Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to store Hiyu wine?

Our wines are exciting for their wild exuberance when they are young, but they will only reveal their full potential to unite disparate time, place, and experience when a series of bottles are stored properly and opened over the course of many years.

All of our wines will benefit from a minimum of 5 years of aging following the vintage and should be stored in a dark place, between 53 – 60 degrees Fahrenheit and 80 – 85% humidity. The optimal drinking window, where fruit is balanced by the emergence of exciting tertiary elements, will be between 8 – 15 years for the majority of wines, though many of our wines have the potential to age for several decades. Please email us at orders@hiyuwinefarm.com if you have specific questions about the aging potential of a particular wine, or consult our archive.

Are reservations required to visit Hiyu?

Yes, reservations are required, as we are not currently accepting walk-ins to the Wine Tavern. Please note that Wine Farmer’s Lunch and Tavern Tasting reservations must be made a minimum of 48 hours in advance, while Feast reservations must be made a minimum five days in advance. Unfortunately, we are not offering tours at this time, except in conjunction with our Feast experience. Read more about Wine Tavern experiences.

Can I gift a Wine Tavern experience?

Yes, we are pleased to offer gift cards. Please email us at orders@hiyuwinefarm.com for more information.

Can I gift Hiyu wines?

Yes, we are pleased to offer gift cards. Please email us at orders@hiyuwinefarm.com for more information.

What is your Return Policy?

We will replace or refund you for any bottle of wine that is damaged, flawed, or that you find unsatisfactory. We ask that local customers return the unfinished portion of the original bottle for replacement. Please email us at orders@hiyuwinefarm.com to arrange for the return of a corked or flawed product.

By law, we cannot accept returns of alcoholic beverages unless the product is corked or flawed. We are also unable to accept returns of wine ordered in error, wine damaged during customer transit and storage, or wine damaged due to adverse weather conditions if shipped outside of our recommended window or services.

If you receive a package that has been visibly damaged in transit, please contact us as soon as possible to arrange for an exchange or refund. Please keep the products in the original packaging. We will advise you on how to arrange for the package to be returned to us and plan for a replacement shipment or refund.

Understory

Is there a minimum commitment for The Understory?

When you join the Understory, you commit to a minimum one-year subscription. This allows you to experience a holistic selection of our wines and your subscription benefits. If you cancel your subscription prior to one year, you will be responsible for reimbursing Hiyu for any Understory discounts received.

What are the Understory benefits?

Read more about the Understory and its benefits.

How will I receive my Understory subscription?

We offer Understory subscription pick-up for locals in and around the Columbia Gorge. Additionally, we are compliant and can ship to the following states: CA, IL, OR, MN, WA, CO, TX, FL, NY, DC, CT, NC, SC, MA, and NH. We do not currently offer international Understory subscriptions.

When can I pick up my monthly Understory subscription?

Subscriptions and bottle purchases may be picked up at the Wine Tavern during regular tavern hours: Thursday to Sunday 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. Please note that you must arrange all pick-ups a minimum of 24 hours in advance by emailing us at orders@hiyuwinefarm.com.

When do you ship Understory subscriptions?

Our wines are sensitive to heat and cold, so we only ship when the temperature is under 70 degrees and over 40 degrees at the shipping origin and destination. For this reason, we plan two annual Understory shipments: one in March/April, prior to the hot summer months, and one in October/November, before freezing temperatures prevail. If you have ordered additional bottles, they will be consolidated into these shipments. Please email us at orders@hiyuwinefarm.com if you have any questions about the precise date your subscription will ship.

What variety of wines will I receive?

Each Understory subscription includes two shipments per year of various Hiyu, Smockshop Band, and Tzum wines. Bottles include white, red, and rosé wines as well as the occasional cider, sparkling, or orange wine. Additional bottles, including Understory-exclusive vintages, can be added to your shipment via the Shop page.

Can I choose which wines I will receive?

While you may not select your Understory subscription wines, we encourage you to email us at orders@hiyuwinefarm.com to communicate your preferences; we’ll do our best to accommodate your request.

How will I be charged?

You can choose whether you would like your Understory subscription to process monthly or annually. This payment plan supports all of our endeavors at Hiyu, where animals, fields, and vine sites must be tended to from dusk to dawn, every day.

