery. We love…read morewineries and look for opportunities to visit new ones. We were the only patrons for much of our visit. My birthday daughter and I ordered wine sample flights and chatted up the owner. Wife shopped the gift area and picked out a nice bauble. The good: the owner was very engaging and told us about the wines (and wine slushies) they offer. We asked where the grapes came from and she explained that some came from Chile, some from California (I believe) and other places, and that she blends them here. (This would be expected with no attached vineyard.) The place was very clean, and the restrooms were easily accessible and spacious. The price of the flights was a mere $5 for six communion cup sized samples -- you choose 6 of I guess 12 - 15. Mulled wine is a welcome option on a winter day. The disappointing: While there is a good assortment of wines, and many were on the good side of okay, none stood out and said BUY A BOTTLE OF ME. The fruity sweet wines were VERY sweet, not really good for dessert wine or sipping. (Sorry.) But again, the reds especially were drinkable and pleasant. Verdict: a good stop if you need a break and a glass or two to go with your conversation. Just don't set expectations too high and you'll be fine.

Virginia Beach Winery is not my typical winery as I'm use to visiting but definitely worth the…read morevisit. The winery had a vintage style. Maria the owner was such a doll. Wine is made on site in the distillery and she has been in business for 8 years. We visited on a Saturday and there was a couple of vendors on site selling merchandise. 5 bucks for 6 samples is definitely reasonable. We indulged in the fruit infused wines, draft wines and slushies. I must say the draft wines were delicious and I wished those were bottled so I could have brought them home. All in all great places and would definitely stop in again.

Hidden gem. Super cool self pour wine with tasting options…read more They also have a couple of beer taps and appetizers, like charcuterie and a cheese plate.

Wonderful! We had a great time trying new wines. This is the way to have tastings. Highly…read morerecommend.

Came here a few weeks ago with some girl friends, and we enjoyed! All 3 of us got the wine flight…read moreand chose our own flavors. The flight was more than enough for me. We ate prior to coming here so we didn't get any food, but i did end up getting a skillet cookie which was sooooo good. Thankfully we came on a warm day, so we were able to sit outside on the patio. The inside was super cute as well, but slightly cold. Which i understand because the weather has been super back and fourth. Our waiter was super nice and helpful. Next time i go back i would like to try their food to see how it is.

Mermaid Winery in Norfolk has been a good experience for me. It doesn't feel like a loud bar or a…read morepressure-to-drink environment. It reads much more like a cozy restaurant with wine, not a wine tasting room where everyone is hovering around flights. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the space itself is interesting and comfortable. It's an easy place to sit, talk, and actually enjoy the people you're with without feeling out of place because you're not drinking. No one makes it weird, no one questions your choice, and you're not the odd one out. The food is the real anchor for me. I go for the meal, the setting, and the conversation, and that's more than enough. It feels like a legitimate dinner spot, not somewhere you're just tagging along while others drink. If you're sober or choose not to drink but still like going out, being social, and enjoying good food in a relaxed environment, this place works. I'm comfortable here, I enjoy the experience, and I'd go again without hesitation.

Went out here to support the VHS band and it was a great reminder to why we enjoy this place. First…read moreoff, the band - always amazing :) Second, what a venue. Coming out here and I loved the fact that they were sooo supportive of our daughter coming with us. It was a full house and they were still able to be accommodating. With our daughter, it gets tough b/c they couldn't sit us at the bar. They talked with a couple at the sofa area and they were super cool with us being close by. Between the super awesome old fashioned and wine they gave us, I loved how creative and unique they are with their menu. Overall, this place is such a win. We look forward to our next visit! Food Taste: 5 Overall Service: 5 Value of food to cost: 4 Facility: 5 Ambiance: Small facility that is simple, yet tasteful. Repeat customer: yes Dog Friendly: no

Great experience here - I happened to be in town visiting and this was across the street from my…read morehotel - from the time I walked in I felt very welcomed - I was handed a menu and given the low down on how the tastings work - I decided to go with a glass of wine - I ended up meeting some folks and the bar and just hung out - it's really a cute set up - huge bar - plenty of tables a sitting area with couches - it's also really clean - they also offer a small food menu but I didn't eat anything this visit

