What WineCare Storage is and who runs it
WineCare Storage is a wine storage service operated by WineCare, a company that manages temperature and humidity-controlled facilities for wine collectors. The company stores bottles in climate-controlled vaults and handles inventory tracking through an online account. You own the wine; WineCare holds it in their facility and charges you a monthly or annual fee for the space and conditions.
WineCare operates facilities in multiple locations, though the number and exact locations change over time. You can store wine at one location or split your collection across several. The company insures stored bottles as part of its service, which means your wine is covered against loss or damage while in their vault — you do not purchase separate insurance.
The service is designed for collectors who want professional storage without managing their own cellar. You access your inventory online, request bottles to be shipped to you, and track what you own without physically visiting the facility.
Key Takeaways
- WineCare charges a monthly storage fee per bottle or case, with rates varying by location and storage tier, and you can view your exact charges in your online account.
- The company insures all stored wine as part of the service, so you do not pay a separate insurance premium for bottles kept in their vault.
- You can request bottles to be shipped to you at any time, and WineCare charges a separate fee for each shipment in addition to monthly storage.
- Your wine remains your property; WineCare is a storage provider, not a buyer or seller, so you keep full ownership and can remove your collection at any time.
- Storage rates and facility locations are subject to change, so you should review your account terms and contact WineCare directly for current pricing at your specific location.
How monthly storage fees work
WineCare charges a recurring monthly fee for each bottle or case stored in their facility. The exact amount depends on the location where your wine is held and the storage tier you choose. Some facilities offer standard storage, while others may offer premium tiers with additional services or conditions.
You can see your current monthly charges by logging into your WineCare account online. The account shows which bottles are stored, where they are located, and what you are paying per month. If you move wine between locations or change your storage tier, the monthly fee adjusts accordingly.
Monthly fees are typically billed to the payment method on file. You can cancel storage at any time, though you will need to arrange for your wine to be shipped out or picked up. Once you remove a bottle from WineCare's facility, you stop paying the monthly storage fee for that bottle.
Shipping and retrieval charges
When you request a bottle or case to be shipped to you, WineCare charges a separate fee for that shipment. The cost depends on the size of the shipment, the destination, and the shipping method. A single bottle costs less to ship than a full case, and shipping to different regions may have different rates.
You place a shipment request through your online account. WineCare then prepares the wine, arranges the carrier, and sends it to your address. The company handles all logistics, including any temperature-controlled packaging needed to protect the wine during transit.
Shipping fees are in addition to your monthly storage charges. You pay the monthly fee for the months the wine was stored, plus the shipping fee when you request it to be sent out. If you retrieve wine and then return it to storage later, you resume paying monthly fees from the date it re-enters the facility.
Insurance coverage included with storage
All wine stored in WineCare's facility is insured against loss, theft, and damage while in the vault. This insurance is included in your storage arrangement — you do not pay a separate insurance premium. The coverage applies to the full value of the wine stored, subject to the terms of WineCare's insurance policy.
The insurance covers wine that is damaged due to temperature fluctuation, humidity problems, or other conditions within the facility. It also covers theft or loss while the wine is in WineCare's vault. However, insurance does not cover wine once it has been shipped out or removed from the facility.
If wine is damaged or lost, you report it through your account or by contacting WineCare directly. The company will investigate and work with its insurance carrier to process a claim. The time it takes to resolve a claim varies depending on the circumstances and the insurance company's review process.
How to set up an account and add wine
To start using WineCare, you create an online account on their website. You provide basic information, set up a payment method, and choose which facility location you want to use for storage. Once your account is active, you can begin adding wine.
You add wine to your account by providing details about each bottle: the producer, vintage, varietal, and quantity. You can enter this information manually or upload a list if you have many bottles. WineCare then assigns each bottle a unique identifier in their system so you can track it.
If you already own wine and want to store it with WineCare, you arrange to ship it to their facility or deliver it in person if you are near a location. You pay for the shipping to get the wine to WineCare, and then the monthly storage fees begin once it arrives. If you purchase wine through WineCare's partner network, some sellers can arrange direct delivery to the facility, which simplifies the process.
Ownership and removal of your wine
You retain full ownership of all wine stored with WineCare. The company is a storage provider only — it does not buy, sell, or take ownership of your bottles. You can remove your wine at any time by requesting a shipment or arranging a pickup.
If you decide to sell wine from your collection, you handle the sale yourself. Some collectors use WineCare's storage as a way to hold wine while they wait for the right time to sell, or while they arrange a sale through a wine broker or auction house. WineCare does not facilitate sales, but it does not prevent you from selling wine you own.
If you close your account, you must arrange for all remaining wine to be shipped out or picked up. WineCare will not hold wine indefinitely for an inactive account. You should plan ahead if you know you will be removing your collection, as shipping can take time to arrange.
Comparing WineCare to other storage options
WineCare is one of several commercial wine storage providers. Other companies offer similar services with their own fee structures, facility locations, and insurance terms. Some focus on specific regions or offer premium facilities with additional amenities, while others emphasize lower costs and basic storage.
The main differences between providers are location, monthly storage rates, shipping costs, insurance coverage limits, and account features. Some storage companies allow you to purchase wine through their platform and store it directly, while others only store wine you already own. A few offer additional services like wine authentication or condition reports.
If you are deciding between storage providers, compare the monthly fee per bottle at the location you need, the shipping cost to your area, what the insurance covers, and whether the online account features match what you want. Rates and services vary, so contacting multiple providers for current pricing is the best way to compare.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if WineCare goes out of business?
Your wine is insured, so if the company closes, the insurance policy covers the value of your stored bottles. You would file a claim with the insurance carrier. However, the process and timeline depend on the specific insurance policy and the circumstances of the closure. You should review WineCare's terms to understand what happens in this scenario.
Can I move my wine to a different WineCare location?
Yes, you can request that your wine be transferred between WineCare facilities. The company handles the logistics of moving the bottles. You may be charged a transfer fee, and your monthly storage rate may change depending on the new location. Contact WineCare to arrange a transfer and learn the exact cost.
Do I pay storage fees while wine is being shipped to me?
You pay the monthly storage fee for the months the wine is stored in the facility. Once you request a shipment, the wine is prepared and sent out. You stop paying monthly storage fees once the wine leaves the facility, though you do pay the separate shipping fee for that retrieval.
Can I see photos or condition reports of my stored wine?
WineCare's online account shows your inventory and storage location. Some facilities offer optional condition reports or photos for an additional fee, but this varies by location. Check your account or contact WineCare to ask whether condition reports are available for your stored collection.
What if a bottle is damaged while stored with WineCare?
Damage to wine in the facility is covered by WineCare's insurance. You report the damage through your account or by contacting the company. WineCare will investigate and file a claim with the insurance carrier. The claim process can take several weeks, and the payout is based on the insured value of the damaged bottle.