It wasn’t what we imagined either! We apologise for what happened. I think that you can see from previous reviews that it was not the norm.
This is a revamped tour, as some of our original venues ceased operating. Two of our new venues, despite the bookings with specific requirements being made well in advance, did not deliver anywhere near the usual standard we require. That won’t happen again.
The alternative lunch venue, Bistro at the Falls Retreat, close by on the return route, was immediately booked & ready to serve us on arrival. You seemed to enjoy the lunch at their award-winning restaurant and the wine provided by & commented on by Paul.
We’re surprised you found The Wine Portfolio “like a warehouse”. Its striking Cape Dutch appearance is often commented on & the tasting room is quite commodious, People are occasionally taken to other areas for personal tastings to preclude being swamped by large tour groups already there or about to arrive. It’s the tasting that’s the most important thing, we feel, & we’re sure you enjoyed the wide range of awarded Mills Reef & Leveret wines you tasted.
Unfortunately, at the last venue, a new, young waitress had not acquainted herself with what had been booked & kept interrupting. This was not dealt with appropriately, but patience is perhaps at a premium when one is making every attempt to remedy the situation on a stressful day.
Paul really enjoyed your company & we hope the rest of your cruise went well.