Frequently Asked Questions

1) Order & Account

How do I create a customer account?

You can create your account in advance via 'Create account' or during checkout. After confirmation by email, you can centrally manage addresses, order history, and invoices, and order faster in the future.

Do I need an account to place an order?

No, guest ordering is possible. An account makes repeat orders and access to invoices and shipping information easier.

How can I change or cancel my order?

As long as the order has not yet been prepared for shipping, we can make changes or cancellations. Please contact us immediately with your order number (Link to contact form). Once the order has been handed over to the shipping service provider, adjustments are no longer possible.

Where can I find my order history and invoices?

In the customer account under 'Orders'. All customers, including guest customers, receive the invoice by email.

How do I use a voucher or discount code?

Enter the code during the checkout process. The discount will be applied immediately. Usually, only one code can be used per order; promotion-specific conditions may apply. Please note the applicable terms and conditions.

Where can I find my order history and invoices?

In your customer account under 'Orders'. All customers, including guest customers, will receive the invoice by e-mail.

How do I use a voucher or discount code?

Enter the code during the checkout process. The discount will be applied immediately. Usually, one code can be used per order; promotion-specific terms and conditions may apply. Please observe the applicable general terms and conditions.

2) Shipping & Delivery

Which countries do you ship to and with which service providers?

We deliver to Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands. Standard shipping is with DHL; on request, we offer DHL Express for an additional charge. Wooden crates are shipped via trans-o-flex – in all mentioned countries.

What are the shipping costs?

Germany: €9.90 per order; free shipping for orders over €175. Austria and Netherlands: Shipping costs will be displayed at checkout. Express surcharges will be shown separately at checkout.

How long does delivery take?

Germany (Standard DHL): 3–5 working days. Austria & Netherlands (Standard): 5–7 working days. Express (DHL): faster than standard, depending on destination and chosen option.

Do you deliver to packing stations or pick-up stations?

Yes, at DHL Packstations – currently only within Germany. Please note the size and age verification requirements.

Are there surcharges for islands or remote areas?

No. For Germany, Austria and the Netherlands, we do not charge surcharges for regions or islands.

How is the wine packaged?

We use break-proof, certified cardboard packaging. Wines in wooden boxes are transported via trans-o-flex to ensure safe shipping.

Are the wooden crates shipped separately?

Yes. Orders containing wines in complete original wooden cases will be shipped separately via trans-o-flex for secure transport. This may result in two deliveries: the individual bottles via DHL (Standard or Express) and the original wooden case(s) separately via trans-o-flex. You will receive separate shipping information for both deliveries.

3) Payment & Security

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept payments via credit card, PayPal, invoice, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.

When will my payment be charged?

The charge is usually made when the order is completed. For purchases on account, the payment terms shown in the checkout apply.

Is the payment secure?

Yes. Your data will be encrypted.

4) Returns, Revocation & Complaints

How do I exercise my right of withdrawal?

Information on how to cancel can be found here: Refund Policy. Follow the steps described there and return the undamaged goods securely packaged.

How do I report a complaint (cork taint/off-flavor, breakage, wrong delivery)?

Contact us with your order number, a brief description, and – if possible – photos. We will review the case and offer a solution (replacement, credit, or refund).

Who pays for return shipping?

Please refer to the cancellation conditions for more information Right of withdrawal

How long does a refund take?

Upon receipt and inspection of the goods, we will process the refund immediately. The final credit depends on the respective payment provider.

5) Availability, Vintages & Prices

Are all wines immediately available?

Many wines are available from stock. Limited or pre-ordered items may be subject to waiting times. Availability is shown on the product page.

Why do vintages or labels vary?

Vintage changes and occasional design adjustments by the winery are common. We indicate changes on the product page.

How do price differences come about?

Influencing factors are purchasing conditions, demand, transport and storage costs, and for matured wines, the bottle condition. We calculate transparently and in line with market conditions.

Do you offer pre-orders/pre-arrival?

Yes, if indicated. Your Fine Wine Manager will be pleased to proactively inform you about current pre-arrival offers, delivery windows, and allocations, and will assist you with selection and scheduling until delivery.

