Testimonials

"Superb variety, fabulously friendly service combined with exceptional wine knowledge....how could it get better?!"

~Matt Pommer, Virginia Beach, VA

"Lovely space and location. Though she was preparing for an event, Crystal gave me a tour of the wines and local businesses they work with to offer food as well. She’s so knowledgeable and articulate. Everyone was friendly and informative, as I had the opportunity to join a tasting. I selected the Ayni Malbec and Cotes du Rhône with Rosemary flatbread and tapenade with dried tomatoes and basil- the Malbec was so smooth and delicious with the tapenade just in time for a beautiful sunset in Norfolk. Thank you to the staff, and I’ll surely be back again; great selection and lovely atmosphere."

~Robin Tatterson, Norfolk, VA

"Great wine selections and so much character!"

~Ralphann Ginyard Forrest, Matthews, Virginia

"Crystal is a wine goddess. She is amazingly knowledgeable, incredibly well-poised, and so articulate when it comes to wine that you can tell that it is her passion through and through. My friend's 30th birthday, with Crystal's wine presentation, turned into quite a sophisticated soiree.  My husband and I left that night in awe of how much fun the world of wine can really be.  Her food pairings were absolutely perfect.  This event would be PERFECT for any (adult) birthday, gathering of friends, or business event."

~Katie & Van Smith, Richmond, VA

"I want to offer of a word of thanks and praise to Crystal for helping me to host a Pinot Noir wine tasting and dinner for my wife’s 50^th birthday. Crystal is not only extremely knowledgeable about wine, all types and from many regions, she also made the evening fun and entertaining! She shared information about the wines so that the novice felt included and the experienced felt challenged. The food pairings were perfect and the dinner was delicious! She is very easy to work with and took care of many of the details. I will eagerly ask her to host for me again and highly recommend her to others!"

~Bob Howard, Virginia Beach, VA

“Crystal is a dynamic and engaging educator and is an accomplished woman in many regards.”

~Page O’Flaherty, Norfolk, VA

"I have done nothing but talk about your class to everyone I know.  I am now designing meals around the great wines you recommended! I do believe a progressive class would be very beneficial to everyone that takes the first class with you. We need someone like you in this area.  We believe we know so much about wine and then a true professional shows us the way."

~Kim Pate, Virginia Beach, VA

"Pairing Crystal with an event – brilliant!  Pairing her with any wine event – PRICELESS! Crystal’s presentation was very informative and delivered in a style that we could understand and appreciate.   The wines she selected for us to taste represented a wide array of varietals; and the food pairings she offered/suggested enhanced the wines even more!   Wrote Rieslings off as a “too sweet” wine long ago, but with Crystal’s tutelage, we have a new found respect for them.   As Crystal says, it’s all about pairing – wine and food should complement each other.   We left that evening with a better understanding of what to look for in a wine –  color, clarity, nose and of course – taste!   Looking forward to other wine events with Crystal!"

~ Cheryl and Barry Oliver, Norfolk, VA

"A Crystal Palate wine tasting is an experience you will not soon forget. Crystal provides the total package when it comes to experiencing wine. Her culinary gifts combined with her wine expertise make her pairings simply fabulous. What I especially love about Crystal is her approachability and how she makes her wine events accessible and engaging to everyone, from novice to expert. Her attention to detail is unsurpassed and you will be delighted with the ways she makes your event special and unique. She truly offers a best-in-class wine experience that is sure to exceed expectations."

-Jackson & Mallory Andrews, Virginia Beach, VA