FAQ

What styles and varieties of sparkling can I expect?

Think of going to a local farmers market. There you find fresh and high quality produce made mostly by small farmers. You’ll often see and taste produce you’ve never seen before. You shop and go home excited about the quality and happy that you supported small farmers. Becoming a Sparkle-ist member is a lot like that. You’ll receive bottles with crisp, light, clean flavors, made with care and, often, with methods passed down through generations. Our focus is on working with producers using sustainable agricultural practices and an overall respect for the land. You’ll receive and learn about exceptional Grower Champagnes, Cavas, Crémants, Proseccos, Franciacortas, Sekts, New World Sparkling wine and Pet-Nats. You’ll discover and delight in new flavors you never would have expected. We want you to learn to love sparkling wine in all of its complexities and varieties. And we’re here to show you the way.

What do you mean by minimal intervention, what’s a Sekt or a Grower Champagne?

Check out our helpful blog post on terminology and definitions.

When can I expect to receive my order?

Club member shipments: Monthly Sparkle-ist shipments are sent out the first week of each month. New members who join Sparkle-ist before the 1st of the month will receive the upcoming club shipment. If you join early in a month and just can’t wait for your bubbles (we understand. we couldn’t wait either) contact us and we’ll be happy to make arrangements for you.

Gift sets and individual orders: Orders will be processed within 2-3 business days. We’re a small business without Amazon style robots. It’s just us doing the work here by hand. Actually shipping times will vary depending on the carrier and the distance of the delivery address from Washington DC. Typically (but not guaranteed) East Coast orders will take 1-3 business days, Middle of the country, 2-4 business days and West Coast 3-5 business days. Need your bubbles even faster? Contact us and we’ll do our best to get you clinking glasses ASAP.

When am I charged for my monthly shipment?

Your monthly payment is processed at the start of each month immediately before your shipment is processed and shipped.

Why is shipping and tax extra?

Amazon Prime has spoiled us all. We don’t want to inflate prices to cover all shipping variables and distances. Shipping costs are based on the weight of your box and your destination. These costs are added separately because we want every dollar of your membership fee to go exclusively towards providing you truly amazing sparkling wines.

I loved my bottles! Can I get more and get a discount?

Active members (Sparkle-ists) receive 10% of any additional individual bottles purchased. You can order bottles separately or have them added to your next monthly order. Keep in mind that because we work with smaller producers, many of the sparkling wines we order are in short supply. As a result our inventory will fluctuate. *Please note, gift sets are not eligible for discounts. 

How do I skip a month, cancel, make changes or customize my subscription or deliveries?

You have lots of control. You can change your address, add a credit card, adjust the frequency of shipments, skip a month, pause your account or cancel. Log into your account to manage these options or simply email us and we'll be happy to help.

Do you have a referral program?

Absolutely! Stay tuned, details on how to share and earn free bubbles is coming.  

Is an Adult Signature required?

At the time of delivery, the carrier will require someone over the age of 21 with ID to sign for the shipment. If you or your gift recipient are not able to sign for your shipment, we suggest having your shipment sent to an address where an adult 21 years of age or older is available to sign for it. You will receive tracking information and updates to help you with timing the arrival.

What happens if I miss my sparkling shipment?

The delivery carrier will attempt to deliver to your address 3 times. Shipments are usually held for up to five business days at a UPS facility before being shipped back. If a shipment is returned to us you will be responsible for any extra shipping costs incurred.

Shipping, Returns & Refunds:

See our Shipping and Returns & Refund policies.

My question was not listed in the FAQ?

No problem! Email lieven@sparkle-ist.com and we’ll get back to you promptly.