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Booking Policy

Last Updated: January 1, 2026

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Thank you for choosing The Wineologist! We look forward to helping you sip, study, and savor through our curated wine experiences. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable process for all guests, please review our booking policy before confirming your reservation.

 

1. General Booking Terms

  • All bookings are subject to availability and are confirmed once payment and written confirmation are received.

  • By booking with The Wineologist, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Refund & Cancellation Policy.

  • Guests must be 21 years of age or older to participate in any event involving alcohol. Proof of age may be required.

 

2. How to Book

Bookings may be made through:

For custom or private events, a short consultation may be required before booking to finalize details such as theme, wine selections, and venue arrangements.

 

3. Payment Requirements

  • Full payment is required at the time of booking unless otherwise stated.

  • Private and corporate events may require a deposit (typically 50%) to secure your date. The remaining balance is due no later than 7 days prior to the event.

  • Payments may be made via credit card, debit card, or other approved electronic payment methods.

Bookings are not confirmed until payment has been received and a written confirmation email is issued.

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3a. Wine and Food Handling

The Wineologist provides professional instruction, planning, and guided educational experiences. Wine and food are not sold as part of these services.

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Depending on the event format and client preference, wine and food may be handled in one of the following ways.

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Client-Provided Wine and Food:
Clients may choose to purchase wine and food directly or coordinate with a venue, retailer, or third-party provider. In this case, The Wineologist provides guided educational instruction and facilitated tasting only.

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Reimbursable Wine and Food Purchases:
In some cases, wine and food may be purchased on the client’s behalf for educational tasting purposes. These items are billed as reimbursable expenses based on client-approved selections. No markup is applied to reimbursed wine or food costs.

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Wine and food expenses are always itemized separately from instructional fees on all invoices.

 

4. Minimums and Group Sizes

Each class, tasting, or experience may have a minimum or maximum participant requirement.
If the minimum number of participants is not met, The Wineologist reserves the right to reschedule or cancel the event, offering a full refund or credit.

Private events may accommodate custom group sizes; please contact us for details and pricing.

 

5. Travel Fees for Off-Site Events

For private tastings or classes outside the Raleigh–Durham area, a travel fee will be applied based on distance and travel time.
All travel fees will be disclosed prior to booking and included in your quote or invoice.

 

6. Booking Changes and Transfers

  • Changes to your booking (date, time, or guest count) must be requested at least 7 days in advance.

  • We will make every reasonable effort to accommodate changes based on availability.

  • Bookings may be transferred to another person with advance written notice (minimum 24 hours).

 

7. No-Show and Late Arrival Policy

  • Events begin promptly at the scheduled start time. Late arrivals may not be able to join after the educational portion begins.

  • No-shows or cancellations within 48 hours of the event are non-refundable (see Refund Policy).

 

8. Venue and Equipment

If your event takes place at a third-party venue such as a winery, restaurant, or library, all participants must comply with that venue’s policies and licensing requirements.

 

For private events hosted at your location, The Wineologist will provide a checklist of setup requirements prior to the event.

 

9. Weather and Force Majeure

If an event must be postponed or canceled due to inclement weather, venue issues, or other events beyond our control, The Wineologist will make every effort to reschedule or issue a credit for future use.
Refunds will be handled according to our Refund & Cancellation Policy.

 

10. Participant Conduct

We promote an inclusive, respectful, and educational environment.
The Wineologist reserves the right to refuse service or remove any participant exhibiting unsafe, disrespectful, or disruptive behavior without refund.

 

11. Special Requests

We are happy to accommodate dietary restrictions, allergies, and special needs whenever possible. Please notify us at the time of booking so we can plan accordingly.

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12. Educational Use Statement

Wine used during events is provided exclusively for guided educational tasting purposes and is not sold.

 

13. Contact Us

For booking questions, private event inquiries, or special requests, please contact us:
📧 info@thewineologist.com
📍 Raleigh, North Carolina

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