How wines are shipped to us:

All wines we purchase in Europe are shipped to us in temperature controlled containers.  Our facility is maintained at 55-57 degrees Fahrenheit year round.

How we ship wines to you:

Although you may select a shipping method while placing your order, we will not ship unless advised either by phone or Email. This policy is in place to ensure that temperatures are conducive when shipping, and that a person 21 years or above will be available to sign for the package.

We monitor the conditions in Chicago and do not recommend shipping if the temperature exceeds 75 degrees, or is below 32 degrees. However, it is the customer's responsibility to monitor the weather along the path in which the wines may travel to ensure it is safe to ship. When the weather is conducive, please contact us at shipping@tcwc.com or call 630-594-2972 and we will be happy to prepare your wines.

Shipping Costs:

All shipping costs are charged at the time of shipment (not at the time of placing the order).  Shipping costs vary based primarily on three factors (1) number of bottles, (2) method of transportation and, (3) value of bottles (higher bottle values result in higher insurance rates for the shipment).  We do not mark up shipping costs and the incentives we receive from the carriers are passed on to you. Likewise with shipping materials. You are invoiced for the combined cost of these items.

The majority of all shipments are sent  via UPS.  The cost of shipping a full case (12x750ml) within the U.S. via UPS Ground ranges from $35 to $50 (including the Styrofoam shipper).  The cost of shipping a similarly valued half-case (6x750ml) ranges from $25 to 33. For this reason, we highly encourage you to consolidate purchases or review our offers to fill-out full cases in order to reduce shipping costs. UPS 2-Day service is approximately $90 to $120 per case and UPS overnight service is approximately $140 to $160 per case. These are estimated figures, and as all carriers have frequent fuel surcharge increases, rates may change. Please contact us to get an exact quote.  We have provided below a table roughly outlining estimated shipping costs.  The table below is only an estimate and subject to change and the prevailing rates at the time of shipment.  Estimates are based on a shipment with an average bottle price of $100.  Insurance costs roughly $.70 for every $100 of declared value.

For larger shipments, shipping by trucking line may be more cost effective. Shipping by truck is usually worth considering for shipments of 15 cases or more.  These shipments are palletized allowing your wines to remain securely in the original wood cases as well.  Also, temperature controlled shipments can be arranged.

Please note when arranging shipping that none of the carriers will honor insurance claims based on temperature related damage. They will only cover loss or breakage. This is why we strongly recommend shipping in the spring or fall when conditions are favorable.

If Fed Ex is your desired carrier please be aware that they classify wines as fine art and will most likely not reimburse if there is loss or breakage.

FedEx Ground shipments must be arranged at least 1 day in advance.

It is the customer's responsibility to research their state's laws and procedures regarding wine shipments.  

Notice to New Hampshire residents: In accordance with state law, The Chicago Wine Company will only ship up to 60 individual containers of not more than one liter each of wine to any one customer’s address in New Hampshire in any calendar year. Also, all shipments into the state of New Hampshire will be charged a fee of 8% of the retail price.  The 8% fee will be collected at the time of purchase and will be remitted to New Hampshire by TCWC.

Delivery to Chicago Wine Storage Facilities:

On the first Thursday of the Month, we now offer free delivery to the following wine storage facilities in Chicago (if you have an account with them):

·          Domaine Wines on W. Concord (Account not required.)

·          East Bank on Lake St.

·          East Bank on Ohio St.

·          Kent Cellar on Lincoln Av.

·          Strongbox on Irving Park Rd.

·          Strongbox on N. Orleans St.

All wines that are picked-up or delivered within the State of Illinois are subject to 8.25% Illinois Sales Tax.

Storage:

We offer 90 days free storage.  If wine is purchased on a pre-arrival basis, the 90 day period is based upon the date the wine arrives in our warehouse (an e-mail notice will be sent upon the arrival of your wines).  We offer some flexibility on extending this free storage period if temperatures are not conducive for shipping.  Our storage fee is $7.50 per case or partial case per 3 months.  Insurance is additional.  Also, we will remind you via e-mail that you have wines in storage prior to invoicing you for storage fees.