Can I purchase additional wines?

Absolutely — and as an Understory subscriber, you’ll not only receive a discount on additional bottles (with the discount rate dependent upon your subscription tier) you’ll also enjoy access to Understory-exclusive vintages.

Will I be charged for shipping additional bottles?

If you consolidate the shipping of additional wine purchases into your fall or spring Understory shipment, you will not be charged any additional shipping fees. If you choose to ship outside of the provided shipping window, standard shipping rates will apply.

Shipping

When can I pick up my e-commerce order?

Purchases may be picked up at the Wine Tavern during regular tavern hours: Thursday to Sunday 12: 00 – 5:00 p.m. Please note that you must arrange all pick-ups a minimum of 24 hours in advance by emailing orders@hiyuwinefarm.com.

When do you ship e-commerce orders?

Why do you only ship in the spring and fall?

Our wines are sensitive to heat and cold, so we only ship when the temperature is under 70 degrees and over 40 degrees at the shipping origin and destination. All orders are held until temperatures meet this condition. Please reach out to us if you have any additional questions about when your order will ship.

When is the order cutoff date during your shipping window?

If you order your wine by [TKTK], you will receive it [TKTK]. If you order after the respective cutoff date, you will receive your order [TKTK].

Where do you ship?

We are compliant and can currently ship to the following states: CA, IL, OR, MN, WA, CO, TX, FL, NY, DC, CT, NC, SC, MA, and NH. If you are looking for our wine internationally, please contact orders@hiyuwinefarm.com and we will provide you with the name of our distributor in your country should we have one.

What is the cost of domestic shipping?

Shipping is complimentary on orders over $250 USD. Orders under $250 USD are subject to standard shipping fees, which are calculated at checkout.

Who is your carrier?

We primarily ship with FedEx. Fedex Ground ships within 1 – 5 business days. We recommend only using this service during normal weather conditions, excluding extreme heat and cold.

Fedex Priority Overnight guarantees a delivery time no later than 10:30 a.m. the morning after shipping for most U.S. cities. If you live in a rural area, please contact us; we may need to take additional steps to ensure your package arrives safely during the summer months. Please note that handling time adds a day onto this service.

FedEx Cold Chain is a seasonal service (running from late May to early October) that utilizes both refrigerated trucks and overnight shipping methods to protect the quality of your wine from high temperatures. Delivery takes approximately 1 – 2 weeks, and is available to most states. In order for Cold Chain to effectively protect your wine during transport, a successful first delivery attempt is imperative. We cannot guarantee the integrity of your wine after the first missed delivery.

Will I receive tracking information?

Yes, you will receive tracking information via email once the carrier scans your package. If you haven’t received your tracking information, please check your spam filter or another inbox, as the email will be sent to the address provided in the shipping label. For the most accurate delivery estimate and to ensure an adult is present to sign for your wine, please contact the carrier.

The carrier will make three delivery attempts before returning the package to Hiyu. If you know you will not be able to sign at the time of delivery or if you receive a notice the package missed its attempted delivery, please contact the carrier or contact us at orders@hiyuwinefarm.com as soon as possible. You may be able to arrange package pick up at a local facility or have the package sent to an alternate address.

If your wine is not successfully delivered and is returned back to us, we will contact you to arrange re-shipment. Please note that if your wine is returned to us, you will be charged the shipping cost required to re-send the package.

Is a signature required for delivery?

Yes, a delivery signature is required for all Hiyu shipments. Please also note that packages containing alcohol must be signed for by an individual 21 years or older, and individuals must also be a minimum of 21 years old to place an order.

Visits

When is the Wine Tavern open?

The Wine Tavern is currently open Thursday – Sunday. The Wine Farmer’s Lunch is served from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.; Tavern Tastings run from 2:30 – 5:00 pm; and Feast experiences commence at 6:30 p.m.

Are reservations required for Wine Tavern experiences?

Yes, we are not currently accepting walk-ins to the Wine Tavern. Please note that Wine Farmer’s Lunch and Tavern Tasting reservations must be made a minimum of 48 hours in advance, while Feast reservations must be made a minimum of five days in advance. Unfortunately, we are not offering tours at this time, except in conjunction with our Feast experience.

