Comments regarding Double A Vineyards, Inc.

I have had mixed results from their grapevine stock in the past. The problem I would run into was that the roots were dead, but the stem was alive. The plant would bud out and then die. They did send a replacement the following year, but that one did the same thing. Therefore, I lost two years and they will not replace the replacement. I have had luck with other grapevines from them besides those.

This year the company is not the same. I tried to email them to ask questions regarding some grape vine varieties and they never answered back. Thus, I only ordered one plant this year. It arrived and it was the scrawniest grape vine plant I have ever received from any company. It also appeared that they had cut off a larger section of the plant and left me with a weakling sprig that may or may not have a bud on it. I sent an email to complain and they did respond. They said that they now cut off the best section to do me a favor so I don't need to do it myself. They also said that from now on all of their grape vine plants will be significantly smaller so they no longer will need to grade them. Hmmm? They even sent me pictures to show how much smaller their plants will be than in the past.

I know what is happening. They are using our plants to take cuttings from to grow next year's plants. This will save them costs. And on that note, the cost for a sickly plant added to the shipping cost is simply too much to accept anymore.

They said that if the plant does not grow to contact them by August so they can send me a replacement next year. Next year! I've gone that route before. After two years I might not ever have a grape vine of the variety I want because they are so small and straggly. I have heavy soil. I need vigorous plants with good roots AND good tops.

I wish I knew what was happening before I ordered. (they said they sent me an email earlier in the year telling me that the vines would be scrawny, as per their new policy of cutting our tops off to reuse) If this plant does not make it I will order a replacement from another company. This company has gone downhill and are waaaay too expensive for the quality they are now shipping. I thought Chinese products were going bad; now its our own companies doing things like this to us.

Why can't companies stick to doing things the right way!?