• Total Wine & More

Total Wine & More

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Overview

Total Wine & More has a rating of 1.8 stars from 73 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases. Reviewers complaining about Total Wine & More most frequently mention customer service, and local store problems. Total Wine & More ranks 106th among Wine sites.

  • Service
    38
  • Value
    35
  • Shipping
    14
  • Returns
    18
  • Quality
    29
Positive reviews (last 12 months): 25%
Positive
1
Neutral
0
Negative
3
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How would you rate Total Wine & More?
Top Positive Review

“Super friendly & helpful staff, great selection & variety!”

Erik K.
8/1/20

I went in to find a bottle or two and met an incredibly helpful, knowledgeable and friendly woman who was wonderful. Made my visit much more enjoyable to have a little assistance without being pushed in one direction or another. She made it clear that her tastes are bound to be different, but was able to direct me to something which would match my likes and I'll definitely be back to that specific location. I find the website to be helpful as it can search tons of different vintners and varieties, telling you whether it's available at your local store or at nearby ones. The website worked just great for me to research and narrow things down, and the in-store experience was top notch. I'll be back to search again soon!

Top Critical Review

“Bait-and-switch advertising and still lower at local store 3 miles away”

Ed D.
7/24/24

Wanted to buy 6 bottles Caymus 50th Anniversary. Internet search popups show $69.97 for the 750L at Total Wine but when I drove to the Union NJ store and showed this on my cell, the customer service guy said that's likely from a store in CA and their price is $10+ higher - $80.07 for the 750L. Sketchy- and convenient- and a time burn. I drove back down Rt. 22 to Vine Republic in Mountainside / Westfield NJ and they had this for $74.99. Worse, Vine Republic had the 1L for $84.99 versus Total Wine price in Union NJ $109.97...yep, almost $25 higher. I purchased 6 bottles of the 1L from Vine Republic and left happy. Total Wine is definitely not the low cost provider and the constant pimping of their in-house Winery Direct offerings exhausting. Google search for all the above to confirm pretty easy- just use the Union NJ store as home location. Search Caymus 50th see what pops up for you- then see real price when you select store- a weak bait-and-switch. My photos are in different form vs accepted on this site- see my review on yelp for all photos.

Reviews (73)

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customer service (23)
Thumbnail of user edd165
New Jersey
5 reviews
18 helpful votes
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July 24th, 2024

Wanted to buy 6 bottles Caymus 50th Anniversary. Internet search popups show $69.97 for the 750L at Total Wine but when I drove to the Union NJ store and showed this on my cell, the customer service guy said that's likely from a store in CA and their price is $10+ higher - $80.07 for the 750L.

Sketchy- and convenient- and a time burn. I drove back down Rt. 22 to Vine Republic in Mountainside / Westfield NJ and they had this for $74.99. Worse, Vine Republic had the 1L for $84.99 versus Total Wine price in Union NJ $109.97...yep, almost $25 higher.

I purchased 6 bottles of the 1L from Vine Republic and left happy. Total Wine is definitely not the low cost provider and the constant pimping of their in-house Winery Direct offerings exhausting. Google search for all the above to confirm pretty easy- just use the Union NJ store as home location. Search Caymus 50th see what pops up for you- then see real price when you select store- a weak bait-and-switch. My photos are in different form vs accepted on this site- see my review on yelp for all photos.

Products used:
Caymus 50th

Service
Value
Thumbnail of user romankor
Washington
1 review
0 helpful votes
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April 6th, 2024

Beware of the rude manager for tasting alcohol.
For 20 years I was a customer of this store because it has some alcohol that is not available in Costco or in Fred Meyer. And as my IT company in Tukwila is next to this store I used to visit this store on Fridays one or two times per month after work to test alcohol in this store and buy wine, vodka or brandy. Tasting by teaspoon-sized amounts from about 5-7 bottles of alcohol is free for evenings or weekends.
Last Friday I asked a manager, Jason Castoriano, to serve me just the sample of one bottle but my asking was declined in an arrogant manner by that manager that he gives samples only to those customers by his words: "who intends to buy' that beverage. And as he reminds me from last visits that I did not buy any tasted alcohol he is not serving me the sample to taste. I try to explain that I did not ask him to give me the sample of previously tested beverages but that Total Wine employee insisted that he is not serving me a sample. When I told him that I'll complain about his attitude, the manager told me that he does not care.
I was humiliated before the customers and despised just for that teaspoon-sized sample because of the cheap manager of this store. No more spending my money there in the future.

