Terms & Conditions - Wine Tours

The following Terms and Conditions apply to all tours associated with This is Wine School and take precedence over all previous information printed or digital. Deadlines and important dates are provided on your booking agreement and invoices.

TERMS & CONDITIONS: This information is very important, please read it carefully. It is the responsibility of each traveler to read and agree to these Terms and Conditions before registering.

TOUR OPERATOR: 1357389 BC Ltd. is hereafter referred to as This is Wine School.

DEPOSIT AND FINAL PAYMENT: A non-refundable deposit is required to confirm your booking on our tours. Final payment of the tour fee will be due by March 2, 2026. Payment procedures may be changed or altered at any time. Final payment invoices will be sent by email, along with the final booking contract. 

PRICES: All quoted prices include the cost of tour operator planning and operation. Each tour lists the items that are included in that specific tour. Please refer to the tour itinerary you are joining for pricing and inclusions.  All advertised tours state the date the final itinerary will be provided.

CONTACT INFORMATION:   It is the responsibility of the traveler to provide changes in any contact information, including email addresses and regular mail addresses. Failure to do so may result in loss of space, deposit, or other time-sensitive notifications.

PASSENGER CANCELLATION AND FEES

All cancellation requests must be made in writing via email to classes@thisiswineschool.com. The date received in our email inbox to classes@thisiswineschool.com will be the date of cancellation.

The following cancellation policy applies to: 

  • The deposit is non-refundable and refund requests will not be honoured in any form.

  • Final payment due in full by February 17th, 2026. Final invoices will be sent via email.

  • 50% of the total payment will be refunded upon request from February 17th to March 12th, 2026

  • No refunds will be provided after March 13th, 2026

UNUSED PORTIONS OF THE TOUR: No refunds or credits will be provided to travelers for any unused portions or deviations of the tour, including accommodations, transportation, services, or other itinerary features unless agreed to in writing by both parties. We recommend Travel Insurance.

REFUNDS:  Refunds will only be made in the original form of payment, either via e-transfer to the originating payment email address or by credit card refunded to the card used to pay. If your credit card number has changed, you must notify us.  We are not responsible for refunds made to an incorrect account. Refunds will be processed by This is Wine School within 72 hours of receipt of the request if they comply with the cancellation policy. Note recorded receipt of funds back to a card or account can vary based on financial institution.

ACCEPTANCE OF PASSENGERS: This is Wine School reserves the right to decline the booking or terminate the holiday of any traveler. There will be no refunds under such circumstances.

NUMBER OF PASSENGERS:  Tour groups are small and intimate with a maximum of 10 or fewer guests unless otherwise stated.  The number does not include the guide, driver, or company personnel.

ERRORS & OMISSIONS: This is Wine School is not responsible for omissions, technical errors or technical issues, system misconfiguration or typographical or booking errors. If there is a question, please contact us.

TOUR CHANGES OR CANCELLATION: In the event it becomes necessary or advisable, for any reason, to alter the itinerary, arrangements, tour leader, personnel, projects, inclusions or special offers, This is Wine School reserves the right to make such alterations or changes without notice and shall be effective upon posting. These changes do not constitute a canceled tour.

Our tours are subject to a minimum number of people to travel. Should fewer than the required minimum number participate, we reserve the right to cancel the tour, a full refund will be made, which constitutes a full settlement; or a price adjustment may be imposed at the discretion of This is Wine School.

TRIP CANCELLATION, HEALTH, ACCIDENT, MEDICAL EVACUATION & BAGGAGE INSURANCE: For your protection comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended and in the best interest of each traveler, to protect you before and during the trip. Travel insurance is not included in the price of the tours.

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS: Accommodations are in modern, well-selected locations, 3*, 4* hotels or resort hotels. Hotels are based on availability and may vary by destination, city, and dates of travel. The price is based on twin occupancy with a private bath.  This is Wine School reserves the right to substitute hotel accommodations of similar quality at any time without notice. Any personally incurred hotel expenses, such as room service charges, mini-bar service, etc. will be at the traveler’s sole expense and responsibility. 

Hotel check-in policies will not guarantee a room until 2pm in most cities, when arriving after your initial flight. Most hotels will try to accommodate you if your room is not available upon arrival, this cannot be guaranteed. Most hotels will securely hold your luggage until your room is ready. This is Wine School will not be responsible for any incurred charges while clients are waiting for hotel room availability.

AIR ARRANGEMENTS: Airfare and airport transfers to or from the hotel are NOT included with your tour. It is the responsibility of the passenger to make their air arrangements.  This Wine School is not responsible for any air travel purchases or any losses you may encounter due to tour rescheduling or cancelling, or for any missed flights, missed transfers, or activities.

