get your questions answered

Welcome to our FAQ page! Here, you’ll find answers to common questions about ordering and delivery, wine storage, taxation and duty. Whether you’re wondering about delivery times, or the taxes and duties that may apply to your order, we’ve got you covered. If you don’t see the answer you need, feel free to contact us – we’re happy to help!

Ordering and delivery

What is in-bond pricing and why does AGFW use it as the default pricing on its website?

In-bond pricing refers to the cost of wine that is stored in a bonded warehouse and has not yet had UK Duty or VAT applied. This is often how fine wines are traded, particularly for investment or long-term storage.

Purchasing wine in bond means you can defer paying duty and VAT until you choose to have the wine delivered to a UK address. If you decide to sell the wine while it remains in bond, you won’t need to pay these taxes at all. Additionally, wines stored in bond are kept in professional, temperature-controlled conditions, ensuring optimal aging and provenance.

If you’d like to learn more about in-bond purchases or storage options, feel free to reach out to info@avint-garde.wine.

What is the difference between immediate and stock abroad?

Immediate stock refers to wine that has been landed in our account at London City Bond (LCB) and is ready for immediate dispatch/delivery.

Stock Abroad refers to stock that has been secured via our network of merchants and negociants abroad and is either being stored in another location or is en route to our LCB account.

What are the delivery charges and do you offer free delivery for orders over a certain amount?

We offer the below delivery options:

Complimentary transfer to bonded UK warehouses
Nationwide 2^nd Day Delivery:
- Up to six units* – £20 ex. VAT
- Seven – 15 units – £40 ex. VAT
- 16 + units – Free
Complimentary weekly concierge white glove delivery

Bonded transfers are batched and done on a monthly basis. Customers will be advised when stock moves from AGFW to their provider of choice. Similarly, concierge deliveries are batched and delivered once a week. Orders placed before Wednesday will be delivered the following Saturday. Nick will reach out to confirm deliveries the day before. Orders with immediate stock and stock abroad will ship via selected option once all wines have landed in our warehouse. If you’d like to split your order for quicker delivery, please place separate orders or reach out to info@avint-garde.wine.

* A unit is defined as the format dealt on the AGFW website. For example one case, regardless of the number of bottles is one unit, whereas individual loose bottles regardless of size constitute one unit each.

Is there a minimum order requirement?

No, there is no minimum order requirement.

Can I track my order once it’s dispatched?

You will receive e-mail and SMS confirmation the day before your wines are delivered.

What should I do if my order arrives damaged or incorrect?

Please email info@avint-garde.wine ASAP and we’ll do our best to rectify the situation.

Taxation and Duty

What does “In Bond” (IB) mean, and how does it affect pricing?

“In Bond” (IB) refers to wine that has not yet had duty and VAT (Value Added Tax) paid. These wines are stored in a government-licensed bonded warehouse and can only be transferred between other bonded accounts until duty and VAT are settled.

Broking and Selling Wine

Do you offer services to help clients sell their wine collections?

Yes. Just as we do for sourcing wines, we work with an extensive global network of potential buyers and welcome the opportunity to explore liquidating part or all of your collection.

How does the broking process work, and what are the associated fees?

As there are so many variables at play, each proposal is bespoke. Please reach out to info@avint-garde.wine to discuss.

Can you assist with valuations of my wine collection?

Yes. Wines stored with AGFW are provided with a monthly valuation as part of our storage offering. For wines stored at other providers, we charge £50 for a one-time valuation.

Account Management

How do I create and manage my online account?

You will be prompted to create an account as part of the checkout process the first time you create an order. Once an account has been created, you can login any time to view or edit your payment method, billing information and order history.

What should I do if I forget my password?

Please follow the instructions to reset your password here.

How can I update my personal details or communication preferences?

You can update your details or preferences by logging into your account or emailing info@avint-garde.wine.

Storage

Where are the wines stored, and are they insured during storage?

Wine are stored at London City Bond (LCB) at their Burton Gateway facility in Burton-on-Trent. In business for over 150 years, LCB is the UK’s largest independent and most sophisticated bonded warehousing provider. Other clients include Fortnum & Mason, Laurent Perrier, and Louis Latour.

Wines are covered under the standard terms of the UK Warehousekeeper Association terms & conditions with an uplifted level of liability of up to £1,000 per any single incident.

What are the costs associated with wine storage?

Storage is charged per below (inc. VAT):

9 litre equivalent – £1.20/month
4.5 litre equivalent or less – £0.60 per month

Rent is charged for any period in which wines are in the AGFW account at LCB.

Can I access my stored wines or have them delivered upon request?

Wines can be accessed in-person via appointment with AGFW and LCB. Wines can be delivered via 2nd day carrier (subject to delivery charge). Complimentary weekly concierge delivery is also offered for stocks coming out of AGFW storage.