Thumbnail of user terrys739
Arizona
4 reviews
1 helpful vote
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November 12th, 2023

We have supported and used Total Wine for years. Never had problems until today. Our order was incorrect and bottles broken. But the worst part was the store manager at Camelback, Eric. He was very rude and unprofessional. We ordered $2800 from this store over the past year for parties and such. They just lost a good customer! And we have to eat a $210.00 order because we can't get a refund. I will not spend time fighting with stupid, I will just take my business elsewhere.

Products used:
BUD LIGHT AND AMARETTO

Service
Value
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user alfredc153
Texas
1 review
2 helpful votes
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December 14th, 2021

Total Wine has got the the worse packaging of any liquor store I have shopped at and I'm 77.
Single cheap plastic bags that the bottom seam rips out.
Seems they want to sell product but do not care if packaging will hold up long enough to get to the parking lot.
Tonight was the second time that a bag gave out. I was able to catch the bottle on the first bag break. But tonight the bottle smashed in the drive way.
Called the store manager and no sincere apology or concern. He said he would report the issue to corporate but did not want my contact information, made no effort to replace or discount a replacement.
Going back to their competition in Houston that knows how to package a bottle in a strong bag.
Very upset.

Service
Returns
Thumbnail of user christinab1076
Nevada
1 review
3 helpful votes
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June 13th, 2022

I have come to hate Total Wine. They give "rewards" they don't notice you about, that expire quickly, and that are a pittance compared to your spending. They advertise "free delivery" then at checkout you find it isn't free (10 bucks, plus tip) even though you otherwise qualify for it. No one to chat with, so too bad for you. Prices are marked up to mark down with mix 6 (or now 18-!- for winery direct) The selection is basic, you won't find special or semi-special Cali wines here. I'm tired of the vanilla selection, crappy rewards, jacked up costs, and will start buying from a company that actually values me. Bye, TW!

Service
Value
Quality
Thumbnail of user kenk633
Tennessee
1 review
0 helpful votes
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March 13th, 2023

Twice in 4 months they have charge me more at the register than what was posted on the shelf or according to signage. Their excuses are lame when caught. I will go back to my old place in Franklin. I am being very serious! Those reward points? They can keep them, great troll and hook concept but I am tired of it.

Quality
Thumbnail of user erikk76
Minnesota
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
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August 1st, 2020

I went in to find a bottle or two and met an incredibly helpful, knowledgeable and friendly woman who was wonderful. Made my visit much more enjoyable to have a little assistance without being pushed in one direction or another. She made it clear that her tastes are bound to be different, but was able to direct me to something which would match my likes and I'll definitely be back to that specific location.
I find the website to be helpful as it can search tons of different vintners and varieties, telling you whether it's available at your local store or at nearby ones. The website worked just great for me to research and narrow things down, and the in-store experience was top notch. I'll be back to search again soon!

Service
Value
Quality
Thumbnail of user jeffreyb1756
Michigan
1 review
2 helpful votes
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February 22nd, 2023

While staff is eager to assist, not all brands are available. This is opposite from what was advertised during grand opening in late 2021. Also, forget the app and rewards. So you get a $5 certificate after accumulating 5000 points. Wow great! However, you can not use to make wine, beer, or liquor purchases. Fool me once, your bad. Fool me twice, my bad. Just erased app from phone and refuse to shop at this establishment anymore. Enjoy your useless $5 certificate Total Wine.

