Shipping Information

Q: How does your Free Shipping program work?
A: We offer Free Super Saver Shipping within the Continental United States on all orders of 6 bottles or more or for orders of $600 or more. To benefit from the Free Shipping program, you must choose the Super Saver Shipping option at checkout.

Q: Where do you ship?
A: We ship to any state in the US that it is legally allowable. As state shipping laws change on a near daily basis please call our toll-free number for a more detailed listing for your state. Please note that most states regulate importation of wines, and buyers are responsible for compliance with laws of the state in which wines are to be shipped. Buyers, not Fine Wines International, are the owners and shipper of record for all shipments. By arranging for transportation of the wine, we are providing a service to and acting on behalf of the buyer.

Q: Do you ship internationally?
A: We ship internationally to most countries where it is legally permissible to do so. However, the recipient must pay the cost of taxes unless prior arrangement has been made. Due to contractual arrangements, we do not ship to Canada or Mexico.

Q: Will you ship to my APO, FPO or PO Box?
A: Currently we do not ship to APO, FPO, or PO boxes. Federal regulations make it illegal to ship wine to post office boxes. If you enter a post office box as your shipping address, the wine will be returned to us and you will be charged for the original shipment, the return shipment and the subsequent shipment to a valid street address.

Q: Are the wines insured when they are shipped.
A: All of our wines are insured against breakage during shipment. Insurance is 1.5% of the value of the wine. We WILL NOT ship wines without insurance. Neither Fine Wines International nor its agents can assume responsibility for any deterioration resulting from shipment. Wines must be inspected by the buyer upon receipt and any loss or breakage must be noted on the Shipper's documents. Fine Wines International must be notified immediately of any breakage or loss claims.

Q: Can you ship my wine in the original box?
A: All orders must be shipped in FedEx approved packaging. We cannot ship wine in either the original cardboard or wooden cases. If you would like the original cases, they will be shipped separately, at an additional charge.

Q: What is the cost of shipping to Hong Kong?
A: Our rates for shipping to Hong Kong are as follows:
       1      bottle:   $ 50 plus insurance
       2      bottles: $ 70 plus insurance
       3      bottles: $ 80 plus insurance
       4      bottles: $ 90 plus insurance
       5-6   bottles: $100 plus insurance
       7-12 bottles: $150 plus insurance

Q: How do you ship the wine?
A: Due to the rarity of the wines we sell, we ship our wines via FedEx unless otherwise requested by the customer.

Q: Do you make money on shipping?
A: No. We pass along the FedEx price to our clients without an additional markup.

Q: When do you ship?
A: We generally ship Monday through Thursday. We attempt to do same day shipping. We do not ship on Fridays as the wine spends an excessive amount of time outside cellar conditions. Saturday delivery can be arranged for an additional fee from FedEx. Shipping cutoff times may vary during the holiday seasons. We cannot schedule shipments for a specific time during the day.

Q: What is your policy regarding shipping during summer heat and winter cold?
A: Transporting wine in extreme weather conditions, even by overnight service, may seriously damage wines. During periods of extreme weather Fine Wines International strongly advises against transport of wines by any means. During these times we are pleased to provide complimentary short-term storage until better conditions prevail. If shipment is requested during periods of extreme weather, the buyer will be required to sign a Shipping Release to free Fine Wines International from any liability for damage incurred to wines shipped during periods of extreme weather.

Q: Do you gift-wrap shipments?
A: We do not gift-wrap. All of our shipments are shipped in for- fitting Styrofoam containers to maintain temperature levels and avoid breakage and damage. However an enclosure note can be added to any shipment.

Q: How old do I need to be to have wine shipped?
A: Buyer must warrant that he/she is at least 21 years of age, legally allowed to purchase wine, and that the wines will be received by someone that is at least 21 years of age. We prefer to have wines delivered to a business address to insure prompt delivery. Wines addressed to a residence will not be left without a signature by someone at 21 years of age.

Q: If I have my order shipped, do I have to pay sales tax?
A: Wines shipped within the State of California are subject to taxation. Holders California State Liquor Authority licenses may be exempt from taxation and should present the required documents to Fine Wines International prior to purchase. Insurance coverage does not cover confiscation by any government or law enforcement agency as a result of alleged violations of applicable laws by the purchaser.