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.

Came here last month for some drinks and snacks and was pleasantly surprised. It was within walking…read moredistance of the Glass Light Hotel and in a better part of downtown Norfolk. I did not try any of the entrees, but the appetizers were solid and the wine selection was pretty good.

Decided to give this place a try, and it is a great spot with a lot of potential. It has everything…read moreit needs to succeed, but lacks a theme/personality. It's giving hotel room honestly. They have a good selection of wine to sample on (a little heavy on the sweeter wines). The initial greeting coming in was great, but overall felt like there was too much staff that wasn't doing much. I'm hoping in a couple months they grow into their own, because the wine and tea combo is interesting, and they should should play it up.

I had got a Groupon for this place since my fiancé loves tea. We went on a Wednesday evening. The…read moreinside is small, but the ambiance is great. The service we reviewed was amazing. We shared a small pot of tea it our food. I got the Italian panini and my fiancé got the pepperoni pizza. The food was prepared fresh so we browsed tea & wine selections while waiting. The teas smelled amazing, we decided on 3 types we were going to take home. We tried a few of the wines also. I prefer sweet wines and my fiancé enjoys red wine. This is definitely a great spot for nice happy hour with friends or your partner.

First time here and it was a great atmosphere. Cute small wine spot. Wine tasting was great. $25…read morefor 8 tastings yesterday. My friends said they are usually $5 for 4 tastings but I guess since it was spring break they raised the price. One of the lady pouring upstairs was rude. But that was my only concern about this place. And just a heads up this is a small place so if there is a crowd there's not much space to walk

Stumbled upon this amazing wine store while in downtown Norfolk. It's so cute inside and they have…read morelots of great wines for great prices. We stopped in on a Sunday and they have wine tastings for $5 dollars! I believe they have these every Friday through Sunday. They also do wine tasting events upstairs. The girl doing the wine tasting was so informative and amazing at talking about the wines. I will definitely come back while I'm in town!!

I found this tour on groupon and I called Deanna to get tickets for me and my friend. She was super…read morenice and I was super excited to go on this tour. The tour comes with complimentary breakfast and lunch. We got picked up at the little station behind Freedom Car Wash and Wawa. The bus was brand new and very comfortable. They had a selection of apple cinnamon muffins, sweet potato pastries, grapes, and strawberries with blueberries for breakfast. The muffins and sweet potato pastries made by a contestant on Master Chef Junior and the muffins were great. I didn't have the pastries because I don't like sweet potatoes. We were offered a bag with water and a granola bar with brochures for wineries and some for the ones we were going to. The was also a scent bag with soy candle samples from Pink Zebra. They smelled great. Next on the list was gathering the rest of the group for the trip from Norfolk. Once we got everyone, we were offered mimosas; candor l cranberry or orange. We chose orange. Deanna introduced herself, daughter, and granddaughter. She also introduced those who she knew who were on the trip. She provided some great historic facts like the origin of witchduck. She discussed the history of Virginia wine and information about Virginia Born presidents. Our first stop was New Kent Winery and our host was great and very polite. The tasting was very informative and fun. Their wines were fantastic and the Vineyard was amazing. It wasn't on the itinerary, but Deanna put it on there. Next was Michie Tavern. We had lunch there and the buffet was great. The wine tasting, not so much. Third stop was Baubersville and the wine was ok. We weren't really a fan of the environment because I felt out of place even though I was dressed pretty nicely. Last stop was Horton and our host was amazing! We had so much fun! We will definitely do this tour again in the fall because it was great and it was so much fun! Happy to have been part of the inaugural trip!

I've been on two wine tours, as well as a wine tasting at a friend's house. I had so much fun that…read moreI recently hosted a wine tasting of my own. My friends raved! The Virginia wines were excellent, and everyone loved the history lesson. Now I have another group of friends who are jealous and want me to host a wine tasting for them. I also love the fact that it's a local business. Deanna's (the owner's) friends and family love to help with her tours, and they are the nicest people. I plan on continuing to support Fruits and Roots Wine Tours, and I'd recommend them to EVERYONE!

