FAQ's
BUSINESS INFORMATION
When was Sipwell Wine Co. founded?
Our founder Hilary Cocalis started Sipwell in 2021 because, even though she loves wine, she wanted to be able to drink a glass at a time, without having to open a whole bottle & running the risk of it going bad. With a background in craft beer, she saw how widely cans were accepted for great quality beer, and asked: why isn’t that the case with wine? Not happy with the quality of the wines available in single servings, she saw an opportunity to make the wine herself.
Where is Sipwell Wine Co. headquartered?
Our business headquarters is in Encinitas, California (run by San Diego locals!) and our production headquarters is in Paso Robles, California. We’re now very familiar with that drive back and forth!
Is Sipwell Wine Co. woman-owned?
Yes! Sipwell is 100% woman-owned and women-run.
What’s the best way to contact Sipwell Wine Co. with a question or feedback?
Please email us at hello@sipwell.co, and someone on our team will get back to you within 48 hours.
WINEMAKING
Who makes your wines?
Our winemaking is a collaboration between our founder Hilary Cocalis and winemaker Sherrie Holzer.
Where do you make your wines?
We make and package our wine in Paso Robles, California.
Where do you source your grapes?
We make a dedicated effort to source and produce all of our wine from organically farmed or certified sustainable grapes, primarily from California's Central Coast. Each of our wines lists the region where it was sourced.
How are your sparkling wines carbonated?
We are the first to pioneer traditional or “Champagne” method sparkling wine in a can. This means that we get carbonation naturally through a secondary fermentation process directly in the can using Champagne yeast. Yes, fermentation baby! The result: finer, creamier bubbles, more flavor complexity, and a wine that’s more shelf stable and less susceptible to spoilage or oxidation. A win-win if you ask us!
PURCHASING & AVAILABILITY
Where can I find your wine in stores?
You can find our wine in select stores throughout Southern California and we are in the process of expanding throughout the entire state of California. To find a store near you, visit our Store Locator. If we’re not yet available in your area, you can also purchase our wines directly online.
Do you sell your wine in other formats besides cans?
Currently, we specialize in canned wines to offer a convenient, portable, and eco-friendly option without compromising on quality. Our single-serve aluminum cans are infinitely recyclable, portable, and perfect for celebrating life's little moments. We do also have a limited selection of kegs available to restaurants and bars, so you might see one of our wines on draft.
SHIPPING AND RETURNS
Do you ship wine to my state?
We currently ship to 41 states where direct-to-consumer wine shipments are permitted. Please select the state you’re shipping to before you shop to confirm if we are able to ship our wines to you.
The states we are not able to ship to are:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Mississippi
- Montana
- New Jersey
- South Dakota
- Utah
For wine shipments outside of the state of California, we utilize Vinoshipper as our shipping platform, and there is a separate checkout process for out-of-state shipments.
How much does shipping cost?
Shipping costs vary based on your location and the size of your order. We usually offer a flat rate ground shipping fee to most locations, and we currently offer free shipping on orders of 12+ cans!
Real talk: as a small business, we think it’s worth pointing out that “free shipping” is never really free - and since we’re shipping a beverage that requires adult signature, our typical shipping costs can get upwards of $20+ per package. We’re happy to offset those costs to you so that you can enjoy our wines, but please keep that in mind the next time you support a small business!
Is someone 21+ required to be present for delivery?
Yes! We are shipping alcohol via UPS, and to be in compliance, someone 21+ needs to be present at the time of delivery. Please keep that in mind when planning gift orders and deciding your delivery address.
Can you ship to PO Boxes?
No, it must be a physical address where someone can be present to sign for it.
How long will it take for my order to arrive?
We typically fulfill orders 2-3 times a week, and orders typically arrive within 5-7 business days. You will receive a tracking number once your order has shipped, so you can monitor its progress. During periods of extremely hot weather, we may hold shipments, and will communicate with you if there are any delays.
Can I return or exchange my order?
Per California state law, we can only accept returns or refunds on the purchase of alcohol if the product is spoiled or otherwise unfit for consumption. If this applies to you, please contact hello@sipwell.co with your issue and to request a refund.
PRODUCT INFORMATION
What is the shelf life of your canned wine?
Our canned wines are best enjoyed within 2 years of their canning date, which is indicated on the bottom of the can. Proper storage of the wines (keeping them chilled or at cool room temperature) will help extend the shelf life. We recommend never keeping the wine in warm conditions for an extended period of time.
Are your wines vegan-friendly?
Yes, all of our wines are vegan and 100% plant-based (as grapes should be!).
Do your wines contain sulfites?
A: Yes, our wines contain a very small amount of sulfites, but we purposely limit the amount of sulfur to best maintain our wine quality in the can.
How should I store your canned wine?
Store our canned wines in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. For optimal enjoyment, fully chill the cans in the refrigerator before serving.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Are your cans recyclable?
Yes, aluminum cans are infinitely recyclable, meaning they can be continuously recycled and repurposed into other aluminum items forever. Fun fact: 90% of the aluminum we use in this world is made up of other recycled aluminum! We are committed to sustainability and encourage our customers to recycle the cans after enjoying our wine.
What steps are you taking to minimize your environmental impact?
We're committed to protecting the planet with our wine and its packaging. Each of our wines are produced using organically and sustainably farmed grapes from California's Central Coast. And our 100% recyclable, plastic-free packaging weighs 40% less to ship than bottled wine, reducing our overall carbon footprint from our warehouse to your door.
MISCELLANEOUS
Can I visit your winery?
We do not have a public tasting room at this time. However, we can host private tastings virtually or in-person, and we occasionally partner with local organizations to host special events and tastings. Join our mailing list or follow us @sipwellwine to stay updated on upcoming events!
Do you offer gift options?
Yes! We’ve got you covered with a variety of custom wine gift boxes for any occasion. Plus, we'll add a handwritten note on your behalf for free; simply leave a note with your gift message during checkout. Be sure to alert your gift recipient that someone will need to be present to sign for the delivery!
BRAND REFRESH
What changes are part of your brand refresh?
Our brand refresh includes an updated logo, new packaging design, and enhanced product labeling to better reflect our commitment to quality and sustainability. We’re excited to continue elevating canned wine and look forward to sharing this with you as it rolls out!
Will the wine itself change with the new packaging?
Nope, the wine inside remains the same premium canned wine you’ve been enjoying up until this point! The new can design is meant to elevate the can and communicate with verbal and visual cues to make sure you know there is premium sparkling wine inside each can.
Why are there still cans with the old packaging available?
During the transition period, you may receive either the original or new packaging as we phase out the previous design. Rest assured, the wine quality remains consistent regardless of the packaging.
How can I be sure I'm getting quality wine with the original packaging?
All cans, whether in the old or new packaging, contain the same premium wine. We are committed to maintaining the highest quality standards across all our products.
Can I choose which packaging I receive?
Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee which packaging you will receive during the transition period. However, both versions meet our strict quality standards.
How long will both old and new packaging be in circulation?
We expect the transition period to last a few months as we sell through our existing inventory. During this time, you may receive either packaging. We appreciate your understanding and patience.
Are there any changes to the information on the can with the new packaging?
The new can includes clearer labeling and additional information about our sustainability efforts, tasting notes, and serving size. However, all essential product details, such as wine style, ABV and region, are still featured on the can.
Why isn't the website fully updated with the brand refresh?
We are working on rolling out a new updated website to go with the transition to our new look and feel - watch this space for updates!