Legal Question in Business Law in California

Wedding (in California):Breach of contract in wine served

For my wedding on Saturday, the wrong wine was served - significantly cheaper than in contract with venue. Contract is according to California Law.

We contracted with the venue to serve 3 wines (2 reds and 1 white), including a White Chardonnay called Edna Valley (about $12-$13 retail). It was explictedly written into our contract which wines should be served for $16 per person fee (4 hours).

At reception, they put out wrong wine - Deep Canyon which retails for $4.00; I corrected it at reception and they put out correct wine. At dinner, they again poured the Deep Canyon to my guests -- one is a wine professional who said wine was not only bad quality, but also oxidized (spoiled) - when she insisted they serve Edna Valley, they produced a bottle, but kept pouring the bad stuff for rest of night.

I have 4 witnesses, including my bride and the wine professional who certify the wine was terrible.

What legal recourse to I have? What type of damage can I claim for wrong wine served for wine fees of about $4000 (folks drank mostly wine rather than hard liquor)?

Also contract had a confidentiality provision - does that mean we can't complain to ''better business bureau'' or post factually true review on bridal web?


Asked on 9/18/07, 2:14 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Michael Meyer Law Ofc. Of Michael J. Meyer

Re: Wedding (in California):Breach of contract in wine served

That's an interesting case. You appear to have claims for breach of contract and fraud.

Feel free to contact me to discuss the case.

Read more
Answered on 9/18/07, 2:24 pm
Phillip Evans Law Office of Phillip Evans

Re: Wedding (in California):Breach of contract in wine served

You could file a small claims case for the $4,000 and you might be able to recover most of the money. Make sure to take your witnesses to court with you to testify. As far as posting to the web sites, as long as you are factual and just tell the truth you should be fine. I would start with a letter to the company and ask for a refund then proceed from there.

Read more
Answered on 9/18/07, 3:07 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Business Law questions and answers in California