Four Sisters Winery - Belvidere

Do. Not. Come! I traveled 3 1/2 hours for their Grape Stomp event and it was absolutely a scam. To preface, I went to a true, authentic grape stomp in 2018 on Long Island and it was immaculate: barrels filled to the top with true wine grapes, everyone received their own barrel, got a picnic basket, etc. At Four Sisters, I was told we 'd receive wine tasting, a wine glass to take home, bread, salad, chicken parm and chocolate cake and time to stomp grapes. I was intrigued at the low price $42.50 per person) so I decided it would be a great day for my husband and I so we signed up. On our ticket, which listed the wrong time I also received another email confirmation with the wrong date) they wrote if you are more than 15 minutes late to the reservation, they 'd try to accommodate you. Well, we left early, but hit MAJOR traffic on our way. I called the winery for over an hour and no one would pick up the phone. I wanted to make sure my day did not go to waste and they would still take us. Eventually, someone answered, and when I told them I 've been calling for an hour, she rudely said well, we 've been busy . Lie. When we got there, the winery was empty and a woman worker was sitting alone in the front. Anyway, since we were 45 minutes late, we missed the beginning of the wine tasting, but our wine educator quickly caught us up. I will say that the wines we tried were delicious. Everyone that worked there was very nice and helpful, but I came for the grape stomp. Our food was brought out and the garlic bread was cooked on a mini cheeseburger slider bun. It was disgusting and weird. My chicken parm was awful and NOT what we are used to on Long Island. Then, instead of receiving a chocolate cake like I was told, we received box mixed cake that someone totally made from their home kitchen. It had to be Betty Crocker. Not from a bakery. Again, disgusting and weird. Then, the best part happens. We find out that we 're all sharing one barrel for the grape stomp. LOL, WHAT?! WHO SHARES A BARREL WITH OTHER 'S FEET! I 'm glad I was not the only one pissed about this because I heard a few others saying this was misleading. Some left. I was pissed to say the least. My husband and I stomped in the barrel for at most 30 seconds each because everyone was waiting on line. I can 't explain how awkward and uncomfortable it was. Did I mention that the grapes they threw in the barrel were literally store bought? I kid you not. I buy those grapes at my local supermarket. We were there for an hour and 15 minute tops. On the way out, I noticed how unkept and messy their vines looked with was basically nonexistent). The outdoor bathrooms has bugs in them. I am currently sitting in 3 1/2 hours worth of more traffic. Buyer beware.

Amazing staff, who had to put up with a vile customer a few days back. They have an amazingly wine selection with knowledgeable and helpful staff.

Please be sure to follow CDC guidelines in regards to COVID and please do not visit restaurants if you or someone in your party does not feel well. I went here for a grape stomping class and it was absolutely fantastic! Four Sisters was named after the four daughters of Matty Matarazzo, who owns Matarazzo Farms. The vineyards were first planted in 1981 to see how well the grapes would grow. In 1984, the winery officially opened to the public. The class was held indoor and COVID restrictions were in place, such as social distancing and wearing masks. We were taught the 4 S of wine tasting: seeing, swirling, smelling, and sipping. We were taught to look for the clear layer on top of the wine, referred to as the halo. While swirling, we looked at the legs, or how long the wine sticks to the side of the glass which shows its alcohol content and how sweet it is. Swirling also introduces oxygen into the wine, which enhances the taste. The last S, sipping, is for the taste, which is usually revealed by the 3rd sip. We sampled 9 wines, which were available for purchase at the winery for very reasonable prices. After sampling, lunch was served: chicken parm with salad and bread and chocolate cake for dessert. The grape stomping was so unique and unlike anything I've ever done. It was indoor because it was still cold out, but everyone was distanced and masks were worn. The grapes were cold and mushy, but I enjoyed it so much! When I finished, wipes were provided and my feet were kinda cold from the grapes. Interestingly, they also felt so soft and clean, like I'd just gotten a pedicure. This was such a great event and worth the drive. I had some amazing wines, my favorites being Merrill Blush, Beaver Creek Red, and Holiday Seasoned. If you're thinking about doing the grape stomping or just visiting the winery, I highly recommend it!

Sisters are rude. Had 2 samples (pours) at Monmouth and was told I need to buy a bottle for more samples. Lost my business and the wine sucks sour!

It's been a while from our last visit and it was overdue. Check in procedure has changed due to covid but aside from that the overall wine tasting experience was good. Our wine hostess Melissa was wonderful, she gave us plenty of information regarding the wines we'd be tasting and the grapes used for the process of the specific wine. Today's entertainment was provided by Joe Izen, a truly gifted musician who opened for Joe Cocker and Richie Havens in his early days. We ordered a cheese and meat platter along with a bottle of Cayuga after the tasting. A very nice place to spend a sunny afternoon chillaxing with my plus1.