Shipping policy

Herbert Fine Wine Ltd. — Shipping Policy

1. Overview

This Shipping Policy explains how Herbert Fine Wine Ltd. ("we", "us", "our") handles the delivery, dispatch and collection of wines purchased through our website or via email offers. All deliveries are subject to our Terms of Service and Refund & Returns Policy.

Fine wine is a sensitive, perishable product. Once wines leave our control, they are entirely at the buyer's risk.

2. Delivery Methods

2.1 London City Bond (LCB) Delivery

Most orders are fulfilled via London City Bond. Delivery times vary depending on location, warehouse schedules and seasonal demand.

Responsibility passes to you once the wines leave bonded storage.
We are not liable for LCB delays, routing, handling or scheduling.
LCB may require additional time during peak periods.
2.2 Courier Delivery

Where wines are delivered by courier:

Responsibility passes when the wines are handed to the courier.
We are not liable for courier delays, breakages, temperature exposure, or mishandling.
Delivery windows are estimates only and not guaranteed.
This includes deliveries made by third-party merchants, agents, subcontracted drivers or any ad-hoc courier services used to complete a delivery.
2.3 Freight Forwarders & Export Agents

If you appoint a freight forwarder or export agent:

Responsibility passes when the wines are handed to your forwarder.
We are not responsible for export documentation, customs clearance, insurance, or transit conditions.
International shipments should be insured by the customer or their agent.
2.4 Direct Collection

If you arrange collection directly from us:

Responsibility passes at the point of collection.
We may require proof of identity or written authorisation for third-party collection.
2.5 LCB Warehouse Collection

If you arrange collection from an LCB warehouse:

Appointments must be pre-booked.
LCB may refuse unbooked collections.
Responsibility passes when LCB releases the goods.
We are not liable for LCB handling, delays or administrative errors.
3. Delivery Areas

We deliver to:

UK mainland addresses
LCB warehouses
Freight forwarders and bonded warehouses
We do not ship directly outside the UK. International customers must use a freight forwarder.

4. Delivery Times

Delivery times depend on warehouse location, courier availability, seasonal demand, weather conditions, and operational delays outside our control. Delivery estimates are not guaranteed.

5. Delivery Charges

Delivery charges vary depending on destination and number of cases. Delivery costs are confirmed at the time of invoicing and will appear on your invoice. We do not publish fixed delivery tariffs, as charges depend on location, quantity and operational factors.

6. Failed Deliveries & Redelivery

If a delivery attempt fails due to incorrect address, no one available to receive the goods, refusal of delivery, or failure to collect from a depot, you may be charged for redelivery, return to warehouse, storage, and administrative fees.

7. Heat, Cold & Weather Conditions

Fine wine is sensitive to temperature fluctuations. We cannot accept responsibility for heat damage, freezing, temperature shock, exposure during courier transit, or delays caused by weather. Once wines leave our control, they are entirely at the buyer's risk.

8. Inspection on Delivery

You must inspect wines on delivery and notify us of any issues within 7 days. Claims made after this period cannot be considered. This aligns with our Refund & Returns Policy.

9. En Primeur (EP) Deliveries

EP wines are delivered 12–36 months after purchase, depending on bottling schedules. Delivery dates are estimates only. We are not liable for delays caused by producers, négociants or global events. Duty and VAT are payable if the wines are taken Duty Paid. Delivery charges for EP wines may be applied either at the point of invoicing or when the wines land in the UK. The timing depends on operational factors and the customer's chosen delivery or storage arrangements.

10. Storage After Delivery

We cannot accept responsibility for any deterioration arising from heat or cold exposure, light exposure, vibration or movement, improper storage, or delays or courier handling. Once delivered or collected, wines are entirely at the buyer's risk.

10A. Uncollected Wines & Storage Charges

If we request delivery or transfer instructions and no instructions are provided within a reasonable period, wines may be placed into storage in our LCB account or at another bonded or third-party facility. Any storage, handling or administrative charges incurred as a result of uncollected wines will be charged to the customer.

If we are unable to obtain delivery or transfer instructions for an extended period, we may recover any outstanding storage or handling costs from the value of the wines. Any remaining balance will be held as a credit for the customer.

11. Trade Customers

For trade customers (restaurants, merchants, brokers etc.): delivery terms may differ; no consumer rights apply.

12. Contact

For delivery enquiries, please contact us at hello@herbertfinewine.com.

13. Governing Law

This Shipping Policy is governed by the laws of England and Wales.