Frequently asked questions

For advice on our services, contact

Tel: +44 (0) 1732 779 343

This section answers many frequently asked questions, a must read for first time wine investors. We review the questions regularly, if the answer isnt here let us know and we'll update this list for future reference.

I don't know where to start, but want to invest in wine, what should I do? (top)

Our team of experienced wine specialists are here to help you. Whether you are new to wine and want to start a small investment, would like to purchase wine to drink, or are more experienced and require specific wines. We pride ourselves on being easy to approach. We can guide you through the process and answer any questions that you have.

Contact us now on: +44 (0) 1732 779 343 or email us on sales@bwiltd.co.uk

Alternatively we can call you, please leave your name and number here.

What does In Bond mean?  (top)

When a wine is stored In Bond the Duty and VAT has not yet been paid. This is ideal for investment wines, as they will also be stored professionally, ensuring the value of the wine remains at its premium. Bonded warehouses must be approved by HM Customs & Excise. Once out of bond the wine cannot return. See storage and insurance for more details.

Who is Robert Parker?  (top)

Robert Parker is a wine critic who has influenced serious wine purchasers since the 1980's, after introducing his own way of evaluating the wines tasted through a point system. The wine regions that he covers are the Rhone Valley, Provence, Bordeaux and California. His publication ‘The Wine Advocate' also includes reviews of other regions, by the following critics: 

Antonio Galloni: Italy
Neal Martin: all regions
Jay Miller: Oregon, Washington, Spain, Australia, South America and Vintage Ports.
David Schildknecht: Germany, Austria, Eastern Europe, America's Eastern & Midwestern wineries, Alsace, Burgundy, the Loire Valley, Languedoc-Roussillon, Champagne, New Zealand and South Africa.
Mark Squires: Israel, Greece, Lebanon, Cyprus, Bulgaria and Romania.

Robert Parker devised a system to rate wines with scores out of one hundred: http://www.erobertparker.com/members/info/legend.asp

What is En Primeur?  (top)

This is a method of purchasing wine before it has been bottled. Each year following the harvest the chateaux of Bordeaux release their new vintage ‘in barrel'; referred to as En Primeur ir futures. When purchasing En Primeur, the price quoted does not include Duty or VAT.

What happens after I've purchased En Primeur wine?  (top)

Purchases of En Primeur are generally made one to two years before bottling (the exact time depends on the region). The most commonly offered En Primeur wine comes from Bordeaux, Burgundy and the Rhone Valley although many other regions, including some New World wineries, are following suit. Port is also frequently offer in the same way.

Once the wine enters the UK, it may be stored in bond or, after payment of taxes, can be delivered.

Why purchase wine En Primeur? What are the benefits?  (top)

Purchasing the wine at this stage opens up an investment opportunity, allowing an investor to buy the wine at the beginning of its life before the value of the wine rises. It is also often possible to request non standard bottle sizes, for example Halves, Magnums or larger formats.  Buying en primeur offers the best assurance of provenance, as the purchaser can be confident of a wine's storage history from day one.

Do I need to know alot about wine before I purchase En Primeur?  (top)

During the En Primeur season our team heads out to sample all the wines in Bordeaux to create our tasting reports. We obtain our knowledge first hand so our clients can rely on our evaluation of each wine in the vintage. BWI are leading specialists in buying, selling, broking and investing in fine wine. BWI can provide you with a high quality service. Offering the right advice, the right sourcing, at the right time - delivered to you from our team of professionals. See our En Primeur section for the latest En Primeur wines available. Contact our team now for assistance and to answer your queries directly on: +44 (0) 1732 779 343

Where do you store the wines?  (top)

We store at London City Bond Tilbury, a well established warehouse with over 130 years experience. We have our own chamber within LCB's Chill Store, a temperature controlled facility. See storage and insurance for more details.

Is the wine insured? (top)

Wine stored by BWI is covered by London City Bond's insurance policy, and is insured to full replacement value.

I purchased my wine inclusive of Duty and VAT, how long will it take to be delivered?  (top)

This does depend on the wine you purchase, and where it is travelling from. It can be within 48hour but if it needs to be shipped from overseas, it can take considerably longer. Please discuss this with your BWI representative at point of order and have your postcode to hand.  The delivery service we use is our storage facility, the delivery charge, days available and notice required for deliveries varies by postcode.

Why are some items listed as Duty Paid only?  (top)

We have listed some items that have already been through the customs process - once the wine is out of bond it cannot returned to In Bond. Alternatively the wine selected is a wine intended for immediate drinking, for example Arlaux champagne.

I bought my wine In Bond last year. I am now ready to receive the wine; how should I do this? (top)

Please notify the BWI logistics team, and they will create a sundry invoice for the duty and VAT and delivery on your wine. Once this has been paid your delivery will then be processed.

When can I contact BWI? (top)

BWI is open Monday to Friday from 9.00 - 17.30.  Our telephone number is +44 (0)1732 779 343. Messages can be left on our answer-phone outside these times. Alternatively please email us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.