Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


Happy Winos, happy life! Your satisfaction is extremely important to us. At any time if you have questions, concerns about our service, or your wine package, please contact our Concierge Team. You can the Concierge team at hello@thewineconcierge.co or via live chat available at thewineconcierge.co between 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, or and between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Saturday and Sunday, so we can resolve your concerns. We will work with you to resolve the problem to your satisfaction.

Our Concierge Team assembled answers to frequently asked questions so that you can get immediate responses. Check out our FAQs. Our FAQs are organized by the following categories:

  • Orders
  • Returns
  • Shipping/Delivery
  • Shades of Vino Wine Club Membership
  • Satisfaction Guarantee
  • Wine Education & Learning FAQs
  • Corporate & Gift Services
  • Wine Knowledge & Industry
  • Holiday Wine Selection & Entertaining


Orders

When Should I Expect My Order To Arrive?

Your order will ship within 3 business days of processing, and shipping typically takes 3-7 business days depending on your distance from our warehouse.

I placed an order, but you can’t ship to my state or my order exceeds the allowable volume in my state. What happens now?

We wish we could ship to everyone, but we can’t. If your order is not allowable in your state, we will cancel the order, contact you to explain why and refund any money you have paid us for that order.

Uggh, my wine package was damaged when I received it.

If your order is damaged, we will send you a replacement order as soon as we can. Email us at hello@thewineconcierge.co within 30 days of delivery. If we are unable to replace goods within 10 days, we will offer you a full refund.

Can I purchase wines from Shades of Vino wine club’s portfolio if do not have a Membership?

Sorry! The Club’s wines are exclusively for the members. Join The Club.



Returns

How do I return a wine package?

Contact the Concierge Team via email at hello@thewineconcierge.co. We may make arrangements for a return or re-ship, if appropriate. As a condition of providing you a refund or re-ship, we may require you to return the product to The Wine Concierge. The Wine Concierge Gifts are non-refundable. If we feel that you are taking advantage of us, we reserve the right to close your account and banish you from The Wine Concierge forever and ever.



Shipping/Delivery

I Won’t Be Home To Receive My Shipment. What Can I Do?

UPS sends a shipment notification email to the recipient informing them when the wine shipment will be delivered so that an adult at least 21 years of age can be available to complete the delivery.

You can schedule to pick up at a UPS Access Point location for free.

No worries if your package is already in transit, you can always follow the steps below to make arrangements for pick-up on an as-need basis.

  1. Visit your tracking link on UPS.com (You can access your tracking number from your Order History page)
  2. Click the purple "Customize Delivery" button to select the "Hold at Location" option
  3. Enter your order's original shipping address to select the location of your choice
  4. As soon as it's delivered, your tracking link will indicate it’s available for pick up. Visit the location within 5 business days with your I.D. and tracking number.

I Missed The Last Delivery Attempt. Do I Have Any Other Options?

UPS will always attempt to deliver your wine up to 3 times in total. After that last attempt, UPS will, unfortunately, begin to return the package.

Please know you may still have the option to schedule a pick up at a UPS location for free. They'll hold it for you for free for 5 business days. Visit your tracking link on UPS.com (You can access your tracking number from your Order History page)

If your order is already being sent back to us, we are happy to ship it back out to you. Please note that all returned orders can be subject to a $20 restocking fee.

Can the weather affect when I receive my order?

If the weather is too hot or too cold, we may also suggest delaying your shipment until conditions are more favorable.

How do you ensure wine quality during shipping across different climates?

We use temperature-controlled packaging and monitor weather patterns nationwide. If conditions could damage wine (extreme heat or cold), we delay shipment and notify you immediately. Wine arrives in optimal condition.

What happens if my wine shipment is damaged during delivery?

Contact us immediately if bottles arrive broken or wine appears compromised. We'll arrange replacement or refund on a case-by-case basis. Your satisfaction and wine quality are our priorities.

Can I track my wine shipment?

Yes, you'll receive tracking information once your order ships. We also send notifications about any weather-related delays to keep you informed throughout the delivery process.

