Festival Wine and Spirits

Category:	Wine Store
Address:	2321 Forest Dr A, Annapolis, MD 21401, USA
Phone:	+1 410-266-7227
Site:	festivalwineandspirits.com
Rating:	3.5
Working:	9AM–9PM 9AM–9PM 9AM–9PM 9AM–9PM 9AM–9PM 9AM–9PM 10AM–6PM

Location

Photos 15

Reviews 11

Max Hammer

The new owner of Festival Wine & Spirits is a truly hateful person by the name of Deborah. Every time Ive been in the store when shes been in there, she has carded me. This despite the fact Ive been a regular customer for over 15 years (mainly under the previous owners who were genuinely nice people) and am 45 years old. No, you read that correctly: Im 45 years old. How often does a 45-year-old get carded ANYWHERE? Its clearly harassment of some kind, though the malicious motive completely eludes me. I do not know this person and do not care to. The last time I was there is the LAST time I will ever go there while that despicable witch (you can substitute the first letter for a flying insect that produces honey) is still in charge. Yet again demonstrating the fact that she has zero social skills and some sort of personal axe to grind, this loathsome woman demanded my ID. I explained that shed carded me before, that Im still 45 (more than double the legal age to buy and drink alcohol) and that Id been a regular patron for over a decade before she assumed ownership of what was once a great store. She still rudely insisted and as I began to take out my drivers license... I stopped. Enough of this. I walked out and vowed never to return until decent, respectful and friendly ownership takes possession of the store once again. Ive heard similar horror stories from friends (and a stranger who witnessed the exchange and caught up with me in the parking lot afterward) and were hopeful that shell continue to lose business by word-of-mouth and active boycott. One journalist friend intends to begin an active facebook campaign against her and were all going to post negative reviews on Google, Yelp, etc. Nasty people with zero social skills should NOT be running stores where they deal directly with people. This hateful woman with the distinctly nasty disposition and horrible manners clearly hates people. She doubtless needs intensive psychotherapy and permanent exile on a desert island somewhere, far, far away. Good riddance!

S.A. Knight

Festival Wine and Spirits? AVOID! My experience was very similar to Max Hammers but I wish to associate myself with Peter Burgs comments too. Festival Wine & Spirits used to be a great one-stop store for beer, wine, liquor, etc. Previous ownership, and Ive lived in Annapolis long enough to remember at least two previous owners before the infamous Deborah/Debra took over, provided excellent service and were always friendly and helpful. This Deborah/Debra person is a living nightmare! I recently moved back to Annapolis from Alaska and still have my Alaska drivers license. Ive been buying alcoholic beverages at this store (and elsewhere) for over 20 years. This Deborah/Debra character carded me on a recent visit and, although surprised (Im on the wrong side of 40 too), I handed her my Alaska drivers license. No problem and I was on my way. However, on a subsequent visit, she asked me AGAIN for my ID and this time she said it was expired. Fact is, it was technically expired the first time, but I carry a letter from the Alaska DMV that legally provides me with a one-year extension. She rejected it and refused to let me complete my purchase. Question: how is it my expired out-of-state license was good enough the first time but not the second, even with the legal document of extension? No, this makes no sense at all. I never should have been carded in the first place. The second encounter was pure harassment. This hateful person, bereft of rudimentary social skills, doesnt want my business -- and she will never have it again. Ive joined the growing boycott of this establishment and will not set foot in that store until new ownership takes over. I strongly recommend you do the same. Cheers.

Leslie S

Hi ALl I just called and asked if I could pay for some bottles of wine since my daughter was coming to visit and would pick them up. The woman, who said she was the manager, told me that was fine and what did I want? I then told her the wine selection which she confirmed. She asked if my daughter was 21 and I told her absolutely as she is 24. She then said after the order and this dialogue that she could not take a payment over the phone...I asked why, as you told me in the beginning of the conversation that you could. I was frustrated now being told this was not possible and I di dnot want my daughter to pay. I explained I currently am recuperating from a fall and elbow surgery which forbids me to drive at the moment. She then told me I was being "abusive" I was flabbergasted! I was dumbfounded to be told that since I was questioning her initial answer with her conflicting answer? Is that abusive? Really? To accuse a patron abusive for asking a question is scary and unacceptable. That being said, perhaps she should not be in a customer service position dealing with patrons. Please be cautious when dealing with her as she might get defensive for asking a question! Just an FYI LCS

Peter Burg

Max is spot on. Ive also had some terrible encounters with this new owner, Deborah (Debra?). She has a very unpleasant demeanor and is extremely confrontational. I finally told her in no uncertain terms that she just lost herself another customer. Its a real shame because this used to be a good store, conveniently located. Under the previous owners, I was a regular patron of Festival Wine and Spirits. Now I avoid it like the plague. Steer clear!

Cathy Cromwell

This store strives to always help its customers. Previous comments not Debra as owner is wrong. If folks have an issue with her try coming in or calling during the morning m-f n speak with the owner. Can not help those who do not bother to speak up to us n rather just make bad reviews. Thank you very nice to know since another customer pointed this out to us. Very sorry to see u r displeased n would love to show u different experience.

Frank Shannon

Not bad, but not the greatest either. The wine and liquor selection is good, the beer selection is decent now that theyve added a section for craft brews, but still not as extensive as some other stores in the area. Prices (at least on beer) are a little higher by comparison as well.

A Private User

THE NEW OWNERS ARE NOT FRIENDLY!!!! THEY ACT LIKE THEY DONT CARE YOUR IN THE STORE. NOBODY SAYS HELLO THEY DONT ASK YOU IF YOU NEED HELP! THE OLD OWNER AND STAFF WAS SO MUCH BETTER AND CUSTOMERS ACTUALLY ENJOYED GOING IN THERE!.....IF YOUR IN ANNAPOLIS DONT GO HERE

Brittany Martin

We called ahead to see if they had caçhaca, and the lady was very nice on the phone. When we got to the store they had everything we needed, and the friendly and inviting staff reinforced our approval of this store. Wonderful experience of customer service.

A Private User

Festival Wine and Spirits is my favorite place to stop for a nice bottle of wine, some tasty craft beer or a bottle of something special. They are a premier liquor store and the staff are extremely helpful. I also just found out that they sell fine cigars!

Fernando Garcia

There is a lady that provides excellent advice on wine choices. She shows the true desire to help the customers and ensure satisfaction. We will drive out of the way to go to this liqour store and also recommend it to others.

Jay Cee

Fantastic selection of beer, wine and spirits. Found several very good options to pick up for a get together and was very pleased with the staff.