May 25, 2009
I came to Smithfield last weekend for a wedding and I did my research on this place because it had the only good selelction of beer in the general area. I heard it was small, but I had no idea how small. When I pulled up to the place it looked like a regular house with a garden out back and I thought "how is this place gonna house all that good beer?" I walked in and went into the beer room and was blown away. The staff was incredibly smart and helpful. I would definilty recommend this store to anyone in the area. Cheerz

April 5, 2009
The first time I went to this store I passed by it. From the outside you can hardly believe it’s a top rated beer store because it is so small. But inside I was amazed by the selection. Typically I am able to find 1 or 2 beers here that have long since left the area. Overall a really good beer store.

June 8, 2007
It’s a very small location. I’m not familiar with the area, so I passed by it twice and had to ask for directions. Inside is another story. The selection was very good, and everything is available in singles. I got a fantastic mead (Iqhilika)there from South Africa. The prices are very competitive. The staff is very friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about wine and beer. I definitely plan to return.

June 2, 2007
This place should make itself more obvious. Definitely the hidden gem of this small town. Looks like a house full of beer, wine, chocolate and other such aids of seduction. Beer selection is very nice, having many rare items. Owners are knowledgeable about everything they have. I’ll have to swing by here again if I get a chance.

August 4, 2006
Like this one better then Governers Point. More beer selection. One whole shelf rack dedicated to IPA’s...my favorite. Plus they carry ice cold Legends.

July 29, 2006 [ Updated February 11, 2008 ]
Finally visited late July 2006. Driving up to this place, you’ll say no way. But inside this little hut is a wonderful lineup of hard to find beers, not to mention an impressive selection of wine. The owners are down to earth folks who really are welcoming. This is a DEFINITE topper on the Hampton Roads list. Later update .... no question, Bon Vivant is the best retail location in southern Virginia and could hold it’s own with the finer retailers in the country. Mike and company simply provide a stellar lineup of incredible singles that sometimes can be found nowhere else, and at the least all the greats can be found here. Worth a 2-hour detour at least.

July 6, 2006
Though I am an inexperienced beer "hack", I was treated like an old friend at Bon Vivant. When heading through the Isle of Wight area, be sure to stop. Whether an accomplished beer sampler or "hack" like me, it’s worth the experience. Thanks, guys!

June 18, 2006
I was down in Isle of Wight for work, and figured, what the heck, The_Beer_God always raves about this place, might as well swing by during lunch. I saw the outside of the place and was prepared for disappointment, as the entire building was smaller than most garages. Boy was I wrong. The inside was absolutely packed with a great selection of beers, thoughtfully arranged by style. Standouts that struck me were Allagash Victoria and a couple of the La Trappe beers. I left with a load of beer and a much lighter wallet. Also met Mike the owner, great guy who really knew his stuff. Can’t believe a place like this exists out in the middle of nowhere Virginia. A must stop, and well worth the occasional journey as well.

January 28, 2006
Visited Bon Vivant last night for their beer tasting and had a great time! Even though it was packed, the atmosphere was friendly, the people great and the beer selection was through the roof! Absolutely worth the trip.

January 28, 2006
Excellent, excellent place! Best selection I have seen in the entire region, GREAT people. Mike is a very nice guy, and really knows his beer. Treated a few of us newbies like we were family at The Beer Lovers Club meeting (which is a fabulous tasting the last Friday of each month, and a cool time to truly "beer geek"). Can’t say enough about this place, you just gotta GO!