Where possible items are checked and dispatched within 48 hours from sale closure and payment processing from our warehouse in Sydney. Delivery times (following payment in full for goods) can vary between 2 and 10 working days, depending on your location. For example, if you live in a metropolitan area, it is likely you will receive your goods within 3-5 days before a customer living in a rural, regional or interstate location.
Here’s how we do it:
Once payment has been processed, all paperwork is automatically generated by our systems.
All order details are checked and verified.
Order details are then forwarded to our warehouse team, who pick, pack and prepare orders for dispatch.
With specific reference to the warmer months and to protect your wine, we will not ship if the weather is too hot or is forecast to be hot for an extended period of time, unless you specifically contact us to request otherwise.
Empire Auctions utilizes the services of both Australia Post’s Wine e-parcel service and Fastway couriers for all parts of Australia. All parcels are tracked electronically for peace of mind, and include insurance.
An adult 18 years of age or older must be physically present to sign for the wine when it is delivered.
Receiving Your Wine
Due to Liquor Licensing regulations, all wine deliveries must be received by an adult 18 years of age or older. Therefore, we recommend that you ship to a business address. If you are not available to take delivery of your order at delivery, a calling card will be left by the carrier, detailing date, time and delivery information. Under no circumstances will wine be left with a minor.
Delivery Times
Unfortunately we cannot schedule shipments for a specific time during the day. Delivery is made between the hours of 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Missing Items
If you have not received your goods after 10 business days, please contact our Customer Service team by filling in the contact us form accessed from the top of the home page or click here. Please include your address details and invoice number.
Items damaged in transit
Please refer to our returns and refunds information page accessed from the help guide page.
International shipping
We ship to most parts of the world. Please note that some countries require the use of a local shipping agent. All purchases for international shipping are subject to the laws and taxes of the destination country. For more information, please contact us using the form on our website.
Weather conditions and delivery of your wine
Shipping wine requires special care. Variable temperature, packaging and general long distance transport in Australia are just some of the challenges faced. At Empire Auctions we are committed to getting your wines to you as safely and efficiently as possible.
We provide temporary (up to 7 business days) free wine storage during periods of extreme weather in one of our state-of-the art warehouse facilities.
Shipping during periods of extreme heat can damage fine wine. We will not ship your wine if the temperature is above 30 degrees Celsius at our warehouse location or your shipping address. Instead, your wine will be held in our warehouse for up to 7 business days at no additional charge until the weather is suitable for shipping. This means that during the summer months, shipment of your wine can be delayed for several weeks.
If you want us to ship your wine regardless of the weather, please contact us to authorize shipment. If you choose to ship during extreme weather conditions, you assume all responsibility for possible weather-related damage. If wine is heat damaged, the cork can protrude or allow leakage from the bottle. If the cork is protruding or leaking, Empire Auctions will not accept the return of the wine.