Privacy Policy

Effective date: November 1, 2026

This policy describes what information is handled when you read cavewine.net, why it is used and what you can do about it. The operator runs Cavewine, and the words we and us refer to the operator.

Visit logs

The servers that deliver Cavewine keep ordinary logs of requests. An entry can contain your IP address, the time of the visit, the page requested, your browser and device type and the referring page. We use this to keep the wine reviews and pairing guides loading reliably, to spot errors and abuse and to see in broad terms which articles are read. The lawful basis is our legitimate interest in running a secure website.

Cookies and similar technology

The site may set small files or use browser storage that pages need in order to display properly. Nothing in place today measures your reading, shows you wine adverts or tracks clicks on shop links. If the site ever adds analytics, advertising or affiliate tracking, this policy will be updated first and the Cookie Policy page will explain the change.

Browser controls and opt-out signals

You can block or clear cookies, browse privately or add tracking protection to your browser. If your browser sends a do-not-track or global privacy signal, we will honour it as an opt-out wherever the tools behind the site allow. Blocking storage may change how some features look but should not stop you reading about wine.

Emails and forms

When you write to [email protected], we receive your address and whatever you include, such as a tasting note correction or a question about a Japanese producer. We use it to answer you and fix mistakes in articles, relying on your request and our legitimate interest in keeping the site accurate. Your note stays between you and the operator, and a quoted line would only appear on the site if you had agreed to it.

Newsletters

If Cavewine offers a newsletter, the address you enter is used to send the issues you asked for, on the basis of your consent. Each issue will say how to stop, and you can also ask by email to be removed.

Outside services

For Cavewine these are mainly hosting and content delivery services, which receive technical data about each visit so pages can be delivered. If the site ever adds embedded videos, maps, analytics, advertising or affiliate networks, those providers may also receive data under their own notices, and this policy will name the change. Technical data is used on the basis of our legitimate interest in delivering the site.

How long data is kept

Raw visit logs are held only for a short rolling window before they are erased or boiled down to figures that identify no one. Emails are kept while they help us answer you, correct an article or meet a legal duty, and are then deleted.

Your rights

Depending on where you live, you may ask what personal information we hold about you, have it corrected or erased, object to certain uses, ask us to limit use or request a copy. To make a request, email [email protected] and say what you would like. Because a request could come from someone pretending to be you, we may ask for a little proof of identity, and we will answer within the period set by the law that applies to you.

Withdrawing consent

Where we rely on your consent, such as for a newsletter or any optional cookies the site may add, you can withdraw it at any time. The Cookie Policy page linked in the footer explains how to change your choices, and you can also email us.

Complaints to a regulator

You have the right to take a concern about your data to a regulator: your local data protection authority if you live in the EU, EEA or UK, or the OAIC in Australia. You are welcome to write to us first, though you do not have to.

Younger readers

Wine is for adults, and cavewine.net is written for people of legal drinking age, so it is not aimed at anyone under 13. We have no wish to collect details from young people, and the site has no sign-up that asks for them. If a child has emailed cavewine.net, a parent or guardian can write to us and we will delete the message and any reply.

Security

Pages are delivered over encrypted connections, and only the operator opens the mailbox that receives your notes. A mailbox of tasting questions is still part of the internet, so we cannot promise it will never be breached.

International transfers

Hosting providers may handle data in countries other than your own, where privacy rules can differ. By reading Cavewine you accept that technical data may travel across borders in this way.

Changes to this policy

We may revise this policy as the site grows or the law changes. The date at the top of this page tells you which wording is currently in force.

Raising a concern

Where we rely on your consent, you can withdraw it at any time; this does not affect anything done before. Our Cookie Policy page sets out which cookies are used and how to change your mind about them. Not satisfied with our answer? In the EU, EEA and UK you may complain to your data protection authority (the Information Commissioner’s Office in the UK); in Australia, to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.