The following policies are designed to ensure your satisfaction and understanding of the purchasing process.
This Purchase Policy incorporates our Terms of Use by this reference.
Age Range & Intoxication
The Wine School of Philadelphia adheres to the laws and regulations of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania concerning alcohol service. All participants must be 21 years of age or older. We reserve the right to refuse service or alcohol to any participant appearing intoxicated.
Class Length
Classes typically last ninety minutes, though class duration may be modified at the instructor’s discretion.
Class Rescheduling
Refunds are not available for classes. Tickets may be rescheduled for a fee as outlined on our website: link.
Course Rescheduling and Cancellation
Refunds are not available for academic courses.
Customer Support
To reduce costs for our participants, we do not offer phone support. All customer support is provided through our online forum, where we strive to respond to inquiries promptly.
Canceled Classes
In the event of a cancellation due to conditions beyond our control (e.g., severe weather, government-ordered shutdowns), purchasers will receive a gift certificate equal to the purchase amount. By agreeing to these terms, purchasers accept gift certificates in lieu of refunds for canceled classes.
Gift Certificates
Gift certificates hold no cash value and are not refundable. They may only be used for classes and programs, excluding dinners, trips, or other extracurricular activities.
Ticket Policies
Purchasing tickets indicates acknowledgment that you are registering for an educational class. Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable, and the Wine School is not responsible for errors in ticket purchases. Please verify your selection before confirming.
By purchasing tickets, you and any guests agree to adhere to the following:
- Groups larger than four are not permitted.
- Late entry is prohibited for those arriving more than 5 minutes after class start.
- Reserved seating is not provided.
- No perfume or cologne should be worn.
- Cell phone usage is prohibited in the classroom.
Membership Program Terms
- Membership Duration and Billing: The Wine School’s Membership Program requires a minimum term of 12 months, with a monthly or annual subscription fee charged at the start of each billing period. By subscribing, you authorize the Wine School to charge the designated Payment Method on a recurring basis, according to the membership plan selected.
- No Refunds: All membership fees are non-refundable. Payments made for the Membership Program are final, and no refunds or credits will be issued for any reason.
- Payment Methods: You may update your Payment Method information at any time through the account page on the Wine School’s website. If a payment fails, you are responsible for updating your Payment Method or covering any outstanding balances.
- Membership Requirements for Class Attendance: Members must have an active membership at the time of attendance for any classes or courses they have purchased. Membership cancellations prior to class attendance will result in revocation of any member discounts applied.
- Early Termination Fee: Early termination of membership within the 12-month minimum term is subject to a $150 fee to cover administrative costs. Additionally, members who cancel early must repay any discounts received during their membership period.
- Cellar Credits: Members earning Cellar Credits for additional discounts or benefits are required to maintain an active membership. If membership is canceled before attending any classes for which credits were applied, the credits and associated discounts will be forfeited.
- Reinstatement of Membership: Memberships may be reinstated upon request, with a reinstatement fee of $75.
- Non-Transferability of Membership: Memberships in the Wine School’s program are non-transferable and may not be shared or transferred to others.
Chargeback Policy
The Wine School maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding chargebacks. In the event of a chargeback, services will be suspended immediately, and members are required to engage in good-faith resolution through the Wine School’s dispute resolution process. Improper chargebacks are subject to a $150 fee.
If the Wine School determines that a chargeback was filed in violation of our policies, additional remedies may include:
- Legal action to recover any lost income, legal fees, or associated costs.
- Referral of the matter to a collection agency, which may impact the purchaser’s credit rating.
- Filing of fraud reports with local law enforcement and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Arbitration Agreement
- Scope: Any disputes relating to in-person or online classes, or use of the Wine School’s website, shall be resolved through binding individual arbitration in accordance with the Federal Arbitration Act and Pennsylvania law.
- Informal Resolution: Parties agree to first attempt to resolve disputes informally by written notice sent by registered mail.
- Arbitration Procedures: If unresolved, disputes shall be arbitrated by the AAA under its Consumer Arbitration Rules, or by an alternative provider if the AAA is unavailable.
- Class Action Waiver: Disputes will be arbitrated individually. Participants waive the right to a jury trial or class action.
- Other Terms: The terms of this agreement survive termination of the relationship with the Wine School.
Intellectual Property
- All course materials and lectures are the property of the National Wine School, LLC. Unauthorized recording, password sharing, or distribution of materials is strictly prohibited.
- Damages: A $500 fee applies to unauthorized use of intellectual property, with potential escalation for repeat or egregious violations.
Educational Standards
The Wine School is a consumer-focused institution, teaching wine appreciation for personal enjoyment, not for occupational preparation. The Wine School’s programs are not designed to assist in securing employment in any wine-related industry.
Ethical Standards
The Wine School commits to treating students respectfully and expects the same in return. Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated.
Assumption of Health Risks
Participants in classes involving wine tasting acknowledge and accept all health-related risks associated with the consumption of alcohol. The Wine School is not liable for any health issues arising from participation.
Privacy Policy Acknowledgment
By using the Wine School’s services, members agree to the collection, use, and handling of personal information as detailed in the Wine School’s Privacy Policy. The policy covers the handling of payment information, contact details, and other personal data.
Terms of Use
Use of this website implies acceptance of these terms. Unauthorized access, misuse of passwords, or any other misuse of the website is prohibited. Changes to these terms may be made at our discretion and without notice.
Copyright Notices
Content on this website is the property of the Wine School of Philadelphia and may not be reproduced without permission.
Pennsylvania Department of Education Notice
The Wine School is a consumer-based institution providing non-vocational wine education. Classes are intended for personal enrichment only.
Limitation of Liability
The Wine School provides this website “as is” and disclaims all warranties. The Wine School shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages from website use.
Enforceability and Governing Law
These terms are governed by the laws of Pennsylvania. Any legal actions must be filed in Pennsylvania courts.
Modification of Terms
The Wine School reserves the right to modify these terms and conditions at any time. Changes will be communicated via the website or direct member notification.