We recently visited Monbazillac Château for a tour and wine tasting (€43). The lady at the reception was very kind and welcoming, and the tour with the tasting itself was enjoyable. However, our experience at the restaurant beforehand left us quite disappointed.
Before the tasting started, we wanted to sit down with our children and simply have a drink at the restaurant. When I asked if we could sit, a man working there responded very oddly, with a confusing “yes, no, yes”, and then asked in broken English if I had a booking. I explained that I had just booked the tour and tasting, and only wanted to order some drinks before it began. He refused and told me I had to go back to the shop at the entrance to book this, which made no sense.
After walking back, the lady in the shop was very friendly but also surprised by the situation. She apologized repeatedly, though she could not help further and sent me back to the reception. The receptionist was also shocked by the story, confirming that of course we should have been able to sit down and order drinks. She immediately called the restaurant, and only then were we finally allowed to sit and order.
Back at the restaurant, I expressed my dissatisfaction to the man, pointing out that he had sent me back and forth for nothing. Instead of acknowledging this, he just laughed it off strangely and said very little, leaving a female staff member (who was friendly) to take our order. The whole incident gave me the impression that he either had a very bad day or simply does not understand what hospitality means. It was not busy at all, yet he acted as if he had no control over the situation.
My advice to the management: please have a serious conversation with this staff member and consider proper hospitality training. Otherwise, more guests will have the same negative experience.
Overall, the wine tasting was fun, but the château itself was nothing particularly special, and this incident left a bitter aftertaste to what should have been a smooth and welcoming visit.