Do you offer expedited shipping for last-minute gifts?

Depending on weather conditions and destination, we may offer expedited shipping. Contact us directly for urgent orders - we'll do our best to accommodate while ensuring wine quality isn't compromised.



Shades of Vino Wine Club Membership

What makes The Wine Concierge different from other wine subscription services?

We believe you should drink what you like, not what wine "rules" say you should. The Wine Concierge specializes in wines from BIPOC winemakers, women producers, and minority wine producers while encouraging you to explore your personal preferences - whether that's only white wines, bold reds, or natural wines. We're dismantling wine gatekeeping by letting you customize your quarterly shipments around your actual taste preferences.

Is there a fee to join The Club or The Premier Club?

There is no fee to join. By becoming a Member and placing an order, you agree to receive a shipment of at least 3 bottles of wine from The Wine Concierge once a quarter until you cancel your membership. You may suspend or cancel your membership at any time. Shipping charges may apply based on the size of your order. Taxes may apply based on the shipping address.

How frequently are the wine packages?

Our Shades of Vino subscription ships quarterly (every 3 months) with a minimum of 3 bottles per shipment, all from women and minority wine producers and customized to your preferences. You can skip, modify, change your wine style preferences, or cancel with 7 days notice before your next shipment.

How many wines will I get in a wine package?

The Wine Concierge pre-selects the wines for you in intervals of 3, 6, or 12 wines in your quarterly wine package

I usually get 6 bottles of wine, but next month I only want 3 bottles. How can I make that change?

You can manage your wine package count yourself. Login to the Members section and you can modify the number of wines you receive.

Can I purchase The Club wines between my scheduled wine package?

Yes, you always have access to The Club wines and non-The Club wines.

Can I change my pre-selected wines in my wine package?

Yes, you can. You can substitute wines from The Club’s and The Premier Club’s wine portfolio. You may have to pay more if you select wines from The Premier Club portfolio. You cannot substitute the wines in your wine package with wines not in The Shades of Vino portfolio.

I’m in The Club, but I want to purchase some of The Premier Club’s wines. Can I purchase The Premier Club’s wines?

Yes, you can purchase The Premier Club’s wines.

What is the difference between The Club and The Premier Club membership?

Both have an excellent selection of wines, and you can receive 3, 6, or 12 bottles of wine monthly or quarterly. The Premier Club wine portfolio contains high-end or reserve wines.

Because I am a member, do I receive a discount for wines not in Shades of Vino's portfolio?

Yes, members receive discount pricing on wines available outside The Clubs.

What happens if The Wine Concierge wines are out of stock?

If for some reason your exact order cannot be fulfilled, we reserve the right to substitute up to 3 bottles with similar wines of at least the same value as the wine you ordered. If we need to substitute more than 3 bottles in any one order, we will put your order on hold and contact you for further instructions.

I’m so busy, and I may forget when my wine package is scheduled to be delivered. Will I get a reminder?

Yes, you will receive a reminder email a week prior to The Wine Concierge’s scheduled delivery or shipment.

What types of wines do you include in the Shades of Vino subscription?

Each quarterly shipment features 3+ bottles showcasing different styles from BIPOC winemakers - you might receive a crisp Sauvignon Blanc from a Black-owned California winery, a bold Syrah from an Indigenous producer, and a sparkling wine from a Latinx vintner. We include tasting notes and producer stories with each shipment.

How do you choose wines for wine-curious beginners vs. experienced drinkers?

We offer wines that appeal to both beginners and experienced palates. Each shipment includes approachable wines alongside more complex options, with detailed tasting notes explaining what to expect. Our goal is to expand your palate gradually while building confidence.

Can I customize my wine subscription preferences?

While we curate each shipment to showcase diverse BIPOC producers, you can contact us about strong preferences or allergies. Our wine professionals select each box to provide educational variety and new discoveries.

What educational materials come with my subscription?

Each Shades of Vino shipment includes detailed tasting notes, winemaker stories, food pairing suggestions, and information about the wine regions. We also provide guidance on proper wine storage and serving temperatures.

