Category: | Wine Store |
Address: | 1001 Main St, River Edge, NJ 07661, USA |
Phone: | +1 201-968-1777 |
Site: | totalwine.com |
Rating: | 4.6 |
Working: | 9AM–9PM 9AM–10PM 9AM–10PM 9AM–10PM 9AM–10PM 9AM–10PM 12–6PM |
KA
Kathy Kenny
Total Wine was a great store many years ago, but not so much these days. You used to be able to get great bargains here, but I havent seen any of those in many years. I think they successfully convinced a lot of people to make this their "go-to" wine store by default ( like me for quite a few years). But then once they did that, I noticed a fairly big price increase across the board. Also, it seems like no matter what bottle of wine you are pulling off the shelf, there is always a salesperson right nearby to come over (unasked) to tell you how bad your taste is and how you should really buy this other bottle that costs more. Such constant, blatant, intrusive upselling. If the bottle Im choosing it so terrible, then why is your store selling it?! Lastly, their wine classes are really just glorified lengthy sales pitches that you pay for...they pour you miniscule amounts of just a few wines (especially the short man with the English accent...youre lucky if he pours more than half an ounce!), and spend 2 hours giving you the most basic Google-able info on wine mixed with subtle sales pressure. The store does have a wide selection, but it is not a pleasant place to shop. Im not planning to return in the near future.
JE
Jeff Private
My new favorite liquor store in my general area, followed by Shoppers Vineyard in Clifton, and Metro Liquors in Paterson Ave in East Rutherford. Hey, I go wherever I find the best prices for what Im looking for. This place often has the lowest prices, and youre walking into a wonderland when it comes to presentation and selection. My only qualm is when you sign up with them for membership and wait in eager anticipation for the coupons, but then the coupons are for specific categories that are less your interest. (Like, "Hey, why cant I use this wine coupon on a single malt if Im spending the same minimum requirement specified in the coupon?"). Bit of a bummer so far in that category, but still, highly recommended. Go there and relive that "kid in a candy shop" sensation of wonder when you walk in, even if you only walk out with one or two items. Enjoy!
RY
Rylan Crooks
I spent over an hour here looking through the entire beer section and picking out about 12 bottles I really wanted. When I got to the register, the cashier asked for my ID. I am 30 years old, and my ID of course shows that. However, my ID had apparently "expired" about a month ago, which I didnt know. Because of my "expired" ID, they wouldnt sell to me. Im sorry, are you questioning the legitimacy of my PHOTO ID just because it "expired"??? Does it now somehow become false??? Am I 20 years old again, because that would be great. I understand not selling to someone with NO ID, but I have a PHOTO ID that clearly states my age. This policy is laughable, what a bunch of clowns.
BR
Brandon Delacruz
Absolutely awful experience in regards to a particular situation I had. I came in today to help my girlfriend pick a gift for her uncle. Coming to just help lift her stuff around, I was confronted for my ID. I DIDNT MAKE A PURCHASE, SHE DID. I didnt even need to be there, I just didnt want her to push a heavy cart and attempt to carry them out of the store by herself. The manager Michael was told to inform us that we couldnt leave and had to wait for her mom (Thankfully she dosent live too far). Policy is one thing and that is great, but if the manager wants to make a remark that, "I shouldnt even be in the store" maybe they should check IDs at the entrance of the door.
JU
Justin Perecman
First experience: Called to ask about a seasonal beer to ask if its in stock. Received an extremely arrogant and rude response from the girl on the phone. I understand if you dont have the product anymore, but that is not reason to be rude to a potential customer. Second experience: Hands down the worst experience Ive ever had at a liquor store. I showed up at this store, excited about the great craft beer selection they had and after browsing for an hour and making my selection was turned down with two valid government IDs because they said my companion needed an ID as well. They were rude and unaccommodating about the horrible inconvenience they just caused me.
MA
Matthew Faustini
Quality selection of wine, liquor and beer. Dont expect many discounts as alcohol can only dip so far. Good local and limited release beer access. Be sure to check deep in the shelves as sometimes you can find some rarities hidden back there. Staff are friendly and have answers for all questions. Additionally, there are workshops and classes for wine and beer aficionados alike. Definitely worth looking into. Minor note: Sometimes beers seem to be mistreated or poorly stocked and occasionally, albeit rarely, do they come out skunked in one way or another. Cant confirm entirely if this is a brewery, distributor, or store issue.
KA
Kathleen Riordan Epstein
This stores wine manager, Tawfik Farajin, is amazing! So incredibly knowledgeable about wines and he spent so much time helping me come up with a great selection. So many times I get recommendations from a wine store and go home only to be disappointed and frustrated. He listened to the wines that I like and came up with wines from Napa, Chile, Italy and Australia and right in my price point. So impressed when I tasted his selections at home...they were all wonderful! Nice that you can count on an expert to guide you when you visit this store. It is worth the trip if you are anywhere in the area!
JU
Julie Allen
Ive been to this location countless of times. Normally, to purchase my usual. However, on this visit, I needed help choosing wines for a wine tasting I am hosting. Elijah was beyond helpful. He provided me with so much information on each bottle he suggested based on what I liked. He was passionate and knowledgeable when describing the product. The level of customer service he provided was phenomenal. I purchased more than I anticipated and because of his suggestions, I know have a few more preferred brands that I intend to purchase going forward. Thank you Elijah!
A
A Private User
Total Wine has an outstanding beer selection in addition to the huge wine and liquor selection. Many, many American craft brews as well as many imports. They also have a wide selection of single bottles for sale so you can sample different beers without having to buy a six pack (my impression is that all the beers that they sell in packs are also available as single bottles, though Im not positive about this). Its the best beer selection that Ive seen. However, as far as I can tell, they dont have really knowledgable beer people on staff like they do for wines.
RO
Roberto Crespo
Excellent wine selection and unbeatable prices. Unfortunately the sales people seem to be selling used cars and always looking down on what you have in your basket and getting actually offensive and trying to push their own taste. I have seen a few customers walk out because of the "used car salesmen" approach. They need better training, I wonder if they work on commission? I give 5 stars to the place itself and the unmatched selection and prices but be ready to hide from the sales people who will ruin your experience. I am a weekly customer of over 10 years.