Shipping and Returns
We want your Grand Cru Direct experience to be as smooth as possible. This page explains our policies on shipping, delivery, and returns so you know what to expect when ordering with us. Here you’ll find information on title transfer and shipping limitations, weather holds, pre-arrival wines, and how order changes, cancellations, and returns are handled. This Shipping and Returns policy forms part of the Terms and Conditions governing your use of the Grand Cru Direct website and all purchases made through it.
Title Transfer and Shipping Limitations
All products are sold in the State of California and title passes to you at the time of purchase in California. By placing an order, you authorize Grand Cru Direct to engage a licensed common carrier to deliver the products on your behalf. Due to changing interstate alcohol shipping laws, we reserve the right to cancel orders if we determine we are unable to legally ship to your address. In such cases, a full refund will be issued.
We make no representation regarding your legal ability to ship or import alcoholic beverages into any jurisdiction outside California. You are solely responsible for complying with all applicable local and state laws. You assume full responsibility for the lawful transport of the products to your chosen destination, including the obligation to determine any legal restrictions, import requirements, taxes, or duties that may apply.
Wine shipping is restricted in many states. We apologize if we are unable to ship to your location. We strongly encourage you to review the laws in your state or country before placing an order or arranging shipment.
We strongly recommend shipping to a business address where someone will be available to receive the shipment during normal working hours. All carriers require the signature of an adult age 21 or older at the time of delivery. Alcoholic beverages cannot be delivered to P.O. Boxes or left unattended.
To arrange special delivery options, contact us at customercare@grandcrudirect.com.
Weather Holds and Temperature-Controlled Shipping
We take great care to ensure your wine arrives in perfect condition, including actively monitoring weather across the country to safeguard it during transit. During periods of extreme heat or cold:
- We may hold your order until conditions improve.
- You may request immediate shipment, but you accept full responsibility for any damage caused by temperature exposure.
- For destinations with sustained high temperatures, we offer thermal insulation and cold packs (additional fees may apply).
To avoid weekend delays and temperature risk, we may hold your order to ship early in the week. We also offer complimentary holds in our climate-controlled warehouse for up to 30 days. If you’d like to delay shipment due to travel or weather, just let us know.
Pre-Arrival Wines
Most of our products are sold on a pre-arrival basis. These items are not yet in stock but are expected to arrive within a published window. This approach allows us to secure highly-allocated wines at market-leading prices. Pre-arrival wines:
- Require full payment of the purchase price at time of order
- Are subject to additional charges (e.g., tariffs, duties) assessed at entry into the U.S.
- Are shipped or held for storage once they arrive at our warehouse, whichever you prefer
- Require payment of shipping fees at the time of delivery coordination
We are required to pay for pre-arrival wines when we secure them on your behalf and do not receive any float on your advance payment.
Please note that the listed price of pre-arrival wines does not include any existing or future import tariffs, duties, or taxes. All such charges imposed at the time of entry into the United States are the sole responsibility of the buyer and must be paid in full before the wine can be released for delivery. If these charges are not paid within 30 days of notification, we reserve the right to charge applicable storage fees or, in the case of prolonged non-payment, to consider the order abandoned without refund.
Once your pre-arrival wines arrive, we will contact you by phone or email before shipping. This gives you the opportunity to confirm or update your preferred delivery address and method. We do not automatically ship wines without first coordinating with you.
If a pre-arrival order is delayed more than 9 months beyond the estimated date, you may cancel for a full refund. Otherwise, our standard cancellation policy applies.
Occasionally, wines offered on a futures or pre-arrival basis may become unavailable due to circumstances beyond our control. If we are informed that we cannot fulfill your order, we will issue a full refund. Please note that we are not liable for any additional losses and are not required to source a replacement wine.
Order Changes, Cancellations, and Returns
All orders are subject to availability. We reserve the right to cancel or refuse any order at our sole discretion.
Pre-Arrival Orders:
All pre-arrival sales are final and cannot be cancelled or refunded, as these products are paid for in advance and secured specifically for each customer. The only exception is if shipping is delayed by more than 9 months beyond the estimated arrival window, in which case a full refund may be requested.
In-Stock Orders:
You may cancel an in-stock order before it ships. If the order has already been processed or shipped, we will do our best to accommodate your request, but cancellation is not guaranteed. If cancellation is approved, any non-refundable shipping or handling costs already incurred will be deducted from your refund.
Returns and Refunds:
Once shipped, all sales are final. Due to the nature of the products we sell, returns and exchanges are generally not accepted. If your order arrives damaged or you receive the wrong item, please notify us within 48 hours of delivery at customercare@grandcrudirect.com, including supporting details such as photos. We will review the issue and, if warranted, offer a replacement or refund at our sole discretion.
Please contact us promptly at customercare@grandcrudirect.com for any order changes or cancellation inquiries.