FAQs

Last updated: 29 August 2026

1.What is Beyond the Cork? 

Beyond the Cork is a local, independent wine business based in West Sussex. We offer a personally selected online wine range, private tastings, public events, wedding and party wine consultations, gifting and corporate services.

2. Do you have a physical shop?

We currently operate as an online wine shop rather than a walk-in retail shop.

We also provide local delivery, nationwide courier delivery and in-person tastings and consultations.

3. How do you choose your wines?

Our wines are personally selected rather than chosen from a large, fixed catalogue.

Simon is studying for the WSET Level 4 Diploma and tastes widely to find wines that offer character, quality and value. Not every wine tasted makes it into the range.

4. Can I order fewer than six bottles?

Yes, where the product page and checkout allow it.

Delivery charges depend on the order size and address. Free local delivery is available on qualifying orders of six or more bottles within our designated local area.

5. Are the wines always in stock?

We hold selected stock and obtain other wines from our suppliers as required.

Occasionally a wine may sell out before the website updates. We will contact you and offer an alternative or refund; we will not make a materially different substitution without your agreement.

6. Will the bottle look exactly like the photograph?

Bottle images are illustrative. Producers sometimes update labels, bottle shapes, closures and vintages.

Please contact us before ordering where a particular vintage, label or presentation is essential.

7. Can you advise me which wine to choose?

Yes. Contact us with the occasion, food, budget and styles you enjoy, and we will recommend suitable options.

8. Are your wines vegan or vegetarian?

Some are, but production methods may change between wines and vintages.

Contact us before ordering where vegan, vegetarian or allergen information is important. Always check the bottle label before consumption.

9. Do your wines contain sulphites?

Most wines contain sulphites. Always check the bottle label for the relevant allergen information.

10. Where do you deliver?

Please see our Shipping and Delivery policy.

11. Can I send wine directly as a gift?

Yes. Enter the adult recipient’s delivery details and add a gift message where the option is available.

The recipient must be aged 18 or over and may be asked for photographic proof of age.

12. Does someone need to be at home?

Yes. As the parcel contains alcohol, an adult must normally be available to receive it.

We do not ordinarily authorise alcohol parcels to be left unattended in a safe place.

13. What identification is accepted?

A driver may ask for recognised photographic proof of age, such as a passport, photocard driving licence or another document accepted under the relevant age-verification policy.

We use a Challenge 25 approach, so identification may be requested from anyone who appears under 25.

14. What happens after a missed delivery?

The courier may attempt redelivery or provide instructions for rearranging it.

Additional charges may apply where delivery fails because no adult was available, identification was not produced or an incorrect address was supplied.

15. What should I do if a bottle arrives damaged?

Contact us as soon as possible, ideally within 48 hours.

Send your order number and photographs of the bottle and outer packaging. We will arrange an appropriate replacement or refund.

16. Returns and wine faults

Please see our Returns and Refunds policy

17. How does a private wine tasting work?

Simon brings the selected wines, glasses and tasting materials and guides the group through the wines in an informative but relaxed way.

A private tasting normally lasts around two hours.

18. How many guests do I need? 

Private home tastings are normally available for a minimum of six guests.

Contact us for larger groups, corporate events or a bespoke format.

19. Do we need to know a lot about wine?

No. Tastings are designed to be enjoyable and accessible, whether guests are complete beginners or already interested in wine.

20. Is food included?

The host normally provides food or nibbles unless the booking specifically says otherwise.

We can suggest suitable pairings. The host or caterer remains responsible for food preparation and allergen information.

21. Can guests under 18 attend?

Our alcohol tastings are for adults aged 18 and over.

Contact us before booking where a private event may include younger family members so that the arrangements can be discussed.

22. What happens if I need to cancel a tasting?

Cancellations made at least seven clear days before the event normally qualify for a refund or transfer.

Cancellations within seven days do not automatically qualify for a refund, although we will consider rescheduling and will refund a public-event place where it is successfully resold.

23. What happens if Beyond the Cork cancels?

We will offer a full refund or transfer to a suitable alternative event or date.

24. Can you accommodate allergies or accessibility requirements?

Please tell us before booking.

We will make reasonable efforts to assist, but food provided by a host, venue or caterer remains their responsibility. We cannot guarantee a completely allergen-free environment.

25. Can you help us choose wine for a wedding or party?

Yes. Our consultation service can help with:

• Choosing suitable wines within budget. 
• Matching wine to food. 
• Comparing different options. 
• Estimating quantities. 
• Planning sparkling, white, rosé and red wine requirements. 
• Delivery and unopened-bottle arrangements. 

The consultation fee and any credit against a subsequent order will be explained before booking.

26. Can we return unused wedding or party wine?

Only where sale-or-return has been agreed in writing before the order.

Our standard arrangement permits up to 25% of each approved wine line to be returned, provided the bottles are unopened, undamaged, in saleable condition and returned within seven days after the event.

Special-order, personalised, damaged or previously chilled bottles may be excluded.

27. Do you provide gift packaging?

Yes. Available gift-box and presentation options are shown in the gifting section or can be discussed for larger orders.

28. Can you include a personal message?

Yes. A handwritten or printed gift message may be included where selected.

Please check the wording carefully before submitting the order.

29. Do you offer corporate gifts?

Yes. We can help with client gifts, staff gifts, individual bottles, multi-bottle presentations and larger corporate orders.

Lead times, delivery addresses, gift messages and packaging will be agreed in the quotation.

30. How long is a gift voucher valid?

Beyond the Cork gift vouchers are valid for 12 months from purchase unless the voucher states otherwise.

They cannot be exchanged for cash.

31. Can a lost gift voucher be replaced?

Contact us with proof of purchase.

Where we can verify that the voucher remains unused, we may cancel it and issue a replacement.

32. What payment methods do you accept?

Available payment methods are shown during checkout. Certain local, wedding or corporate orders may also be paid by another method agreed in advance.

33. Can you provide an invoice?

Yes, we can provide an ordinary receipt or invoice.

Beyond the Cork is not currently VAT-registered, so we cannot provide a VAT invoice and do not separately charge VAT.

34. How do I join the newsletter?

Use the newsletter form on our website and confirm your subscription where requested.

35. How do I unsubscribe?

Use the unsubscribe link in any marketing email or contact us directly.

Unsubscribing from marketing does not prevent essential messages concerning an existing order or booking.

36. How do I contact Beyond the Cork?

Email: simon@beyondthecork.co.uk
Telephone: 07711 876033