My first-ever winery visit was to Summer Wind Winery, and it was everything I hoped it would be…read more I've always wanted to do something like this, and when my relatives came to town looking for something chill but vibey, my Uncle Daryl found the perfect spot. Even the ride there set the tone it was scenic & peaceful, and full of wide-open fields that felt like a refreshing change. It was the kind of drive that makes you slow down and just enjoy the moment. Once we arrived, the winery itself was stunning bold, beautiful. The wine selection was impressive, and I loved getting to explore different flavors. I figured out which wines I enjoy most, which ones aren't for me, and felt like I had a truly immersive first-time tasting experience. The staff at Summer Wind were amazing knowledgeable, friendly, and patient in answering my questions. Although I didn't get to order food this time, I saw plates coming out of the kitchen that looked absolutely delicious, so that's definitely on my list for next visit. I enjoyed myself so much that I'd love to make this a yearly tradition around this time of year. Summer Wind Winery gave me not just great wine, but a great memory, and I'll absolutely be back.

We visited SWV on a Saturday afternoon. The vineyard has beautiful views. Upon arrival, we were…read morecheerfully welcomed by the staff and presented with flight options. The pear sangria was refreshing. SWV offers a variety of food options which SWV freshly prepares upon ordering. SWV has indoor and outdoor seating. The outdoor patio is adorned with colorful umbrellas, tables and chairs with spectacular nature views. The indoor seating is adjacent to the tasting room and well air conditioned. We enjoyed the wine & food at SWV and recommend that you visit SWV for an enjoyable wine tasting experience.

My friend invited me out to Crystal Palate for a wine tasting on a Wednesday and I couldn't wait to…read morestop in. As a wine lover, I love trying new places where I can indulge in a variety of different wines. I was pleasantly greeted as soon as I walked in and I couldn't help but notice how beautiful this place was. They not only offer an assortment of wine, but also a variety of crackers, cheeses, olives, honey and other treats as well. We were offered a sample of the Sage Derby Cheese and it was so good, I bought two lol. Once everyone arrived, we went into the Wine Tasting Room to learn about the wines of the Pacific Northwest and to sample wines from that region. The class was very educational and I learned quite a few things. For example, Cabernet Franc is the parent of Cabernet Sauvignon, which is my favorite wine. Once the tasting wrapped up, we were able to socialize with the group and the staff. We inquired about the membership and they even shared that they offer opportunities to wine school as well. Overall, I had the best time at Crystal Palate! The staff were extremely personable and the wines were great! Wine Wednesday EDUtastings are a great way to learn about different wines from specific regions so definitely stop in if you are a wine lover like myself! You will not be disappointed!!!

Okay... I officially have a new favorite spot, and it's Crystal Palate…read more At this point, my Wednesdays might as well be reserved because their wine tastings are THAT good. Each week they feature a different region and really take you on a full deep dive -- this week was the Pacific Northwest, and between the four wine samples and the education behind each one, I left feeling like I actually learned something (while still having a great time, of course). I brought a friend with me this time -- the same one who originally introduced me to Cooper's Hawk -- so it felt a little full circle being able to put her onto a place for once. And let me just say... she was impressed. Like, immediately texting people about it impressed. Now let's talk about that in-house herb cheddar. I don't even remember exactly what herbs were in it, but I DO know it was so good I had to buy some to take home... and my friend liked it so much she bought two. That should tell you everything you need to know. What really sets Crystal Palate apart though is that it's not just a tasting -- it's an experience. They offer classes, events, and even certification programs if you want to really get into wine and learn how to educate others. You can tell they genuinely love what they do, and it shows in every part of the experience. Honestly, I loved it so much I even asked if they were hiring -- that's how you know it's real. Great wine, great atmosphere, great energy... this place is a whole vibe. So if you're wondering where I'll be on Wednesday nights... you can find me and Lexi right here at Crystal Palate

We came for paella night to the Chesapeake location. What a cute spot! The team was very helpful in…read moregetting our reservation confirmed, and settling us in for the experience. They have a wide variety of wines available, and feature different regions throughout the month. They also plan international trips to explore the various regions from which their wines originate! Love their passion for wine education. Looking forward to a return visit.

Let me preface the review with this- This review is limited to their paella night. We've been twice…read moreand both were wonderful. The wine pairings were unique and enjoyable. (On at least one occasion we left with several bottles). The atmosphere is cozy and very family like. The service was excellent both times. Really need to go back for a "regular " evening.