Bashakill Vineyards & Winery

Jeffrey Kontak

It’s a good winery in several ways. The wine is high quality. The food + ambiance + music is always great. We’ve visited many times. The problem is that the owner has recently adopted an unwelcoming attitude towards families with children. Upon walking in, he immediately came up to us to warn us that kids need to stay next to parents at all times. When our kids stepped away to play ping pong, he again approached us immediately with something to say. When I later addressed how this made us feel, being initially told to "get a babysitter," he made it more or less clear that based on a couple negative experiences with children, they were actively discouraging parents with children from visiting the winery. While we understand the hardships, we nevertheless feel that this is the wrong mentality, and it is completely against the spirit of peace and love that the winery projects. As a family who has visited innumerable times since the winery was established (even including the prior weekend), were never told anything previously about the kids, and have never had a problem with managing our children, we are very disappointed to be treated this way. We will not be returning. *Update and response to owner's comment: Did the website always say that the vineyard was "Adults Only?" From our conversation, it sounded like this was a recent change in policy and thus a change to the website / social media. I'm not sure how many times I'm expected to review the sites of a business I visit regularly. Yes, you do have a right to change your business model - just like I have a right to post my displeasure with how you are operating your business. But beyond that, we personally felt that your way of communicating that change to us was disrespectful and inappropriate. You should have made the situation clear to us when we walked in with directness, compassion and humility, instead of making us feel unwelcome, embarrassing us in front of our guests, and forcing us to pull the truth out of you as we left. Your smug way of discussing it and your further responses make it seem like the success of your business has gone to your head. It's a shame. *Another very interesting update: It just so happens that I received a Google review personally at my place of business by someone named "Amelia Curie" that popped up within an hour of my initial response to the Bashakill owner's comment. "Amelia" told an outrageous story where I disrespected her for bringing children into a location where I work. It was written and structured in a way that was highly similar to my review of this winery. “Amelia” shows no record of being a client of my employer as she claimed, and I had even been away on vacation prior to her statement. She mentioned being a resident of north Jersey, but there's nothing online attesting to that, or attesting that she even exists at all. Her other reviews only provide negative feedback about businesses located close to the winery. She is a law professor in one review, a chef in another. I thought you all might find this as interesting as I did.

Venus Ince

The owner (Paul) is so accommodating and just the most adorable man! Every one that works here makes you feel so welcome! You will love visiting Bashakill. The live band is a must-see experience too!

Michelle

This place is stunningly beautiful! The lavender wine was delicious and so were the snacks we ordered. They have ice cream for kids and plenty of outdoor seating. I went with my sisters and their kids ages 3-14 and everyone really enjoyed the day. Park across the road and you will get one amazing view!

Mariah Thomas

Beautiful outdoor views with great food and live music on the weekend! This winery offers plenty of food and wine options. There's also the choice of IPAs and ice cream! Definitely recommend comming with friends and family