Mermaid winery dinner experience was excellent! We ordered…read morethe recommended wine and it was quite good. The appetizer of calamari was just ok. A bit overcooked and needs a step up on quality. Every other part of the meal was excellent. I had lamb shank , wife had Tuna and daughter had Duck. Why daughter said that it was the best meal she had ever had! Dessert if crème brûlée and carrot cake both very good. Surprise of the night was the beat salad- wonderful! Final not that the service was excellent as well . Overall would definitely recommend the Mermaid winery restaurant in Virginia Beach.

I stopped by Mermaid Winery on a beautiful sunny afternoon and decided to try their Sweet Wine…read moreFlight. In the summer I tend to gravitate toward lighter, sweeter wines, so the flight felt like the perfect choice for the day. Not surprisingly, my taste buds traveled straight to Italy. The Italian wines on the flight ended up being my favorites, with the standout being La Doria Moscato D'Asti. It was light, slightly bubbly, and perfectly balanced -- sweet but still refreshing. If you enjoy Moscato-style wines, this one was definitely the highlight of the tasting for me. The winery itself has a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere that makes it easy to settle in and enjoy a glass (or a flight). They also offer a selection of light bites if you want something to snack on while you're tasting. I ordered the house biscuits with jam and butter, which are made in-house, along with an order of fries. Both worked well as simple bites alongside the wine. If I had been with a group, I probably would have ordered the charcuterie board -- the one at the table next to me looked very generous and easily shareable. Service was friendly and welcoming, and since it wasn't overly crowded when I visited, it made for a relaxed afternoon tasting experience. We actually stopped in after spending the day out enjoying the sunshine with my Boston Terrier, Lexi, and it ended up being a nice, laid-back way to wind down the afternoon

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

While out on a Wednesday evening, my daughter and I decided to stop by Cooper's for a quick wine…read moretasting, but the wait was far too long, so we ended up sitting at the bar and dining in. The bartender was very sweet and provided us with menus right away. Since I had a "Dine-In Only Bottle" available as a member, I ordered a bottle Cabernet Sauvignon, which is my absolute favorite. We also decided on the House-Made Meatballs (another favorite), the Crispy Barbacoa Arancini, which is a "featured" item, and the Classic Cheeseburger. While we waited, we chatted with others at the bar and since we all wanted to sample the Wine of the Month, the Blanc de Noirs, our bartender was able to provide us with a tasting, which we enjoyed. It took about 40 minutes for our food to arrive but everything tasted amazing, as always. The House-Made Meatballs never miss and the Crispy Barbacoa Arancini were amazing! My daughter enjoyed her Cheeseburger as well. Cooper's Hawk will forever be my one of favorite restaurants and I can't wait to return!!!

This visit reminded me why I fell in love with Cooper's Hawk in the first place!…read more My last few visits had been a little hit or miss, so I was hoping this experience would be different--and it absolutely was. From the moment I arrived, the service was warm, attentive, and made for a wonderful dining experience. I decided to try several items from the **Seasonal Chef Recommendations** menu, and every course was excellent. I started with the Crispy Barbacoa Arancini, followed by the Shanghai Braised Short Ribs, which were incredibly tender, flavorful, and perfectly prepared. I finished the meal with the S'mores dessert, and it was the perfect sweet ending. During my wine tasting, I discovered the Vin Velouté. It was so good that I couldn't leave without taking a bottle home! I was also thrilled to learn that the Watermelon Paloma wine has returned--and even better, it's now a permanent addition to the wine lineup instead of just a seasonal favorite. That was exciting news! This visit truly reminded me why I've enjoyed coming to Cooper's Hawk over the years. Great food, outstanding service, an enjoyable wine tasting, and a wonderful overall experience. I'm already looking forward to my next visit!

This was my first time at the Chesapeake wine fest and it rained all day!! What that means is the…read morecrowd that arrived are dedicated wine enthusiasts like myself. I felt at home and with great friends! There were local wineries from all over the state as well as an international area. Food trucks and local vendors were there to give me a break from the delicious tastings. And the live band (didn't catch the name) was amazing and kept the mood up throughout the dreary weather. I'm looking forward to next year's festival and thinking about getting a tent in case of rain again. Overall, glad we took a chance and marking our calendars for the next one!

