Home / FAQ
Questions, answered
Everything you might want to know about buying, storing and shipping fine wine with Cellar Key.
What does buying wine in bond mean?
In bond means the wine is held in a government-approved bonded warehouse with UK duty and VAT not yet paid. You can buy, hold, sell or move it in bond, and only pay duty and VAT if and when you take it out for drinking. It is the usual way fine wine is traded and stored.
In Bond vs Duty Paid, what is the difference?
In Bond wine is stored with duty and VAT unpaid, ideal for cellaring or resale. Duty Paid means UK excise duty and VAT have been added so the wine can be delivered for drinking. At checkout you choose In Bond, Duty Paid (UK) or Overseas, and we calculate the right charges.
How is duty and VAT calculated?
UK excise duty on wine is charged per litre of pure alcohol: volume x ABV x the current HMRC rate. VAT at 20% is then applied to the goods plus duty. We calculate both automatically on Duty Paid orders; In Bond orders carry neither until the wine is released.
Do you deliver worldwide?
Yes. We deliver across the UK and overseas. For international orders we arrange shipping through trusted agents and quote carriage separately, as rates depend on destination and volume.
Where is the wine stored?
Our stock is held in professional bonded storage at Octavian, Corsham, in Wiltshire, under ideal temperature and humidity, with full provenance and insurance.
How do I pay?
We accept card payment in GBP via Stripe, and bank transfer in GBP, EUR, USD and HKD. Higher-value wines are typically arranged by invoice and bank transfer.
Can I buy a single bottle?
Where stock allows, yes. Some wines are offered only in their original case or pack; the format is shown on each listing, for example 6 x 75cl OCC.
What is the Bespoke Wine Hunter?
It is our signature service. Tell us the wine, vintage, occasion or budget you have in mind and we will match it from the cellar, or track it down for you, often from bottles never listed online. Begin the hunt →
Why are some wines enquiry only?
Rare and higher-value wines are offered by enquiry so we can confirm current availability, provenance and the best way to buy. Simply use the enquiry option and we will come back to you personally.
Is provenance guaranteed?
We buy through trusted sources and relationships built over many years, and store in professional bond. We stand behind the provenance and condition of every bottle we sell.
Can you store wine I buy from you?
Yes. Wine bought in bond can remain in professional storage at Octavian in your name, ready to drink, sell or ship whenever you choose.
Do you sell wine on my behalf?
We do. Through our purchasing and broking service we can help you sell individual bottles or whole cellars, drawing on our network of collectors and the trade.
Can I view prices in my own currency?
Yes. Use the currency switcher to view indicative prices in GBP, EUR, USD or HKD. Card payments are settled in GBP; other currencies can be paid by bank transfer.
How quickly will wine be delivered?
Delivery times depend on whether the wine is in bond, duty paid or shipping overseas. We confirm timings with you on each order and keep you updated throughout.