Vin Noir Explorers & Importers

​1. Who We Are

Vin Noir Explorers and Importers, LLP ("VNE", "we", "us", or "our") is a licensed wine importer and distributor based in North Carolina. We do not operate a retail storefront. We act solely in accordance with North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) laws, as defined in N.C.G.S. Chapter 18B, and applicable federal TTB regulations.

 

2. Sales and Fulfillment Policy

 

2.1 North Carolina Sales

We are not permitted to sell directly to consumers in the state of North Carolina. All transactions within NC must occur between licensed wholesalers and retailers, per N.C.G.S. § 18B-1006(h) and § 18B-1107. All products listed for sale to NC customers must be routed through authorized three-tier distribution partners.

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2.2 Direct-to-Consumer Sales in Other States

We may offer direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales only in states where:

- It is explicitly permitted by that state's ABC laws,

- We meet all legal requirements (e.g., shipping permits, taxes, volume limits), and

- The recipient is of legal drinking age in their state.

If you are located outside NC, you are responsible for understanding and complying with your state’s laws regarding the receipt of alcoholic beverages. If DTC is not allowed in your jurisdiction, your order will not be fulfilled.

 

3. Supplier Agreements

Any vineyard, distributor, or importer wishing to have their products listed, imported, or distributed by VNE must:

• Be licensed and compliant with federal and state ABC laws,

• Have a signed distribution agreement on file with us,

• Complete all required product and label approvals through the NC ABC Commission, including COLA certificates, if applicable.

No product will be listed or distributed without full documentation and approval.

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4. Pricing, Orders, and Inventory

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4.1 Final Sale Policy (No Returns)
All sales are final once submitted. We do not accept returns of alcoholic beverages. Where a return, refund, or other remedy is required by applicable law, we will comply. Otherwise, we resolve confirmed issues using replacements, reshipments, store credit, or refunds at our discretion, based on product availability and the circumstances.

 

4.2 Pricing Changes and Availability

Prices are subject to change at any time based on market conditions, tariffs, availability, or logistics. We reserve the right to cancel or delay orders due to inventory issues, carrier limitations, weather events, or regulatory concerns. If we cancel an order, your payment will be fully refunded.

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4.3 What We Will Fix

• Damage or leakage in transit: If your package arrives damaged, leaking, or with broken bottles, contact us and we will evaluate replacement, reshipment, store credit, or refund options.

• Incorrect or missing items: If you received the wrong item or something is missing, contact us and we will correct the issue.

• Delivery problems: If tracking shows a problem (lost, stuck, or delivered but not received), contact us and we will coordinate next steps, including a carrier trace where applicable.

 

4.4 What is Not Eligible for Refunds or Replacements

• Buyer’s remorse or preference changes.

• Orders placed in error (including incorrect quantities or customer-entered address mistakes).

• Delivery failures caused by an unavailable recipient, refusal of delivery, or failure to meet adult signature and age check requirements at delivery.

• Damage caused after delivery, including improper storage or exposure to heat or cold after receipt.

 

4.5 Timeframes to Report an Issue

• Damage or leakage must be reported within 48 hours of confirmed delivery.

• Incorrect or missing item issues must be reported within 7 days of confirmed delivery.

• Requests outside these timeframes may be denied because carriers and partners often require prompt notice for claims and remediation.

 

4.6 What We Need From You to Resolve an Issue
Email info@vneimporters.com with subject line “Order Issue” and include your order number and a short description. For damage/leakage claims, include photos of:

• The shipping box (including visible damage)

• The internal packaging

• The damaged bottle(s) and any leakage

• The shipping label (if possible)

• Keep all packaging and damaged items until we confirm you can discard them.

 

4.7 Adult Signature and Age Verification at Delivery
We do not verify age online. Age verification occurs at delivery through carrier procedures and destination requirements (for example adult signature and age check). If delivery cannot be completed because no eligible adult is available, the carrier may make additional attempts, hold the package, or return it. Returned shipments are treated as final sale, and we may offer reshipment (fees may apply) or store credit at our discretion if product condition permits and where legally allowed.

 

4.8 Communications
We do not send SMS communications. All official updates will come via email.

 

5. Force Majeure

We are not responsible for any failure to perform due to reasons beyond our control, including but not limited to:

• Natural disasters,

• Transportation delays,

• Regulatory changes,

• Third-party failures (suppliers, warehouses, carriers), or

• Acts of war or terrorism.

(Reference: Standard legal doctrine of Force Majeure and applied in contract terms.)

 

6. Governing Law

All contracts and disputes involving transactions within North Carolina shall be governed by the laws of the State of North Carolina and interpreted under N.C.G.S. Chapter 18B.

For DTC customers located outside of NC, any legal disputes will follow the laws of their state of residence, to the extent that state's law governs retail alcohol transactions.

 

7. Limitation of Liability

We make no warranties, express or implied, regarding the availability, accuracy, or merchantability of our services or products. All sales are provided “as is” and “as available.”

VNE Importers will not be liable for indirect or consequential damages. In jurisdictions where limitations on liability are restricted, our liability will be limited to the maximum extent permitted by law.

 

8. Indemnification

By using our services, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless VNE Importers and its employees, vendors, and partners against any legal claims arising from:

• Misuse of our site or services,

• Violation of applicable laws (e.g., underage shipping),

• Breach of any of these Terms & Conditions,

• Misrepresentation of your legal ability to receive alcohol.

 

9. Arbitration and Dispute Resolution

We are committed to resolving disputes amicably. Before pursuing legal action, we request that you contact us at info@vneimporters.com with a formal notice of dispute.

If unresolved within 30 days, and if legally permitted in your state, we agree to pursue individual arbitration under the rules of the American Arbitration Association (AAA). We do not participate in or support class-action litigation, and any claim must be filed individually.

Venue for any arbitration or legal action shall be:

• For NC-based matters: Dare County, NC.

• For out-of-state DTC customers: Your county of residence unless otherwise agreed.

 

10. Mass Arbitration Limitation

If disputes arise that involve 25 or more similar claims, all affected parties agree to engage in staged arbitration or coordinated mediation sessions before proceeding with multiple filings. We reserve the right to request court enforcement of these procedural rules.

 

11. Contractual Consistency

Our Terms & Conditions reflect and align with the terms in our distributor, supplier, and DTC contracts. In the event of a discrepancy, the governing contract between the parties shall prevail.

 

12. Entire Agreement

These Terms & Conditions, together with any executed contracts, constitute the entire agreement between you and VNE Importers. They supersede all previous communications and agreements.

If any part is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in full effect.