More than just wine in Wine Country Gift Baskets!

Full Review
I discovered Wine Country gift baskets while shopping Amazon.com this holiday season. After seeing several I thought I’d purchase later, I read a review about the quality of the products this company prepared here on Epinions. That sold me and when the time came to order the baskets I went to Amazon. Sadly, the items were no longer for sale. It appears they had a holiday partnership and it was over. Undaunted I began a web search for the baskets. I found that Wine Country has their own website and was happy to be able to order the basket I’d planned on directly from them.

Wine Country offers more than wine, although they do sell that as well. I’ve ordered twice—both were ‘themed’ gifts and didn't include alcohol. One for my brother, someone who loves a big breakfast but is married to someone who doesn’t like to cook. For him I ordered Breakfast in Bed. A gift that included a bed tray and all the fixings for a great breakfast. The cost was $39.95 and delivery to Texas was $8.95.

The second was for my sister who’s celebrating her 40th birthday in another state this week. As a surprise, I sent a spa basket to her hotel. Appropriately called Postcards from Paradise, it was $29.95 plus $7.95 for shipping.

Both gifts arrived in perfect condition, in the time promised, with no surprises. Each arrived with a gift card with the message I asked to be included.

Prices range from $14.95 to $250.00 – there come in every price range and style. They offer searches by price, keyword, category, or catalog number. I’ve never received a catalog but you can request one on the site.

The Site
This is one of the best gift basket sites I’ve ordered from. They not only offer enlarged photos, they give detailed content listings including product sizes. Shipping charges are shown on the same page as the description so there’s no guess on what it will cost to transport it. Also include on the page is information about when it’s available such as “Yes, this gift basket is in stock and available for immediate shipment”.

Customization is not available for single orders but they will substitute something of equal or greater value if you order a basket that includes alcohol for delivery in a restricted area (see below).

Shopping
Easy navigation makes it simple to find just what you’re looking for. Surf through the categories (gourmet food baskets, wine baskets, gift towers, theme baskets, bath & body, Ghirardelli chocolate, the Godiva section, Internet specials, and Wine Country’s private cellar), select your gift, and you’re taken to a registration page. Register once and you’ll be set for subsequent ordering. The normal information is required—billing name, address, credit card, etc., plus the name & address of where you’re sending it. This is an opportunity to upgrade your shipping as well—each option is spelled out so there’s no question as to when your item will be delivered. Next you have an opportunity to write a short note to be included with the gift. Finish the process and you’ll receive a confirmation e-mail within seconds. I chose a delayed delivery date—a nice feature of the site so that the item would arrive near the intended date but I could order it when I was thinking about it.

Shipping & Insurance
Provided by Federal Express—prices are clearly marked on each item. Express shipping (next day) is available for an additional $20. All items are covered at no charge to the buyer—should something happen during shipping you will be reimbursed. Items cannot be shipped to PO Boxes, APO, FPO Boxes or foreign addresses. Items shipped to Hawaii and Alaska is an additional $20 beyond the stated shipping price.

Customer Service
I placed an order and later decided to cancel it. I tried to do so on the web site but couldn’t remember my password (I missed the “mail me my password” link). I contacted them by e-mail and requested that the order be canceled. They replied immediately that they had done so. The representative was very professional and the e-mail was pleasant. They are also available by telephone (800-324-2793).

Payment
All major credit cards and business accounts can be established in just a few days.

Restrictions
Since alcohol by mail is restricted in many states, you’ll need to check before ordering to see if it can be shipped to your recipient. Also, it can only be signed for someone of legal drinking age in the delivered state.

Guarantee
"We guarantee the timely arrival of your gifts in perfect condition. If you or your recipient are not 100% satisfied, simply return the item for replacement or a prompt refund."

Final Thoughts
While my orders turned out well, I can't in good faith recommend this vendor higher than three stars because of their poor BBB rating (see below). The site details problems customers have been having.

UPDATE 04/03/04

The Better Business Bureau rates this vendor as unsatisfactory - for the full details go to: http://www.labbb.org/scripts/cgiip.exe/WService=wsbroker1/C%3A/Inetpub/wwwroot/SouthlandReport/default.htm?hCompID=13089856&hAKAID=1&hAddrID=2