Terms & Conditions for Educational Seminars by Manhattan Wine Company

This Educational Seminar Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into as of the date of ticket purchase by the attendee ("Attendee") and Manhattan Wine Company ("MWC"). By purchasing a ticket and/or attending the Seminar, the Attendee agrees to the following terms and conditions:

1. Nature of the Event: Educational Seminar

The event for which this ticket is purchased is strictly an educational seminar designed to enhance consumer knowledge and appreciation of wine.

  • Seminar Fee: The ticket price covers the cost of the educational instruction, printed materials, venue setup, and the reservation of a seat.
  • Compliant Tasting: In accordance with NY ABC Law § 63, no portion of the ticket fee represents a charge for the sale of alcoholic beverages for on-premise consumption. Any wine samples provided are complimentary and ancillary to the educational instruction.


2. Eligibility & Identification

  • Age Requirement: All Attendees must be at least 21 years of age to enter the premises and participate in the Seminar.
  • ID Verification: A valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., Driver’s License, Passport) must be presented upon entry. MWC reserves the right to refuse entry to any individual who fails to provide proper identification or who appears to be under the age of 21.


3. Store Credit Policy

As part of the educational experience, MWC may offer a credit towards the purchase of products featured in the Seminar.

  • Credit Value: Attendees will receive a $15.00 store credit (or other amount as specified in the event description).
  • Redemption: This credit is valid only for the purchase of featured wines or eligible merchandise at Manhattan Wine Company. It must be redeemed on the day of the event (or as specified by staff) and cannot be exchanged for cash or applied retroactively to past purchases.
  • Non-Transferable: Credits are issued to the specific Attendee and are non-transferable.


4. Tasting Protocols & Consumption Limits

MWC is committed to the responsible service of alcohol and strict compliance with New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) regulations.

  • Sample Size: Wine samples are limited to 2 ounces per pour, consistent with SLA marketing permit guidelines and responsible tasting standards.
  • Right to Refuse Service: MWC staff and instructors reserve the absolute right to deny service to any Attendee who appears intoxicated or whose conduct is disruptive.
  • Spit Buckets: To facilitate professional tasting and education, spit buckets are provided and their use is encouraged.


5. Cancellation, Refund & Transfer Policy

  • Non-Refundable: All ticket sales are final and non-refundable.
  • Transfers: Tickets may be transferred to another eligible person (21+) up to 24 hours prior to the event start time. Please notify MWC via email with the new attendee’s full name.
  • Event Cancellation: In the unlikely event that MWC must cancel or reschedule a Seminar (e.g., due to instructor illness, severe weather, or force majeure), Attendees will be notified via email and offered a full refund or credit toward a future event.


6. Assumption of Risk & Waiver of Liability

The Attendee acknowledges that the Seminar involves the consumption of alcoholic beverages and voluntarily assumes all risks associated with such participation.

  • Release: The Attendee agrees to release, waive, and discharge Manhattan Wine Company, its owners, employees, agents, and affiliates from any and all liability, claims, demands, or causes of action arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury, including death, that may be sustained by the Attendee while participating in the Seminar.
  • Personal Responsibility: The Attendee accepts full responsibility for their own well-being and agrees not to operate a motor vehicle if their ability to do so is impaired.


7. Indemnification

The Attendee agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Manhattan Wine Company from any and all claims, actions, suits, costs, expenses, damages, and liabilities, including attorney fees, arising out of or resulting from:

  • The Attendee's participation in the Seminar;
  • Any damage to MWC property caused by the Attendee;
  • The conduct of the Attendee or their guests

8. Photography & Media Release

By attending the Seminar, the Attendee grants MWC permission to capture and use photographs or video recordings of the event for marketing, social media, and educational purposes. If an Attendee does not wish to be photographed, they must explicitly notify MWC staff upon arrival.


9. Code of Conduct

  • Respectful Environment: MWC fosters a learning environment. Disruptive behavior, harassment of staff or other attendees, or destruction of property will result in immediate removal from the premises without refund.
  • Sensory Policy: To ensure all guests can fully experience the wines, please refrain from wearing strong perfumes, colognes, or using heavily scented products (gum, mints, etc.) during the Seminar.


10. Private Educational Seminars (Group Bookings)

If the Attendee is booking a private event for a group (hereinafter the "Host"), the following additional terms apply:

  • Educational Purpose: The Host acknowledges that the private booking is strictly an educational seminar led by MWC staff. The event is not a "party" or "open bar" format.
  • Host Responsibility: The Host assumes full responsibility for the conduct of all invited guests ("Invitees"). The Host agrees to ensure all Invitees comply with these Terms & Conditions, including age verification and responsible consumption standards.
  • Guest Liability: The Host agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold MWC harmless from any claims, damages, or injuries arising from the actions, omissions, or presence of their Invitees on MWC premises.


11. Insurance Requirements (For Corporate or Large Private Groups)

For corporate bookings, large private groups, or events involving third-party vendors, MWC reserves the right to require the Host to provide proof of liability insurance coverage.

  • Coverage Limits: If requested, such coverage shall include General Liability insurance with limits of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate.
  • Additional Insured: Manhattan Wine Company must be named as an "Additional Insured" on the policy for the date of the event.
  • Submission: Certificates of Insurance (COI) must be submitted to MWC no later than 7 days prior to the scheduled Seminar.


12. Third-Party Catering & Vendors

  • Food Service: Per NY SLA regulations for off-premise licensees, MWC does not operate a commercial kitchen. Any food provided during private seminars must be light accompaniments (e.g., cheese, crackers) or catered by a licensed third-party vendor approved by MWC.
  • Vendor Liability: MWC is not liable for the goods or services provided by third-party caterers or vendors hired by the Host.


13. Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.