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Nicholas Merrimanvia Google

2 months ago

Ah, Total Wine in Ballston—the only place where the "convenience" of online ordering is actually an elaborate social experiment designed to test the limits of human patience and holiday spirit. If you enjoy giving out interest-free loans to multi-billion dollar corporations three days before Christmas, this is your North Star. ​I ordered a $230 bottle of champagne online. My bank account was promptly debited, yet upon arrival, I was informed that my order was "canceled." In a logical world—the one most of us inhabit—having a receipt and a confirmed charge would lead to me walking out with the bottle. Instead, I was treated to a Masterclass in Bureaucratic Ineptitude and Corporate Extortion. ​I was told I couldn’t have the bottle I already paid for. Instead, I was "invited" to purchase a second $230 bottle while I wait 3–5 business days for a refund on the first. Because nothing says "Merry Christmas" like being $460 deep for a single bottle of bubbly. ​Enter Mike, the manager. Mike’s contribution to "customer service" was truly legendary. Apparently, my presence was such a "disruption" to his day that his solution was to write down the corporate customer service number—in crayon. I’m not sure if that was the only writing utensil he was trusted with or if he was just trying to match the level of maturity he brought to the situation, but it was a nice touch of condescension. ​I then spent an hour on hold with corporate in the middle of the store, fueled by a fake promise that a "Customer Service Manager" would eventually speak to me. Spoilers: they didn’t. After sixty minutes of listening to hold music and watching the staff perform a shrug-based interpretive dance, I left empty-handed. ​The real question here: Why on earth would you charge a client, cancel the order, and then refuse to hand over the physical inventory they just paid for? It’s a bold business model to hold luxury goods hostage while demanding a second payment. ​The service was rude, the logic was non-existent, and Mike is clearly in the wrong profession. If you value your time, your money, or being treated like an adult, go literally anywhere else. Cheers to the most expensive "canceled" bottle of wine I’ll never drink. I won't be back.

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C Rvia Google

2 months ago

A bit more expensive than your average liquor store, but they have a huge, well-organized inventory (including many imported beers and wines). Good service. Plenty of cigars, wine accessories, mixers, etc. also available for sale.

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Rajat Banerjeevia Google

3 months ago

Superb staff, great specials on a weekly basis. It's not cheap but you can find something at every price point. The staff are amazing and you should always ask for recommendations.

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Jessica Goldenvia Google

5 months ago

We had to buy a lot of wine for an event. The selection is extensive, organization is great, and Michael was incredibly helpful in making recommendations, gathering everything we needed, and bringing it to the front for us to check out. Everyone we encountered was so friendly and helpful, it really made what could have been a long frustrating experience incredibly pleasant and easy.

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Rupsvia Google

5 months ago

The store was clean, well-organized, and huge, with an amazing selection. The staff provided great service and made the shopping experience really easy. I’ll definitely come back!