TOUR TRANSPORTATION: Tours to private and public attractions are arranged for your enjoyment. Adherence to the timetables as announced is imperative.  If you miss your transportation, fees to return to the hotel or tour are your responsibility. This is Wine School is not financially or otherwise responsible for your reunion with the tour. It is your responsibility to notify the Tour Leader of your location if you miss the transportation.

BAGGAGE: Guests are responsible and must conform with all international and/or domestic air carrier restrictions, excess baggage fees, and are responsible for their own luggage during the tour. We recommend one bag/suitcase per person, plus a small carry-on. We request only one bag per person on tours. We recommend Travel Insurance with baggage protection.

PERSONAL ITEMS: This is Wine School cannot be held responsible and will not be liable for any damage, loss, or theft of any passenger’s personal belongings, accessories, or luggage.

PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP, PASSPORTS & VISAS: Passport and visa fees are not included in the tour price.  For all international travel, travelers are required to provide proper identification for customs and immigration. Canadian citizens must have a valid passport for travel outside of Canada. ALL RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE IN YOUR NAME AS IT APPEARS ON YOUR PASSPORT. Non-Canadian citizens must consult their consulate for ID or Visa requirements. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO OBTAIN PROPER IDENTIFICATION, PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP, PASSPORT AND VISAS FOR ALL TRAVEL OUTSIDE OF CANADA. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the anticipated tour end date. Passengers who are denied boarding or entry for improper documentation will not be eligible for a refund of any amount. We recommend that you check with the appropriate Consulate regarding their visa requirements.

TRAVELERS COMPORTMENT: This is Wine School reserves the right not to accept or retain as a tour participant any person whose physical/mental condition or general deportment impedes the operation of the tour or affects the rights, welfare, or enjoyment of other tour participants or for any other reason. If a person is required to leave a tour it will be considered an unused portion and non-refundable, and they will be responsible for all their expenses to return home including any rebooking fees by airlines and/or suppliers.

HEALTH AND SAFETY:   All travel is taken at the risk of the traveler, you are responsible for keeping yourself informed of any unsafe conditions (including government travel warnings), health hazards, weather hazards, or climate extremes in any place where you may visit with This is Wine School and act accordingly.

Please see the appropriate Travel.Provincial.Gov websites. If you are not a citizen or resident of Canada, please see your country’s health and safety information regarding travel.

It is each traveler’s responsibility to check with their medical provider regarding any/or all health issues that they may have or that may arise by participating on the trip, and NOT participate should these be in question. It is your responsibility to list all medical and dietary issues on the booking form.  

FITNESS/MEDICAL ISSUES: Many of our tours include a lot of activities, including walking, stair climbing (without elevator access), cobblestone streets, standing, and walking on uneven surfaces that may be strenuous for some people. At times the walking pace may be fast and somewhat strenuous.  It is your responsibility to determine your fitness level and health status to participate fully or at all. It is each traveler’s responsibility to check with their medical provider regarding any health issue that may arise by participating on the trip, and NOT participate should this be in question. Failure to comply may result in a refusal to accommodate you on the trip and all penalties will apply.  We cannot provide any wheelchair or walking assistance or guarantee accessibility at any destination. Many foreign countries do not adhere to the same principles as set forth in the ACA (Accessible Canada Act). For those requiring assistance with a cane or a walker, many of our destinations require a lot of strenuous walking and are hampered by cobblestones or poor pavement. Many hotels and coaches in foreign countries are only accessible by stairs. Please consider your ability to participate, carefully. It is your ultimate responsibility to know your limitations and not undertake the tour or any activity that might be restrictive to you. If you require someone to assist you in any way, you need to secure someone to travel with at the regular tour cost. You must list the type of assistance and the name of the person on the booking form.

This is Wine School is not responsible for any costs of any medical treatment a passenger may require during the trip.

Under no circumstances is This is Wine School responsible or liable for the quality of medical care, or lack thereof, you may receive while on the trip. In some areas, medical care may not be possible without additional travel expenses being incurred by the traveler. These expenses are the responsibility of the traveler and individual payment arrangements with the medical provider must be made by the traveler at the time care is rendered. This is Wine School is not responsible or liable for the lack of medical care in any area or any additional fees that may be associated with finding and securing medical care. Insurance that includes medical coverage while traveling is highly recommended.