How can I make a reservation?

Visit Tock to make a reservation. While reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance,Wine Farmer’s Lunch and Tavern Tasting reservations must be made a minimum of 48 hours in advance, and Feast reservations must be made a minimum of five days in advance.

Do you offer outdoor seating?

Yes, we have several weather-dependent, seasonal outdoor tables.

Are dogs allowed?

Yes, we love dogs and we are happy to host leashed companions in our outdoor seating area. Unfortunately, we are unable to accomodate dogs indoors.

Do you allow minors?

Absolutely, we welcome all ages to Wine Tavern and offer a discounted rate on experiences for those too young to drink alcohol.

Can those who don’t drink partake in Wine Tavern experiences?

Yes, both minors and adults who do not drink alcohol are welcome to partake in the food portion of our Wine Tavern experiences at a discounted rate. Please contact us at visit@hiyuwinefarm.com prior to your visit if a member of your party falls into this category.

Do you offer tastings without food?

It is our deep belief that our wines are best enjoyed alongside food. This tenet is inspired by wine taverns in the European countryside that celebrate the bounty of local farmland, which is why all of our Wine Tavern experiences comprise both food and wine.

Do you offer wines by the glass?

If time and space allows, you are more than welcome to enjoy a glass or bottle of wine following your Wine Tavern experience.

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

Yes, we are happy to accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice. After booking your Wine Tavern experience online, you will have the opportunity to fill out a questionnaire regarding details of your visit. Please enter any restrictions within the questionnaire or email us at visit@hiyuwinefarm.com.

How long do Wine Tavern experiences last?

The Wine Farmer’s Lunch and Tavern Tastings typically last one-and-a-half to two hours, while Feast dinners stretch over two-plus hours.

Can I walk around the farm before, during, or after my Wine Tavern experience?

Unfortunately, at this time we are a working farm and cannot allow guests to walk unguided around the property. We will soon be offering guided farm tours Thursday to Sunday by reservation.

What is your COVID-19 protocol?

Visits to the farm have been modified to meet the CDC guidelines and local mandates around COVID-19:

We are required to keep six feet distance when not directly serving you.

During direct service, we will not be able to speak or answer questions until we’ve gained six feet of distance between us; then we will happily discuss the food and wine and answer any questions.

Our restrooms are sanitized every hour or more often, based on usage.

As long as weather allows, we are opening all of our large folding doors to the Wine Tavern to facilitate maximum air flow for indoor seating. We also offer outdoor seating.

Have you adjusted your capacity?

Yes, we’ve reduced our seating capacity by 50% to conform with OHA guidelines of six feet distance between parties. There are just three private tables for up to six guests each for each seating.

Are face coverings required?

Face coverings are required for guests entering, exiting, and walking about the Wine Tavern. They are not required when you are seated at your table. We have disposable masks if you have forgotten yours. Our staff wears masks at all times.

Will you be wearing gloves during service?

Oregon Health Authority guidelines prohibit wearing gloves while serving food and drink to avoid potential cross-contamination. We will be washing our hands or using sanitizer before serving each guest food or wine and before and after clearing dishes.

Will you be using disposable products during service?

We avoid using disposable products whenever possible. Instead, we are sanitizing all glassware, dishware, and utensils each day before we open for service. All linens, plates, and flatware are placed directly in an airtight storage container after cleaning. We have a robust recycling program and are working on systems to ensure all disposable products are recycled.

What are your cleaning protocols?

We sanitize all shared surfaces after each touch. This includes menus, tables, chairs, door handles, light switches, and bathroom surfaces. We employ extra staff during service to focus specifically on cleaning.

Do you offer touchless payment?

Touchless payment is provided to guests who have created an online account via our website, where we can safely store credit card information. Alternatively, we can swipe your card onsite with a card reader and iPad, and sanitize your card before returning it to you. We are happy to sign the iPad for you and enter a tip (only if desired).

How are you monitoring your staff’s health?

All staff have access to protected sick time and will be required to stay at home if exhibiting signs of illness; we have thermometers onsite to monitor temperatures. We ask that you also follow this practice by contacting us to reschedule your reservation if you are experiencing signs of illness.