Our FAQ are always evolving based on our staffing and governmental mandates which can change instantaneously.  We are doing our best to develop an environment that acknowledges and understands social distancing while at the same time trying to refrain from too many rules.  It is a delicate balance so we ask that you read our information below and reach out with any questions or comments.  

Table of Contents

Why is there fee for a reservation?

Our policy on reservations continues to evolve but reservations are not required on weekdays and suggested on weekends.  We will always take walk-ins without reservations and without a fee whenever we have a table available and a staff person available that can service the table.  We do our best to accommodate as many people as we can but there are times on weekends when our kitchen and servers cannot handle additional people.  Should you wish to make a reservation, to reserve a table there is a $10.00 fee per table.  This is a flat fee and not a deposit, but we will make sure that your table is ready when you arrive.  

What happens if the weather does not cooperate?

You can never count on or predict the weather in New England.  We encourage people to wait until they are comfortable that the weather will cooperate to book a reservation although we admit that this is difficult in New England. When you book a reservation that is not refundable, you are accepting the risk that the weather may not be perfect or meet your expectations.  Too often the prediction for rain or snow does not materialize or a nice day turns into a rainy day.  All reservations are non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled.   If we determine that it is not reasonable for people to sit outside or travel to an indoor activity, then in our discretion, we will notify people of the decision and offer a full refund. However, this decision is solely at our discretion based on the severity of the weather. We will make the decision as soon as we are confident that the weather predicted is the weather we will experience. Our decision is generally made on the day of the event unless we are confident that conditions will make attendance unreasonable.  If we decide that the weather is questionable, we will send an email to our customers that have reservations for the day, detailing options and providing additional information as we feel is necessary.  This will usually occur on the day of the event. Notwithstanding our decision about a specific event, all of our other operations will remain open unless it is unsafe for our staff to drive to work.  In this situation, a notice will be posted on the front page of our website. 

Why are Reservations limited to a maximum of 12 people and why can't we book multiple tables together?

 
There are a lot of decisions a restaurant makes in determining how to provide an exceptional experience to all of its guests.  The ultimate goal is to be able to provide an exceptional experience to all customers which translates into great food and drinks at every table in a timely manner.  To accomplish these goals, it is imperative for a restaurant to establish a pace so that servers are not overwhelmed by surges in customers being seated and the kitchen is not backed up with 20 orders that it cannot fulfill in a timely manner.  Without a good pace, a restaurant is creating an environment where everyone is at risk of having a less than exceptional experience.  The best server or chef cannot perform if they are overwhelmed.

In establishing a pace, the restaurant considers the staff available to serve and cook as well as the design of the kitchen.  Imagine trying to produce 20 different meals in your kitchen at home every 15 minutes!  Impossible.  To make sure the restaurant offers exceptional service and food, we manage how many people we allow to be seated at a time.   If you allowed only 4 people to be seated every 20 minutes at home, you might be able to serve 12 people per hour with a menu that offers multiple selections. While professional kitchens have more equipment than you might have at home, there are still limits to how many items can be prepared and served in a reasonable time and it is the restaurants responsibility to its customers to establish this pace.
Establishing a pace that will work is absolutely necessary for a restaurant to provide an exceptional experience to all of its customers.  When you walk into a restaurant and there is an open table, I can assure you that the restaurant would love to fill that table.  However, if the kitchen and staff is already overwhelmed, a good manager will keep that table vacant rather than put the experience of the customers at risk.  I would rather have a customer yelp me for refusing service than providing poor service, especially when seating that additional table might impact other tables in addition to the vacant table.

For us, we have determined that we are able to accommodate 10 people every 15 minutes at 3 tables when operating in the Pavilion.  When the picnic grounds are open, we usually seat 20 people every 15 minutes.  J’s Restaurant limits its pace to 4 people every 15 minutes except that it accepts a reservation for 6 people at the beginning of service and 6 people later in the evening.  Our reservation system is set to follow the above guidelines to ensure that our pace is managed.   If a restaurant establishes the right pace and our customers arrive at the time of their reservation, the restaurant has created an environment where they should be able to provide an exceptional experience to all of its guests.  I wish that every customer could experience how a restaurant runs when everyone shows up on time as compared with a day when everyone is late or early.  The impact on staff and the kitchen is amazing.
Finally, in addition to controlling pace, it is important for a restaurant to manage the size of a reservation to maintain the ambiance of the restaurant and the experience of every guest in the restaurant.  When you go to a restaurant, how many times have you seen a table of 18 set up in the middle of a dining room?  Probably seldom as most restaurants do not accommodate large reservations because of the impact that such reservations have on other tables nearby.   Those restaurants that can accommodate larger reservations usually offer tables in a private room or area away from others.  Consider going to a restaurant with a friend to have a nice experience where you end up seated next to a table of 18 people.  What happens to the experience?  
If your reservation exceeds our maximum reservation, we will ask that you respect and comply with our policies or request information about hosting a private event.  Thank you for your understanding.

