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July 2025 by Taylor Allen
If you say you close at 9pm, don't lock the door 10 minutes early
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June 2025 by Michael VH
Great store and staff! The owner, Darren, was a huge help with planning an event and procuring the right wines and the right amount. Recommended!
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June 2025 by Veronica P.
***In response to the owner:***
I appreciate your response, but it's always impact over intention if you're going to claim allyship. You can practice allyship by listening, reflecting, and doing better when people from the communities you say you support tell you that your actions/inactions have caused harm. Don't be so quick to dismiss their experiences or explain them away as bitter employment issues.
It's also interesting to see a sudden wave of positive reviews after mine. That doesn't demonstrate accountability. It's more like image management than growth. There’s definitely more to this story, and I hope you’ll take the opportunity to reflect deeply, not just defend yourself. Athens deserves businesses that prioritize equity and care for their people in both word and deed.
***Original review:***
I urge you to think twice before shopping at Village Wine. Athens is a tight knit community that stands up for justice and takes care of its people, especially those in marginalized and historically excluded groups. I’ve recently heard some upsetting accounts about how the owner of Village Wine treats female and LGBTQ employees, amongst other groups. These stories are harmful and intentional patterns by the owner, and behind each story is someone whose identity is what brought upon their harm. If you care about the people who make up your community, think about what your money is supporting.
The people who work there are the reason that place runs. They're your neighbors and friends. If the owner truly cared about them or about his community, he'd take a hard look at how his actions are causing harm and commit to change. If you know him, talk to him. Help him do better.
If you're someone who calls yourself an ally or a supporter of marginalized groups, your choices matter. Shopping at a business that harms people is complicity. Please don’t look the other way. Athens deserves better.
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June 2025 by Will Benson
Stopped in this evening to find some new beer to try. Brody was very helpful with several suggestions. I always go here when looking for something off the beaten path. Darren always has something interesting to try. Keep up the good work everyone!
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June 2025 by Jamil Bjorkland
Best selection in Athens for this bourbon snob! Great selection! Darren and his staff are a class act…always friendly, fair prices and very knowledgeable! My go to place when I’m in town!
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June 2025 by Jamie Saucier
By far my favorite liquor store on the East side! Great beer selection and the staff and owner actually know what they're talking about. Highly recommended!
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June 2025 by Heather Fletcher
This review is long overdue! I’ve been shopping at Village for 13+ years. It is my go-to spot on the East Side whenever I need that special bottle of wine or unique bottle of bourbon. Darren and his staff are both knowledgeable and professional. Highly recommend.
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June 2025 by Christopher Caswall
I’ve been a patron of VW&S for over 25yrs. The selection is great and always rotating.The staff and ownership are knowledgeable and willing to go the extra mile to bring bottles into the store specifically for my tastes. I highly recommend Village Wine & Sprits. Thank you!
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June 2025 by Egon Hinss
I’ve been coming to Village Wine & Spirits for years, and it’s always a great experience. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely helpful. On my last visit, the person who helped me track down exactly what I was looking for turned out to be the owner—and he couldn’t have been nicer. That personal touch and consistent service are why I keep coming back. Highly recommend!
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June 2025 by tyler vigg
What a great store - Darren is a such a great guy - always friendly and knowledgeable about all of my requests. This is my go to store, it’s always a pleasure visiting village wine and spirits!
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June 2025 by Eric Rose
Used to be a regular, but the vibes are off. The guy with the suspenders who was super knowledgeable about beer is gone, the guy with a man bun and a few others haven’t been around. Saw a sign saying they’re hiring for $12 an hour, in this economy? Hell no.can’t support a business that pays poverty wages. Taking my business elsewhere.
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May 2025 by CATHY burckhardt
Friendly well informed staff and great beer collection.
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December 2024 by Arika Brock
My favorite local package store! The staff are always very friendly and knowledgeable. I’ve been shopping here for years and have always had excellent experiences, and the customer service is top notch!
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December 2024 by Blake Williams
Friendly environment, always has what I want in stock, been going for years and will continue to do so.
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December 2024 by Sarah Clark
Great selection and kind, helpful employees.