I would have never found this one if it hadn't been for Yelp Events! Thanks to whoever posted it!…read more This was definitely a great girls day out. We opted for the VIP tickets because in my wine expo/tasting experience, it is worth the extra cost. The VIP room had 3 food pairings throughout the event. This is always nice because I always learn something from talking to the wine makers or Sommeliers. For instance, I learned that Riesling and BBQ pairs well together. Mind Blown! But you had to be in the VIP room to try and then you'll see why it works. The VIP room also had unlimited cheese, fruits, and crackers. You can't been that. If you are tasting over 100+ wines you will need all the snacks you can get. If it wren't for the VIP room, you would have had to bring your own snacks OR buy it at the concession stand, which adds up. Needless to say I am always an advocate of going to this things with the VIP tickets or serious coordination with other people to bring your own food and get in on a table. Which is like $400 for 8 people, however if planned accordingly it could be a lot fun. Wine was not the only thing here! They had all sorts of jewelry, chocolates (liquored chocolates!) and Olive Oil tastings. So..if you needed a break from the wine, there were other things to taste. I was so glad to see some of my favorite Wineries there, as well as meet new favorites. Will definitely look for it next year!

When I saw on Taste Tidewater's Facebook post that there were only 3 spots left for their Oyster &…read moreWine tour, I reserved the same day! It is also my birthday month and have had my eye on this tour for awhile. It was fate! Not knowing what to expect, I jumped the gun and paid immediately. When Rex, the owner, sent the itinerary, I saw 3 local restaurants, Catch 31, Rockefeller's, & Tautogs. My first thoughts were, "I hope this isn't lame...", "I could go to these places myself..." The group met at Virginia Aquarium for an optional tour inside for the first 30mins. I arrived late. Now, I wish I made it on time to hear more about oysters. Rex tried finding the group for me & we walked all around the museum. It was way too crowded, I was late, & didn't mind waiting. Perhaps walkie talkies as a communication tool for the husband & wife team. Not just for late arrivals. :) Could be distracting too but, just a suggestion. The aquarium attendants had no idea who or where the group was. I did appreciate the effort. Not many would help me catch up with group especially, since I was late. Our first stop was Catch 31. Table was set and ready to go. We had three chefs(one including one of our guides, Chef Patrick Evans-Hylton) and the sommelier at our table. They educated us about the oysters & wine. They walked us through the various types of oysters & wine, regions, how to eat, & how to taste. We were served 4 oysters each from one of the 7 regions & two wine tastings. There were condiments and crackers on the table. I thought this was definitely the most informative restaurant out of the three. Next stop was Rockefeller's. Again, tables were set & wine was poured! No menu w/ descriptions. We had 2 raw oysters and 2 oysters rockefeller. Then, we were served hush puppies w/ pimento cheese which were amazing. Last, was coconut cake! This restaurant had more food offerings which was good because after several glasses of wine, I was hungry & others were too!! Last stop was Tautog's. They sat us outside & setup was more buffet style. Glasses of wine were on a table for us to pick up as we walked in. The presentation was beautifully prepared. They had 3 of their house sauces which were delicious! I thought the sauces were needed with these oysters. Others agreed. Didn't taste as fresh as the previous restaurants. I believe they were Lynnhaven and I've had Lynnhaven oysters before. So, not a reflection on the tour. There was also fresh cut fruit on the oyster platters. Only because TT asked, my recommendations would be: * Posting sample itineraries on social media * Clearer description of what to expect with regards to food so people know whether or not they should eat prior to the tour or pack a snack/sandwich. * Website shows they would be "happy to provide water and light snacks." None were offered. * Market/advertise the 10% off Yelp Check-in offer * Advise up front the 10% off Yelp Check-in is NOT valid for the Oyster & Wine tour. A portion of proceeds go towards non-profit which I totally understand & appreciate, just set the expectation. Overall, this was a lovely experience that one can comfortably do solo! I did and I truly enjoyed! Hands down. I am so happy to see a company like this on the East Coast and executing with such class. Please don't think this is a drunken wild party bus. It is a tasteful informative experience with subject matter experts who also enjoy partaking in libations while sharing their knowledge! :) I hope to see more food tours added to their current list. Rex, Lisa, & Chef Patrick were cordial, knowledgable, fun, and professional. Thank you so much for a memorable experience!

I went on the vineyard tour for a bachelorette party!! It was a fabulous time! Lisa, our tour…read moreguide, was knowledgeable, informative, and very hospitable!! Looking forward to the opportunity the either do a brewery tour or a different vineyard tour in the near future!!

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.

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.