I Want To Cancel My Membership. How Can I Cancel My Membership?

We understand this may not be the right time for you. You can cancel your membership at any time at no charge. Email hello@thewineconcierge.co five business days before your next scheduled shipment.

I Just Need A Break. Can I Skip A Scheduled Wine Shipment?

Sure. You can skip your next shipment as often as you like, at no charge. Just be sure to do so 5 business days before your next scheduled shipment. Setting a calendar reminder a few days before is a great way to keep track of your membership.

What if my taste preferences change over time?

Perfect! We encourage members to evolve their preferences and try new things when they're ready. Whether you want to gradually explore reds after loving whites, or discover sparkling wines from women-owned wineries, we'll adjust your shipments as your palate develops naturally.

Can I get the same wine style repeatedly if I love it?

Absolutely! If you discover a wine style you adore - whether it's Oregon Pinot Gris, Virginia Petit Verdot, or California Grenache - we can focus your shipments on similar styles from different women and minority producers. Variety doesn't mean you have to drink wines you don't enjoy.



Satisfaction Guarantee

What if I don't like my wine or it's bad?

The Wine Concierge guarantees satisfaction with every sip. We will replace your wine immediately if you dislike your wine or receive bad wine or a broken bottle. Contact us within 30 days of your shipment date.



Wine Education & Learning FAQs

How do you help wine-curious beginners without overwhelming them?

We start with your existing preferences and gradually introduce similar styles from women and minority producers. Like sweet wines? We'll show you off-dry options. Prefer light beers? We might start with crisp whites or light reds from women-owned wineries. No pressure to drink anything you don't enjoy.

How do I pair wine with food?

Consider how the food is prepared and its predominant flavors. Salt, fat, acid and sugar are food flavor indicators to consider when pairing food with wine. Foods with light and mild salt and fat should be paired with lighter bodied wines like steamed veggies or seafood. Salads with high acidic dressings pair with high acidic wines. Spicy dishes complement sweeter wines. Our women and minority winemakers create wines that work beautifully with these pairing principles.

What wines pair best with salty foods?

Salty foods like cheese, cured meats, or salted nuts pair well with wines that have bright acidity or slight sweetness to balance the salt. Try crisp Sauvignon Blanc from women winemakers with salty goat cheese, or off-dry Riesling from minority producers with prosciutto. The acidity cuts through the salt while complementing the flavors.

How do I pair wine with fatty or rich foods?

Fat-rich foods like steak, creamy sauces, or fried dishes need wines with enough tannins or acidity to cut through the richness. Bold Cabernet Sauvignon from minority-owned wineries works with fatty steaks, while high-acid Chardonnay from women producers complements creamy pasta. The wine should cleanse your palate between bites.

What wines work best with acidic foods?

High-acid foods like tomato sauces, vinaigrettes, or citrus dishes need wines with equally high acidity to avoid tasting flat. Pair tomato-based pasta with Sangiovese from women winemakers, or citrus salads with Albariño from minority producers. Matching acid levels creates harmony instead of competition.

How do I pair wine with sweet or spicy foods?

Sweet and spicy foods pair beautifully with wines that have residual sugar. Off-dry Riesling or Gewürztraminer from women and minority producers complement spicy Thai food or sweet-and-sour dishes. The wine's sweetness balances heat while enhancing complex flavors without overwhelming your palate.



Corporate & Gift Services

What corporate wine experiences do you offer beyond gifts?

We provide wine tasting events for teams, client entertainment, educational seminars about wine and diversity, and customized corporate gift programs. All experiences highlight BIPOC producers and can be tailored to your company's values.

How far in advance should I order corporate wine gifts?

We recommend ordering 2-3 weeks in advance for standard gifts, and 4-6 weeks for custom corporate programs or large events. This ensures proper wine selection and presentation.

Do you offer wine education for corporate events?

Yes, we provide guided tastings that educate participants about wine fundamentals, BIPOC contributions to winemaking, and proper tasting techniques. These events are both educational and team-building experiences.

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