Frequently asked questions
We want to help you as quickly as possible with any questions you have
Browse our FAQs below for answers to common questions.
If you can't find an answer here or need to speak to someone, get in touch with us.
It is a "living" page, which means it grows when you ask us things!
🚚 Getting Your Wine
How long does it take?
We are "proudly slow." It takes about 1 to 2 weeks. Good wine takes years to make; we don't believe in "fast-food" shipping!
Do I pay taxes or customs?
No. The price you see is the price you pay.
If anyone asks you for more money for taxes, do not pay them. Tell us right away.
Why is there a minimum?
You must buy at least 6 bottles. This is the best way to ship wine without wasting fuel or boxes. 12 bottles is even better for the planet!
Is shipping free?
Yes, if you buy more than 6 bottles.
Sponsor-a-winemaker
Can I change my mind?
Yes.
You can log in to your account to change your winemaker, pause your adoption, or cancel anytime. You are in control.
How does it help the winemaker?
When you adopt, the winemaker knows exactly how much wine they will sell every year.
This gives them "peace of mind" so they can focus on looking after the vines.
Can I visit the vineyards?
Yes! All supporters are their team now.
Just tell us when you want to go, and we will help you meet the winemaker to organise your visit.
They will be looking forward to meeting you!
Is Vivan Wine Cooperative worth it?
Is Vivan Wine Cooperative worth it?
Vivan's prices for mid-tier natural wines sit in the same £15–£18 band as independent UK sellers, so the sticker price is comparable rather than dramatically lower. The key selling point is that the cooperative and direct-from-cellar model are designed to send a larger share of the money to growers and to give producer-members a share of any co-op profits, which may make it worth it if you prioritise producer returns and supply-chain transparency.
How does "direct from the cellar" change the bottle price?
"Direct from the cellar" means the wine ships from the producer's cellar rather than from an importer, UK warehouse, or retailer, removing several intermediary margins. That operational change lowers the number of markups between grower and buyer, though shipping single bottles from southern France is still costly and minimum order sizes reflect the need for consolidated cases.
How much of my payment actually reaches the growers with Vivan?
Industry estimates for a conventional bottle put the producer's share at roughly 10–20% of retail, so on a £15 bottle that might be £1.50–£3.00. Vivan's cooperative structure is designed to increase the grower's share and also gives producer-members a share of co-op profits when the business is profitable, but exact percentages depend on the specific wine and vintage.
AreVivan's prices cheaper than other natural wine sellers in the UK?
No significant sticker-price advantage is claimed: mid-tier certified organic or biodynamic bottles from independent UK retailers typically sit around £15–£18, and Vivan's equivalent bottles fall in the same band. The stated difference is where the money goes after you pay — Vivan aims to move more value to the grower rather than to intermediary margins.
How does a cooperative like Vivan differ from a standard wine merchant for producers?
In a standard wholesale model a producer sells a batch and receives that sale price only; with Vivan producers are member-owners rather than just suppliers. They receive payment for their wine and, when the co-op makes a profit, an additional share of that profit, which shifts the long-term economic balance in the grower's favour.
🔄 Returns & Refunds
What if it's broken?
Send us a photo of the broken bottle and we will refund you or send a new one.
What if it tastes like wet cardboard?
This is called "corked" wine.
If you find any flaws, tell us within 30 days, and we organise a return for you.
What if I don't like the taste?
If the wine is healthy but you don't like it, please give it to a friend! We don't take returns just for taste, but we are sure your friends will love it.
🤝 Our Cooperative (The Vivan! Movement)
What is a coop?
A coop is a business owned by the people who do the work.
At Vivan!, the winemakers own the business.
They make the decisions, not rich investors.
Why a coop?
Most businesses are broken. They care about money more than people. In our coop, we care about the land, the vines, and the winemakers.
Where does my money go?
100% of the profit stays with the winemakers. We take a tiny bit (10-20%) just to keep the website running and pay for the boxes.
How do you check the farms?
We visit them! We check their papers (Organic or Demeter), we look at their soil, and we even "talk to their worms" to make sure the ground is healthy and alive.