6) Collectors Wine World Club

What is the Wine Club?

The CWW Club is CollectorsWine World's exclusive customer program. It offers registered customers special benefits, services, and experiences related to the purchase and enjoyment of high-quality wines.

How do I become a member?

Once you reach a gross turnover of €750 within 12 months, you will receive a personal invitation via email. With one click, you confirm your membership and activate your benefits.

What are the benefits of being a member?

The CWW Club offers you exclusive benefits tailored to your personal passion for wine. You receive different benefits depending on your level. You can find all information here Club Page

Is a customer account required?

Yes, to activate your membership and take advantage of the benefits, you need a customer account in the online shop.

7) Newsletter, Collection, Direct Mailing

How do I sign up for the newsletter?

You can subscribe directly on our website with your email address. After confirmation, you will regularly receive news, recommendations, events, and selected offers.

What is the CWW Collection?

Twice a year, we publish a curated collection of special offers – fitting for the season, focused on individual regions, outstanding vintages, or a selected winery.

Is there a direct mailing?

Yes. Quarterly, we send out a compact direct mailing with seasonal recommendations, limited selections, and new arrivals. The content and focus are based on the season, availability, and current discoveries.

Can I unsubscribe from this?

To unsubscribe from the email newsletter, please use the unsubscribe link directly in the newsletter. If you no longer wish to receive postal mailings (Collection or Direct Mailing), please inform us by email or contact your Fine Wine Manager. We will update your preferences immediately.

8) Storage & Shipping Environment

How do you store wines before shipping?

We guarantee perfect storage conditions at 14°C and 65% humidity. Upon request, we will provide you with a certificate for this. This way, we ensure quality and condition until delivery.

Can I store wines with you?

Yes. Upon request, you can store your wines with us under optimal conditions (14°C and 65% humidity). We will be happy to advise you on terms, durations, and documentation to ensure your collection is stored safely and traceably.

Can I choose the shipping time?

Certainly. Let us know your preferred timeframe – we will coordinate shipping accordingly, if logistically possible.

9) Collectors & Investment

Do you offer subscriptions (Bordeaux en primeur)?

Yes. Our Fine Wine Managers provide personalized advice on Bordeaux en primeur – from selecting châteaux and vintage assessment to allocation and long-term aging strategy.

Do you put together complete collections?

Certainly. We curate tailor-made collections by region, style, and vintage – including large formats, rarities, and iconic verticals. Upon request, you will receive documentation with drinking windows and storage recommendations.

Can you source rare bottles that are out of stock?

Yes. Thanks to our excellent contacts with trading houses and wineries, we can procure almost any bottle you are looking for – subject to availability. Your Fine Wine Manager will handle the discreet search, negotiation, and quality assurance.

Do you buy collections?

No. We purchase directly from wineries. When acquiring private collections, we cannot guarantee the provenance and storage conditions throughout – which is why we do not purchase private stock.

10) Authenticity & Genuineness

How do you verify authenticity?

Since we purchase exclusively directly from the winery, authenticity is guaranteed. We can verify the entire supply chain without gaps and guarantee the authenticity of every bottle.

Can I get photos of the actual bottle?

We provide photos upon request, provided the bottle is not packed in a closed wooden case.

11) Wine Consulting & Recommendations

Do you offer personalized advice?

Yes. We offer a comprehensive concierge service (link to Concierge page). Every client is assigned a Fine Wine Manager in their respective region. Your Fine Wine Manager will personally advise you on all wine-related matters – from selection and food pairing to storage, drinking windows, and aging strategies, as well as gift and event topics.

How do I find wines by style, region, or occasion?

Use the filters in the shop (grape variety, region, style, price, drinking window, ratings). For curated suggestions, please contact us directly.

Are there sample or themed packages?

Yes. We offer seasonal wine packages – for example, based on season, occasion, or style – as well as various events throughout Germany. You can find current information on our website; alternatively, feel free to contact your Fine Wine Manager for personal recommendations and appointments.

12) Reviews & Critic Scores

What are your sources of valuation?

