Maiya Adam
I attended an event at The Stampede in Livermore where your winery was hosting a wine tasting. I went up to the table as a genuinely interested potential customer. I am 25 years old and I enjoy wine tasting, Napa trips, and exploring local wineries, so I was excited to learn more. The staff member working the table was immediately standoffish. When I asked basic questions about your winery and the wine being poured, she gave short, dismissive answers and showed no interest in engaging. When I handed her my ID, she stared at it in silence for an unusually long time even though it clearly states that I am over 21. She then questioned why it was still vertical. The reason is simply that it was issued to me right before I turned 21. This ID has been accepted without issue at bars, wineries, airports, and international venues. What made the interaction more uncomfortable is that after I walked away, I saw her whisper to her coworkers and laugh. I cannot say with certainty what they were talking about, but combined with how differently I saw her treat other customers that night, it made me feel singled out. I am an Asian woman in a predominantly non Asian area and I am also aware that I look younger than I am. I do not know if the treatment I received was racial bias, age bias, or something else entirely, but the difference in how she interacted with other people was noticeable. I am not trying to get anyone in trouble, but as a customer who was genuinely considering your winery, the experience left a very negative impression. This type of public facing role requires basic customer service skills, familiarity with state ID formats, and the ability to treat all guests with respect. I strongly encourage better training for staff who represent your brand at events, because this interaction discouraged me from wanting to try or purchase your wines in the future.
