Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ for the Algodon Wine Estates Barrel Ownership Program:
Q: What is the recommended barrel aging period for each wine?
A: White wines: 6 to 8 months. Red wines: 12 to 14 months.
Q: What is the recommended storage for my wine bottles once I receive my shipment?
A: Once the wine has been delivered to its destination, the wine bottles should be stored lying down in a cool, dry room which is free of light. The wine should have a storage life of 4 to 8 years, depending on the structure of the vintage.
Q: Can I have the barrel shipped to me after my 3 uses are up?
A: Algodon Wine Estates will do its best to accommodate its patrons. Depending on the export regulations for wood products, the barrel may need to be cured before shipping. An additional final curing and shipping charge would be incurred by the patron, who should be reminded that it is not recommended that a barrel be used after its 3rd usage is up.
Q: Can you tell me the exact shipping and tax cost?
A: There are many variables involved such as shipping costs, fuel costs, and federal and state tax on shipping wine. We will provide the exact shipping and tax cost at bottling. The current estimate is around $1,500 total for shipping and tax.
Q: Can you guarantee the availability of every varietal or barrel?
A: Because of market fluctuations, barrel availability is subject to change. Because of natural forces and other unforeseen events, the varietal availability is subject to change. In the possible event of requests for the barrelage of a varietal not featured in that vintage, Algodon Wine Estates will do its best to accommodate those requests.
Q: Once my wine is barrel aged for the recommended period and is ready to be bottled and shipped, how is it shipped?
A: The wine is shipped in one shipment (we are required to do so) to the destination of your choice. You can save on shipping costs if your destination is able to accept a pallet.
Q: What will happen to my barrel if I decide to wait before refilling for a second or third usage?
A: Unfortunately, we are not in the business of storing unused barrels. In the event that you choose to refrain from immediately refilling your barrel for its 2nd usage, Algodon Wine Estates will reserve the right to utilize that barrel, rather than let it sit empty. The 2nd use is typically the best use, so we recommend immediately commencing with the 2nd filling. Each filling currently costs $2,500 + shipping/cost but this may rise subject to market conditions, etc.
Q: What forms of payment are accepted for online purchases?
A: Payment may be made by Visa, Master Card, Discover, and American Express. Personal checks are accepted for mail orders only. Click here for a printable order form. Should you experience any problems while placing an order, a Customer Service representative is available to assist and place the order for you. Please call toll-free 1-866-960-7700 and ask for a wine representative. If your credit card expires, is canceled, is lost or is subject to use without your authorization, you must promptly give Algodon Wines notice of a replacement credit card or corrected information either by calling toll-free 1-866-960-7700 or by sending an email to info@algodonwines.com. Algodon Wines will not be responsible for any fees, penalties, costs or expenses associated with insufficient funds or any charge or attempted charge of your membership fee to a credit or debit card.
Q: Can I order by telephone?
A: You can always place orders over the phone by calling 212-739-7622. Orders may also be placed by fax at 212-655-3681. Fax or mail order forms are available here.
Q: Can I purchase a barrel of wine as a gift?
A: You can indicate directly on the check-out page if the order is a gift. Simply fill in the message box and be sure to indicate a different shipping name and address from the billing. We will send them an email notification of the gift unless you specify otherwise.
Q: When I submit credit card information online, is it secure?
A: Algodon Wines uses PayPal.com which employs sophisticated encryption and authentication tools to protect the security of your credit card information. To learn more, please visit www.paypal.com.
Q: Does Algodon Wines sell or rent my email address to other companies?
A: Algodon Wines does not sell or rent your email address to other companies.
Q: Will I receive a confirmation of my order?
A: Algodon Wines will send an order confirmation to the email address associated with your account whether the order is placed over the phone, internet, fax or mailed in.
Q: What is your policy on products that arrive broken or damaged?
A: We understand that wine is fragile and the bottle may break or be damaged in transit. If this occurs, please call us at 212-739-7622 from 9am-5pm EST Mon-Fri and a representative will assist you.
Q: Can orders be shipped to a P.O. box?
A: By law, alcohol cannot be shipped to PO Boxes or APO/FPO addresses.
Q: Does Algodon Wines ship to Hawaii, Alaska and Puerto Rico?
A: Special shipping rates are calculated for orders shipped to Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.
Q: Can orders be shipped to foreign countries?
A: For an international order, please call us at +1 (212) 739-7622 or fax us at +1 (212) 655-3681. Payment must be made by credit card or postal money order (in U.S. dollars) for international and mail orders. Orders outside the continental U.S. may require higher shipping charges than what is indicated online. Shipping and applicable duty charges are paid by the recipient. Call for shipping charges. (All pricing is in U.S. dollars.) If you are ordering in Argentina, please go to www.bombalyaldao.com.ar to place your order.
Q: If I am not available to sign for delivery, can someone else in the household sign for it, if they are under 21?
A: No one under 21 is legally able to accept the wine shipment. Only if the person is over 21, can they sign for it.
Q: Are there any restrictions on the type of address Algodon Wines can ship to?
A: By law, alcohol cannot be shipped to PO Boxes or APO/FPO addresses.