A wine future is a contract between a buyer that has the function of locking the price of a specified quantity of wine at a future date. The buyer pays the seller a predetermined amount of money and the seller agrees to deliver the wine at a future released date.

Wine futures are typically used by buyers to protect themselves against future price changes in the wine market and without risking a particular wine sells out. A wine future is sold before is bottled and paid in advance. An example of wine future is the “En Primeur” campaign in Bordeaux selling prior year vintage 12-24 months before their actual release.

If you buy Wine Futures, at the time of release, you can choose to have your wine delivered or stock in one of our warehouses in Europe for investment and later selling or delivery.

Unlike Wine Futures, a Pre-Arrival wine is sold after it is already bottled, but it is not available on the market yet. These wines usually take 3-6 months to arrive and buyers pay in advance to secure their allocation. These wines arrive through our suppliers in Europe and/or United States and buyers typically get the best prices available on the market.

Unlike a Pre-Arrival wine, that is available to ship within 2-3 months from the time of purchase, Pre-Order has a shorter turnaround time of 1-4 weeks. These are wines we have direct allocation that we are set to receive within a specific time frame, and can be sold in advance.

Usually 3-6 months, however for some items may be longer. Once your order is received by Wine Empire, you will be contacted to ensure immediate shipping or select a suitable date.

Given the already discounted price compared to the rest of the market, Pre-Arrival Wines are not subject to discount.

All shipments and deliveries require an adult signature with a valid ID. You must be at least 21 years of age to purchase and receive wines.

The shipping season ranges, generally, from September to mid-May given the weather conditions. Orders may be subject to weather holds and you will be contacted if delays arise. We can always hold your orders up to six months. If you choose to have your order shipped during extreme weather, we will not assume responsibility for the condition of your products.

Shipping quotes provided at checkout are estimates only and based on a 750ml average wine bottle weight and normal bottle quantity packaging requirements. Actual shipping charges may be adjusted due to custom packaging for different formats, size, and/or shapes.

Once the order is shipped, customers assumes 100% responsibility for the product once it leaves our facilities. Orders returned to us by shipping carriers after they have attempted to make normal delivery will not be re-shipped unless we are contacted by the original recipient and the additional shipping costs for resending the parcel has been paid for.

Industry standard regulations on shipping prohibit wines to be shipped in the Original Wooden Cases (OWC). This is to ensure wine ships and travels safe. We understand that some wish to own the OWC and we can accommodate – per further request – separate shipping of the OWC for additional fees.

All sales are final. Refunds, returns, or exchanges are not available unless there is an error in shipping or receiving by Wine Empire. If you have concerns, please contact us to explore potential solutions.