Refund policy

Herbert Fine Wine Ltd. — Refund & Returns Policy

1. General Principles

Herbert Fine Wine Ltd. is a specialist fine-wine merchant. The wines we offer — whether young releases or mature bottles — are agricultural products that evolve naturally over time. As such, all wines are sold entirely at the buyer's risk once they leave our control.

We act in good faith when sourcing, storing and handling wines, but we cannot guarantee how any bottle will perform.

2. Age Restriction

All wines sold by Herbert Fine Wine Ltd. are age-restricted products. By placing an order with us, the customer confirms they are aged 18 or over. We reserve the right to cancel any order where we have reason to believe this is not the case. It is an offence under the Licensing Act 2003 to purchase or attempt to purchase alcohol if you are under the age of 18.

3. Wine Condition

3.1 Natural Variation — Fine wine is a natural product and may show variation from bottle to bottle. Characteristics such as cork taint, oxidation, ullage, sediment, tartrate crystals, bottle variation and other natural developments are not considered faults.

3.2 No Guarantee of Taste or Drinkability — Taste, drinkability and performance are subjective and cannot be guaranteed. Wines may not always show at their best on any given day.

3.3 Older Wines — Mature bottles are sold strictly as seen. Older wines may display imperfections, wear, or unpredictable development. This is normal and accepted by the buyer.

3.4 Provenance — Where provenance information is provided by suppliers, we pass it on in good faith. However, we cannot verify or warrant its accuracy or completeness.

3.5 Condition Reports — Where relevant, we may provide condition notes or photographs. These are indicative only and do not constitute a guarantee of condition or performance.

4. Responsibility & Risk Transfer

4.1 LCB Delivery — For wines delivered by London City Bond on our behalf, responsibility passes to the customer at the point the wines leave bonded storage. Herbert Fine Wine Ltd. accepts no liability for any loss, damage, deterioration or condition issues arising during transport or after delivery.

4.2 Courier or Agent Delivery — Where wines are collected by, or delivered via, a courier or agent acting for the customer, responsibility passes to the customer at the moment the wines are handed to that courier or agent.

4.3 Direct Collection — In the rare event that wines are collected directly from us, responsibility passes to the customer at the point of collection.

5. Storage & Handling After Delivery

Once wines have been dispatched or collected, we cannot accept responsibility for: heat or cold exposure; vibration or movement; light exposure; improper storage; delays or handling by couriers or agents. Any deterioration arising after dispatch or collection is entirely at the buyer's risk.

6. Inspection on Delivery

Customers are asked to inspect wines on delivery and notify us of any issues within 7 days of receipt. Claims relating to condition, damage or shortages must be submitted within this period by contacting us at hello@herbertfinewine.com. After this period, we cannot consider such claims.

7. Faulty Bottles

7.1 Corked or Out-of-Condition Wines — Given the nature of fine wine, we do not offer refunds or replacements for corked or out-of-condition bottles.

7.2 Discretionary Review — In the rare event that a bottle is clearly faulty, please notify us within 7 days of receipt by contacting hello@herbertfinewine.com. We may request the return of the bottle for inspection. Any replacement or credit is offered entirely at our discretion and without obligation.

8. Returns & Refunds

8.1 No Returns for Change of Mind — We do not accept returns or offer refunds for change of mind or buyer's remorse.

8.2 No Returns for Condition Complaints — We do not accept returns for issues relating to: natural variation; cork taint; oxidation; ullage; bottle variation; subjective taste or drinkability; condition of older wines; or provenance concerns. These are inherent risks of purchasing fine wine.

8.3 Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 — Fine wine is a commodity whose price is subject to fluctuations in financial markets beyond our control. Accordingly, the right to cancel under the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 does not apply to purchases made through Herbert Fine Wine Ltd., pursuant to Regulation 28(1)(c).

9. Liability

Herbert Fine Wine Ltd.'s liability in all circumstances is strictly limited to the invoice price of the wines purchased. We are not liable for: indirect or consequential loss; deterioration after dispatch; courier or agent handling; or storage conditions after delivery.

10. Accuracy of Information

Descriptions, photographs, condition notes and levels are provided in good faith. They are indicative only and do not constitute a guarantee of condition or performance.

11. Governing Law

This policy is governed by the laws of England and Wales.