Total Wine & More

There is a lot about Total Wine I like. Clean stores, well organized departments, and generally friendly staff who understand the importance of good customer service. However, yesterday was my worst Total experience over the last several years. I went to buy a case of wine that I have been buying for my boss all of these years. I approached the service desk area to ask if I could get a full case instead of having to put 12 bottles in a shopping cart. The Wine Manager stopped what they were doing and checked the inventory on the computer. After confirming availability, they stated that this wine didn't qualify for the multi-bottle discount. I hadn't asked anything about a discount as I was aware of this. They then asked if I'd be interested in another wine instead. I said no and repeated the name of the wine I wanted. They then approached me and rudely asked me "what do you do?" After an odd conversation about Total having to be careful about TABC rules and careful about who they sell to, they had someone retrieve the case. I told them I had never in my life been questioned about my career in a retail store. I was obviously upset, and I feel, rightfully so. Most managers who had bumbled a customer interaction would work to recover. Instead of coming to me at the register to smooth things over, the manager stood nearby laughing and smiling with a group of other employees. There are other liquor stores where I can purchase the same items I have bought at Total over the years. Until last night, for the reasons I started my review with, I chose Total to get these.

Very clean and well stocked. Not too busy but I went during a weekday morning. The organization was easy to follow and I found what I was looking for on my own. Even still, there were staff who checked in on me and offered to help.

*** Buyer Beware for Events / Weddings *** Please do not waste your time or money purchasing items from any Total Wine for any event or wedding. You will end up hating your life, trust me. To start, you cannot place an order in advance. When you ask them about policies, everyone will tell you something different. On the actual day of the wedding, they canceled 12 different items in our order and we had to DoorDash the items from a local liquor store at 3x the cost. This location specifically said that we were able to return items being delivered and then blatantly refused to do so after the event, even though their own employees made the error. Save yourself from going insane and wasting an unspeakable amount of time and just shop at Spec’s.

I've been here several times and have upgraded my rating from four stars to five. If you're in it for alcohol they have all the standard options you expect a large liquor store to have. If you're into wine the way the wine is organized, the amount of inventory on hand, posted ratings, employee suggestions, and tasting notes, make this an excellent place to pick out some wine. Also I've never been here perusing for long without somebody walking by and stopping what they were doing to ask if I was finding what I needed or if I had any questions. When I've said I have questions they have been knowledgeable, friendly, and able to make suggestions at every price point and across multiple regions and varietals with at least somewhat of a knowledge about what they're talking about. All in all that makes this an excellent place to shop for wine.

Awesome place for all your beer, wine & spirits favorites. The best price in Austin with friendly staff. They offer a great variety of non alcoholic beverages & sparkling water. Love their rewards program.