We include internationally recognized critic sources – for example, James Suckling, Robert Parker (The Wine Advocate), Jeb Dunnuck, and Markus Del Monego – where available, and supplement these with our own tasting notes. The respective source is transparently indicated in the product text.

Why do critic scores vary?

Tasting style, timing, and bottle age can lead to differing assessments. We recommend using scores as a guide and notes as context. We are happy to advise you individually.

Do you update reviews?

Yes. We update the product page information for re-tastings or new releases.

13) Storage at Home & Drinkability

How do I store wine optimally?

Store wine in a dark place, with low vibration, and at a constant temperature of about 12–14 °C. A relative humidity of 60–70% is ideal to keep corks supple.

Do I need a wine cooler?

For longer-term storage or delicate wines, a wine fridge is recommended. For short-term enjoyment, a cool, stable environment without light and temperature fluctuations is sufficient.

What does 'drinking window' mean?

The drinking window describes the period in which a wine is expected to reach its optimal drinking pleasure. Where available, we provide a recommendation for each wine and offer individual advice.

When should I open the wine?

Follow the recommended drinking window and occasion. Your Fine Wine Manager will help you choose the right time – especially for mature wines.

Dealing with sediment/tartrates

Sediment in mature red wines is normal; tartrates can form at cool temperatures and are harmless. Decanting or careful pouring helps to avoid sediment in the wine.

14) Food Pairing & Occasion

Which wines pair well with typical dishes?

Basic rule: Intensity to intensity. Hearty red wines with dark meat; elegant white wines with fish and vegetables; aromatic wines with spicy cuisine. We are happy to advise you individually for each menu.

Recommendations for Celebrations and Gifts

For festive occasions, we recommend curated selections with style – from iconic classics to new discoveries. Large formats make an impressive statement, look particularly elegant on the table, and are perfect for sharing. Upon request, we are happy to advise you and put together an excellent selection.

Glass recommendations

Use glasses with sufficient volume and appropriate shape (e.g., Bordeaux, Burgundy glass). A clean, odorless glass and the correct serving temperature are crucial for the aroma.

Non-alcoholic alternatives

We would be happy to advise you on high-quality non-alcoholic options and stylistically appropriate accompaniments for your menu or event.

15) Sustainability & Responsibility

Sustainability at Collectors Wine World

Since October 2024, we have been the first fine wine company in Germany to be certified according to the ZNU "Sustainable Management" standard (annual audit by TÜV Rheinland). The standard covers environmental, economic, and social aspects; details can be found in the sustainability section.

What are the goals of Collectors Wine World?

As the first fine wine company in Germany to be certified by ZNU "Sustainable Management," we pursue measurable improvements in the environmental, economic, and social dimensions. Our goals: continuously reduce emissions, use resources more efficiently, strengthen fair partnerships in the value chain, and increase transparency for customers. Further details can be found in the Sustainability section.

Youth Protection & Age Verification

We only sell to customers of legal age. Age verification may be carried out upon order or delivery.

Supporting small wineries

We work directly with wineries and foster long-term partnerships – focusing on quality, transparency, and origin.

16) Company Information

Who is Collectors Wine World?

CollectorsWine World combines a unique concierge concept with a curated portfolio of mature icons and rarities – personally advised by fine wine experts who translate your preferences into tailor-made recommendations. Thanks to transparent sourcing, guaranteed authenticity, and optimal storage, you enjoy uncompromising quality – from the initial selection to the secure delivery of your wine treasures.

How to reach us?

You can reach us by email and phone. For personal advice, our Concierge Service with Fine Wine Managers in your region is at your disposal.

Legal

All legal information (Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, Right of Withdrawal) can be found on our website. If you have any questions, we will be happy to assist you.

17) Technical questions about the shop

I'm having trouble logging in or making a payment.

Please check your login details and payment information. If necessary, delete your browser cache/cookies and try again. If the problem persists, please contact our customer service.

How do I reset my password?

Use the 'Forgot password' function and follow the email instructions to create a new password.

How do I use search and filters effectively?

Narrow down the selection by grape variety, region, price, and ratings. For individual recommendations, your Fine Wine Manager is at your disposal.

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