VACCINATIONS/IMMUNIZATIONS: It is incumbent upon the traveler to understand each international region’s vaccination requirements and suggestions. These can be found at the Public Health Canada Agency website for travelers: https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/vaccines It is the traveler’s responsibility to know their own health history and what may or may not be allowed as far as vaccinations or prophylactic medications apply. This is Wine School will not be liable for any vaccination issues, illnesses developed because of, or lack of vaccines or preventative medication related to any tour. It is the traveler’s responsibility to check with their physician or travel medicine provider regarding vaccinations needed for every country. We do not advise on medical issues. With certain medical conditions, immunizations are contraindicated – be sure to check with your physician.

FORCE MAJEURE:  Force Majeure applies to all bookings. “Force Majeure” means, in relation to 1357389 BC Ltd. DBA This is Wine School, any circumstances beyond the reasonable control of This is Wine School (including, but without limitation, acts of God, explosion, flood, tempest, forceful wind, fire or accident, war or threat of war declared or undeclared, acts of terrorism, sabotage, insurrection, riots, strikes, civil disturbance, requisition, sickness, pandemic, epidemic, quarantine, government intervention, weather conditions, defects in machinery and vehicles, delay, wildlife, or other untoward occurrences). This is Wine School shall not be deemed to be in breach of these terms and conditions or otherwise be liable to you, by reason of delay in performance, or by non-performance, of any of its obligations hereunder to the extent that any such delay or non-performance is due to any Force Majeure.

Further about FORCE MAJEURE: If 1357389 BC Ltd., thereafter indicated as This is Wine School, and/or any of its travel suppliers, are affected by Force Majeure, they shall be entitled to, and may in their sole and absolute discretion, vary or cancel any itinerary or arrangement in relation to the trip. Payment of any refund by 1357389 BC Ltd. to you as a result of the non-performance of any obligations hereunder shall remain in its sole and absolute discretion, although This is Wine School shall use its reasonable efforts to reimburse you where possible. However, This is Wine School shall be entitled to deduct from any refund recoverable the reasonable actual and/or potential costs to 1357389 BC Ltd. or This is Wine School of the Force Majeure and applicable cancellation fees. Regarding civil unrest, once This is Wine School has investigated the prevailing situation, as it deems fit, it shall remain in This is Wine School sole and absolute discretion whether to proceed with the trip. You may in such circumstances cancel the trip subject to This is Wine School and each supplier’s terms and conditions.

RESPONSIBILITY: 1357389 BC Ltd., hereafter indicated as This is Wine School acts only as an agent for all suppliers of services, or in accepting reservations for services on its tours. The suppliers or independent contractors providing transportation, accommodations, and all other services are not agents or employees of This is Wine School. To the extent that This is Wine School or its suppliers are involved in the sale of train/vehicle transportation to you, This is Wine School acts only as an agent of the train or vehicle carrier. By utilizing the services of all suppliers, the passenger agrees that neither This is Wine School, nor any representatives shall be liable for any accident, or injury, including loss of life, damage, loss, delay, irregularity, or expenses, arising from acts of God, strikes, war, weather, quarantines, sickness, pandemics, terrorist activity, government restrictions or regulations, from any act or omission of any individual, firm, or corporation furnishing transportation, sight-seeing, accommodations, or any services in connection with such travel plans or from any other occurrences what so ever. All such expenses or losses are the responsibility of the passenger.

By commencing travel, the passenger willingly assumes all risks and responsibilities expected or unexpected involved with such travel. We urge the purchase of travel insurance to protect against such risks.

SEVERABILITY: The invalidity or unenforceability of any part of this Agreement, or the invalidity of its application to a specific situation or circumstance, shall not affect the validity of the remainder of this Agreement, or its application to other situations or circumstances. Any provision of this Agreement held invalid or unenforceable only in part or degree will remain in full force and effect to the extent not held invalid or unenforceable.

CLAIMS OR DISPUTES/ARBITRATION: In the event of a dispute or claim made by the traveler concerning, relating, or referring to this Agreement, promotion of tour, tour inclusions, performance of This is Wine School, or any claim made against This is Wine School, This is Wine School will make every effort to resolve said dispute or claim between the individual parties involved. If the dispute or claim cannot be resolved between the traveler and This is Wine School, the traveler agrees that any dispute or claim shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration according to the then-existing rules of British Columbia’s Arbitration Act or  if applicable, the International Commercial Arbitration Act in an arbitration conducted in and governed by the laws of British Columbia, Canada. In connection with any action or legal proceeding arising out of this agreement, the parties hereby specifically and knowingly waive any rights that either party might have to demand a jury trial.

Upon making a deposit to This is Wine School, it shall constitute full knowledge, acceptance, and consent by the participant to all provisions in the tour website, General Information, Terms and Conditions; the Booking Form, and all other release forms. All participants will be required to sign this liability release form before embarking on their trip.

This is Wine School advises we update its Terms and Conditions from time to time. Updated Terms and Conditions will be published on our website.