Can I request a specific Table?

Unfortunately, we do not modify or alter tables assigned.  When a reservation is booked, our system automatically assigns a table to the reservation and sends you an email with the table number.   This approach allows us to distribute reservations evenly to different sections of our grounds so that our Staff serving each area are not overwhelmed by having multiple tables seating in the same area at the same time.  With limited staffing, this approach is extremely helpful for our operations.

How do I add additional people to my Table?

If you have booked a table that can accommodate more people than you selected, you do not have to notify us if you are increasing the number of people signed up so long as the increased number does not exceed the number of seats at the table.   As an example, if you were coming with 3 people and booked a picnic table for 3 to 6 people and now want to increase your reservation to 5 people, you do not have to do anything in advance of your reservation.  You can simply show up without any change as long as you do not exceed 6 people.

However, if you booked a picnic table for 3 to 6 people and want to increase the number of people to a number above 6 people, then you should book and pay for a larger table (this will make sure the table is available) and then notify us of the two reservations on the same day and we will cancel the smaller table and refund your fee.  

I am Running Late, what should I do?

If you are running late for your reservation at the Vintner’s Knoll, don’t worry, we will hold your reservation for at least 30 minutes.  However, we will not be able to extend the end time of your reservation if another reservation for that table is already booked.   Please recognize that while we will hold a table reservation, tours and tastings are time specific and your prepaid fees will be forfeited if you do not show up on time.

Can I request a table under cover if the weather does not cooperate.

We always do our best to be accommodating but often the tables under cover are already reserved.   Additionally, we currently have one patio that is covered but the covering has many leaks as it was never intended to offer protection from the rain.   When the weather does not cooperate, you can be assured that we do our best to juggle table assignments so that we accommodate as many people as possible. 

Is there inside seating at the Vintner's Knoll?

All seating at the Vintner’s Knoll is outside.

Why does Nashoba limit the size of reservations and not allow multiple reservations?

 
There are a lot of decisions a restaurant makes in determining how to provide an exceptional experience to all of its guests.  The ultimate goal is to be able to provide an exceptional experience to all customers which translates into great food and drinks at every table in a timely manner.  To accomplish these goals, it is imperative for a restaurant to establish a pace so that servers are not overwhelmed by surges in customers being seated and the kitchen is not backed up with 20 orders that it cannot fulfill in a timely manner.  Without a good pace, a restaurant is creating an environment where everyone is at risk of having a less than exceptional experience.  The best server or chef cannot perform if he or she is overwhelmed.

In establishing a pace, the restaurant considers the staff available to serve and cook as well as the design of the kitchen.  Imagine trying to produce 20 different meals in your kitchen at home every 15 minutes!  Impossible.  To make sure that restaurant staff offers exceptional service and food, we manage how many people we allow to be seated at a time.   If you allowed only 4 people to be seated every 20 minutes at home, you might be able to serve 12 people per hour with a menu that offers multiple selections. While professional kitchens have more equipment than you might have at home, there are still limits to how many items can be prepared and served in a reasonable time and it is the restaurants responsibility to its customers to establish this pace.
Establishing a pace that will work is absolutely necessary for a restaurant to provide an exceptional experience to all of its customers.  When you walk into a restaurant and there is an open table, I can assure you that the restaurant would love to fill that table.  However, if the kitchen and staff is already overwhelmed, a good manager will keep that table vacant rather than put the experience of the customers at risk.  I would rather have a customer yelp me for refusing service than providing poor service especially when seating that additional table might impact other tables. 

For us, we have determined that we are able to accommodate 10 people every 15 minutes at 3 tables when operating in the Pavilion.  When the picnic grounds are open, we usually seat 20 people every 15 minutes.  J’s Restaurant limits its pace to 4 people every 15 minutes except that it accepts a reservation for 6 people at opening and 6 people later in the evening.  Our reservation system is set to follow the above guidelines to ensure that our pace is managed.   If a restaurant establishes the right pace and our customers arrive at the time of their reservation, the restaurant has created an environment where they should be able to provide an exceptional experience to all of its guests.  I wish that every customer could experience how a restaurant runs when everyone shows up on time as compared with a day when everyone is late or early.  The impact on staff and the kitchen is amazing.
Finally, in addition to controlling pace, it is important for a restaurant to manage the size of a reservation to maintain the ambiance of the restaurant and the experience of every guest in the restaurant.  When you go to a restaurant, how many times have you seen a table of 18 set up in the middle of a dining room?  Probably seldom as most restaurants do not accommodate large reservations because of the impact that such reservation has on other tables nearby.   Those restaurants that can accommodate larger reservations usually offer tables in a private room or area away from others.  Consider going to a restaurant with a friend to have a nice experience where you end up seated next to a table of 18 people.  What happens to the experience?  
If your reservation exceeds our maximum reservation, we will ask that you respect and comply with our policies or request information about hosting a private event.  

