Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sip Champagnes all about?
Our mission is to democratise Champagne by establishing an ethical and sustainable platform to enable small-scale artisan producers to reach new markets. Put simply, we want to share our passion and love for grower Champagne with you.
What is ‘artisan’ or ‘grower’ Champagne?
It’s Champagne produced from start to finish by the same farmer; the person who tills the soil and grows the grapes is also the one who harvests them and bottles them. This might seem an obvious way to make Champagne, but it’s actually fairly rare. For more on this, take a look at our blog: Big Brand vs Artisan Champagne.
Who is behind Sip Champagnes?
It’s just the two of us – Peter & Daniel. Intrigued? Our About Us page tells you more about our interests and background, and how we came to start Sip.
Are you truly independent?
Absolutely. Our business isn’t influenced or controlled by any outside parties. We simply offer Champagnes that we feel deserve recognition and we are under no obligation to stock specific bottles or whole lines from any producer.
How do you choose the Champagnes you offer?
We’ve been visiting the Champagne region for over 20 years and, during that time, we’ve sampled a whole lot of bottles – around 15,000! When we started Sip, we selected a clutch of our favourites and brought them to the UK and, since then, we’ve continued to sample and select new bottles from new producers to bring into the Sip collection. Importantly, we are free to pick and choose only the vintages and cuvées we consider to be the best, and we are under no obligation to stock whole lines from any producer.
Are all the products organic or biodynamic?
All of our producers are focused on making the best possible wines without impacting the soil or environment, but it is not our policy to exclusively stock organic or biodynamic wines. The reason being is that Champagne sits at the very edge of viable winemaking and can be subject to disease that you wouldn't find in other wine producing regions. This means that obtaining organic and biodynamic status and producing quality grapes year on year is very challenging. That said, if the producers we stock aren't organic or biodynamic, they are most likely VD (Viticulture Durable) or HVE (High Environmental Value), which means there is attention and focus on biodiversity in the vineyards with hedging, landscaping and grass rows.
Why don’t you have any Champagnes I’ve heard of?
We work predominantly with what’s known as ‘Recolant Manipulant’. All the Grand Marques you will likely have come across are what’s known as ‘Negociant Manipulant’. For more on this take a look at our blog: Big Brand vs Artisan Champagne.
Who writes your articles?
We do. Well… we might have some help with the wording, but the content is all our own thoughts – the things we believe in or see as important in the Champagne world.
What sets Sip apart from other online wine sellers?
We have a vast and detailed knowledge of the products, winemakers and the region. Don’t believe us? Go ahead and ask us a question on the chat function. Anything you like… so long as it’s about Champagne of course. Because of this personal passion we can say, hand-on-heart, that every bottle we offer is exceptional and has been hand-selected on merit alone.
Orders & Delivery
How long will my order take to arrive?
Take a look at our Shipping Policy for details.
Can I track my order?
Yes we offer tracked delivery and a time slot with DPD for our UK orders. If you are ordering for delivery beyond the UK, please get in touch with us at orders@sipchampagnes.com and we will check directly with the warehouse.
What happens if I’m out when my package arrives?
The driver will attempt to contact you on the number provided. We will only leave your delivery at a specified safe place if we have spoken to you on the phone. If we are unable to contact you, the package will be returned to the warehouse.
What happens if I find a bottle is damaged?
Simply get in touch with us at orders@sipchampagnes.com and we will replace the bottle free of charge.
How does my Champagne arrive?
All Champagne arrives securely packaged in 100% recycled and recyclable packaging in a temperature and humidity-controlled van.
Do you ship order outside of the UK?
Yes, we can ship Champagne all over the world. Please see our Shipping Policy for details or timescales and costs.
Is your shipping carbon neutral?
Yes, we invest in carbon offsetting programs to reduce our impact on the environment. We also plant a tree for every order placed.
Can I have my order gift wrapped?
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer this service. Our priority is the preservation of the wine, which means it’s stored and delivered in a temperature and humidity-controlled environment, with no opportunity for a wrapping session along the way. Sorry!
Sip Subscriptions
How do you choose the bottles for the subscription each month?
This is the fun part! Selection is all about creating the most enjoyable, educational, and delicious experience that you could want from a bottle of Champagne. One month we may focus on a particular village and direct our attention to the specific soil and microclimate; the next month we might look at a particular grape variety. With over 75 different Champagnes in our collection (and rising!) the possibilities are endless.
Is a subscription better value than buying the bottles separately?
Absolutely. Collectively, the bottles we select are always worth more than the cost of the subscription, be it £100, £250 or £500, (typically a 25% saving). What’s more, you get added value with our subscription packages, with detailed notes, a monthly tasting with the wine maker and, for £250+ subscription packages, at least one bottle of truly unique Champagne, (late disgorgements, specific bottlings or select vintages).
Can I choose the bottles I want included?
Afraid not. As our subscription packages are all about Champagne discovery – taking you on a journey across the region, introducing you to different producers and styles – you simply select the amount you want to spend (£100, £250 or £500 pcm) and we do the hard work of choosing the bottles. You’ll thank us for it!
Can I send a subscription as a gift?
Yes! We offer 3 or 6 month subscription gift packages. It’s the gift that keeps on giving!
What if I don’t like the Champagne you’ve sent?
If you like Champagne we’re confident you’ll like the bottles we send you. However, if for any reason you are not satisfied, please get in touch with us at membership@sipchampagnes.com.
What if I change my mind?
There is no minimum term or contract with our subscriptions. If you no longer wish to continue simply get in touch with us at membership@sipchampagnes.com.