Thumbnail of user roberts1460
Florida
3 reviews
3 helpful votes
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July 4th, 2018

In terms of availability and options, they cannot be beat. However, I do think that they should have employees who are a little bit more into what they are selling. Often hard to find help, and when you find someone, they don't do much to provide assistance - automatically say something is out of stock without checking their system, some of their recommendations are not based or their own experience or tastes, etc and you end up trying a bad product. Definitely need to train.

Thumbnail of user tomh1261
Florida
1 review
2 helpful votes
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February 19th, 2021

Just a warning to check your receipt. I got ripped off for $20 on a bottle of bourbon, either accidentally or on purpose. Regardless i live an hour away and am not driving 2 hours for a 20 dollar refund. When i chatted, they suggested i find the receipt (cant find) and bottle (already opened) and go back to store. Great customer service. She should have just told me to f off, same result. Last time i go there. Buyer beware.

Thumbnail of user romank110
New Jersey
1 review
3 helpful votes
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February 18th, 2021

There is no rewards program. You have to ask for it online even after you add your phone number. Just got off the phone with them and after a year of rewards... I have zero points! The terms are on the website so OK... get it... but not automatically giving rewards? Customer service told me that many people like accumulating the points... guess what total crime... most people want the reward program to take off the automatic $5 for the 5000 points... as that is what you are using as the sham. Your program sucks.

Tip for consumers:
Their reward program is no rewards.

Products used:
Merlot, vodka, whisky, and tequila of various brands

Service
Value
Thumbnail of user hannahb705
Maryland
1 review
3 helpful votes
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August 17th, 2022

Ridiculous. When you call phone rings and rings. I counted 11 times. I tied at other times same thing rings and rings no one picks! Just disconnects. I even tried the 800 number at least I got a. Message but was put on hold for 15. Minutes and they never picked up. At the very least have an option for them to call you back! Waste of my time. I went on the line and purchased from another store. Horrible customer service.

Service
Thumbnail of user alinaj49
South Carolina
1 review
0 helpful votes
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July 31st, 2022

I attended a wine tasting last night that was awesome! Our Hostess Kim was so informative and really made the class fun and interactive! I bought 3 of the wines! I will definitely attend another one of the classes she is teaching!

Products used:
Radius, Riesling

Service
Value
Quality
Thumbnail of user gregr685
Iowa
1 review
5 helpful votes
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June 27th, 2022
Verified purchase

I can see why these guys don't allow for reviews or messages on their FB. Their customer service is absolutely hideous (no response to emails, more than 2 hour wait times when they claim to have only five callers ahead of you on the phone), and apparently they find it a good business practice to accept payment but not provide goods. Interesting business model.

I purchased (and was charged $75 for) an online gift card as a Fathers Day gift. The email never arrived, and when I finally did reach someone - three HOURS after being told I was fifth in line - they took my info and promised to get it resolved and contact me PERSONALLY that same day. If you're guessing that return call never occurred, you would be correct. Apparently theft is their business model.

Products used:
Nothing, because they took my money and provided no product.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user harryh43
Nevada
103 reviews
328 helpful votes
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June 11th, 2018

From the Las Vegas and Henderson NV stores, I've been completely satisfied with the level of customer service, prices, and huge selection, and that applies to stores in each city. Staff have always been patient and helpful in recommending the right wines for me. Prices are probably the lowest in town, most comprehensive in selection. All of my friends who buy there say the same thing as I.

Thumbnail of user neilk153
Rhode Island
2 reviews
2 helpful votes
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May 1st, 2023

Braintree store is run by racist pigs. Because we are Indians they refused to sell to us. They actually pulled us out of the line and accused us of cheating. I'll take it up with Channel 7 and have them do a report on thier racist practices. If the owner is reading this, we need a public apology.