Why can't we make two reservations and request that the table be together?

See our answer above.

Why can't we purchase alcoholic beverages in the wine shop for consumption in the Vintner's Knoll?

We are responsible for not allowing people to over-consume alcohol while on the property and this cannot be done unless we manage on site consumption.  Rather than purchase wine in our wine shop, we ask that you purchase wine from our online menu and the wine will then be brought to your table.  The price for a bottle of wine in our wine shop is the same price that you will pay at the table.  A great day ends with a safe ride home.

 

Why do we make people wear wrist bands to show that they are 21 years of age?

We work as a team to help expedite your orders.  We use wrist bands so that every server can see who is of age and does not have to ask every person for their identification with each delivery.  As a venue that serves alcoholic beverages, we take our responsibility seriously to only serve people that are 21 years of age and hope that people appreciate our good intentions.  If wearing a wrist band is an inconvenience, let us know and we will simply ask you to keep your identification available so that we can check your identification with each purchase.

Are Children Welcome at the Winery?

Absolutely!  If you are looking for a relaxing lunch stop, enjoyable evening sunset, or are truly interested in learning about wine and viticulture, or if you would just like to sit and chill overlooking the picturesque Town of Bolton, then visiting our winery with your kids can be a lot of fun.  However, to make sure that you are not disappointed, it is important for us to disclose to our visitors that our winery/farm does not focus on family related activities like hayrides, Petting Zoos, Corn Mazes, and family games.

Children are allowed everywhere except our Tasting Room or near the ponds or at events hosted for adults.  Younger children should always stay close to their parents. Bring small games, books or electronics – iPods, iPads, etc. – to keep the kids occupied; never underestimate the power of a deck of cards and a good game of “Go Fish” or “Cheat” if they are older.

There is a nice playground and baseball field at the bottom of the hill about 3/10 of a mile from the winery.  Consider driving or walking to the playground to burn off excess energy since we do not allow the throwing of objects on the property.

Ponds are very dangerous.  Like swimming pools, they present a clear and dangerous safety risk to children.  Because of multiple incidents where attended and unattended children have fallen into our ponds, we no longer allow children near any body of water with or without adult supervision and seating by our ponds is for adults only.  Better to be safe than sorry.

Our Apples and our gardens are for everyone to enjoy.  You and your children are invited to purchase a bag and then pick apples from our trees during our harvest season (Sept-October).   It would be greatly appreciated if you made sure your children understand that we make wines from apples on the trees and make Vodka from apples on the ground so every apple has a value to us.  Stepping on them or throwing them is not allowed. Our flowers from our gardens are for everyone to enjoy and are intended to make our property beautiful.

Finally, we continue to invite you and your children to visit.  The overwhelming majority of visitors understand and bring their children to the winery without any concerns.  Thanks to everyone that understands and appreciates that businesses base rules on their experiences and that every business has the right to decide how to operate.  If you wish to discuss our experiences to submit comments and recommendations, please email us at support@nashobawinery.com.  Let’s work together to make everyone happy as we are your friends and your neighbors.

 

Why can’t we sit on the ground and not reserve a table at the Vintner’s Knoll?

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You are welcome to bring a blanket and sit on the ground as we re-open our outside bar where you will be able to purchase from a limited selection of wines, beers, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Do you offer beverages other than alcoholic beverages?

Yes.  In addition to non-alcoholic seltzers and some Pepsi products, we also offer 4 different Mocktails,  non-alcoholic wine and beer.  And of course, water as a healthy alternative!

What are wine flights?

Put simply, a wine flight is just a self-guided winetasting option. More specifically, it’s a way to sample different varietals. The term ‘wine flight‘ (sometimes ‘tasting flight‘ or ‘wine tasting’) has variations in other alcohol spaces. At the Vintner’s Knoll we usually offer three different flights consisting of 5 different wines each about 3/4 of an ounce of wine.  Flights generally cost between $10 and $15 per person depending on what wines are being offered in each flight.

Born in Concord, Raised in Bolton.  A place like no other

Get the right information –  Email us at  support@nashobawinery.com

© Nashoba Valley Spirits, 100 Wattaquadock Hill Road, Bolton, MA  01740