Products used:
None

Thumbnail of user gg176
California
1 review
5 helpful votes
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September 4th, 2020

I have noticed that Total Wine tends to "push" certain labels and also all "Winery Direct" wines. I generally do not like the "Winery Direct" wines (except for one) and I don't buy them. I have told them before, that I don't like their "Buttercream Chardonnay" because of a phoney butter chemical taste, but hey keep pushing the ads for it. So I am questioning whether there is an extra profit margin for Winery Direct wines that encourages them to push these Winery Direct brands... or? However they do carry very good wines also, but they don't advertised them. I am suspicious.

Thumbnail of user nancyf1545
California
2 reviews
3 helpful votes
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August 2nd, 2022

Online order not delivered. No explanation. Yet I will not be refunded the delivery fee nor the prepaid tip I foolishly paid the driver. Ridiculously bad service. You've lost this customer as well as the confidence of any prospective customer who reads this review. Is that what you want?

Products used:
My wine order was not delivered.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user tt271
Texas
1 review
2 helpful votes
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July 17th, 2022

I prefer Spec's Fine Wines & Spirits because employees walk around shoppers, staring at us like we're going to steal everything!
Then, when you notice them watching you, they try to act as though they weren't creeping around... really weird; I'm not sure what they're employee training is, but it seems very odd, indeed.

Tip for consumers:
Go to Spec's instead, save your time and money.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user km990
California
1 review
2 helpful votes
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June 11th, 2022

I gave this place a shot because they're near my house and seemed to have a good price on the my favorite bourbon. Turns out they're incapable of restocking Racer 5 - one of California's most popular brands. They're always out and cop an attitude when I ask if they have any in the back. I also made the mistake of attempting to buy a cigar a coupon that had expired a few days before. The checkout person offered to call the manager see if he would still honor it. The manager rudely refused to, walked away and then doubled back and asked "you're not going to give us a bad review over this are you?". Hadn't crossed my mind up to that point but now - here it is.

My advice to the consumer: Buy your booze and cigars somewhere else.

Tip for consumers:
Shop Someplace Else

Products used:
Beer, Bourbon

Service
Value
Quality
Thumbnail of user jam12
Illinois
1 review
4 helpful votes
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January 6th, 2021

Was very disappointed to learn the Total Wine gift cards I gave out as Christmas presents are not able to be used on the Total Wine website. What is the reason behind this? The cards are useless to those who don't have a physical store in their area. Thanks for nothing... Don't make the same mistake.

Value
Shipping
Thumbnail of user christinab619
Florida
1 review
0 helpful votes
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February 18th, 2021

I came here after a crummy day hoping to lighten up my mood with a bottle of rum. I went through Erica's line and she absolutely was AMAZING! I cannot say enough good about her! She was so patient and friendly. I believe she is the nicest person that I have met since moving to Florida. She truly is a great worker and believe she deserves a raise for the excellent customer service. Always good prices and friendly staff but she went above and beyond!

Thumbnail of user cristyg21
Arkansas
1 review
0 helpful votes
  • Send Message
August 13th, 2022

I stopped in looking for Drakes Organic boxtails & the woman who helped me knew exactly what I was talking about. She told me they are one of her favorites & I ended up buying each flavor. Now they're my favorites! Great customer service & Drakes Organic is the perfect summer drink. I had the opportunity to try Drakes rum in Chicago a couple months ago & now I'm hooked on their brand.

Products used:
Drakes Organic

Service
Value
Quality
Thumbnail of user lettyp5
California
3 reviews
0 helpful votes
  • Send Message
June 3rd, 2020

I appreciate the effort they make now with delivery and in current conditions. I was satisfied since the product was good and delivered at time so big thanks.

Thumbnail of user elizabeths2548
Missouri
1 review
1 helpful vote
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March 3rd, 2022

I have been to the Brentwood, Saint Louis, Total Wine a few times. I do know a bit about wines. I am a "senior" woman with an accent. Should I say more? Incompetent, condescending male attendants, or whatever they are, with very little clue about anything. Jerez? Sherry? Oh, is it a sweet wine? Well, not all sherries are sweet. And then telling me I should be using an app!

Service
Value
Shipping
Quality

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