I finally sold one of my wines after many months of being for sale, now I want to withdraw my funds and it just keeps the error message: "International withdrawals to your country aren't supported... See more
Company replied
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I joined Vinovest in August 2022. Nearly four years later, my portfolio is still down, with a cost basis around $1,320 and an estimated value around $1,246. The real problem is liquidity. The... See more
Company replied
Easy to get in, impossible to get out. Your wines won’t sell. I requested a withdrawal 52 days ago and still haven’t received a cent—while they hide behind excuses about “withdrawal system glitches.... See more
Company replied
Unfortunately, I am very concerned this is a scam since my money cannot be withdrawn despite me being a customer with them for 5 years. They charge absurd fees. They do not stand by their product. Do... See more
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Company details
- #2 of 2 best companies in Wine Cellar
- #25 of 25 best companies in Wine Store
- #2 of 2 best companies in Wine Wholesaler and Importer
Written by the company
Vinovest is a modern wine and whiskey investing platform that helps customers source investment grade wines, provide professional storage and custody solutions, and manage ongoing buying/selling recommendations. We have cultivated direct relationships with the most sought-after wineries and distilleries in the world. We pride ourselves on being able to source the most collectible wines in the world at the best prices.
Contact info
9900 Culver Blvd, 90232, Culver City, United States
- 9494158730
- anthony@vinovest.co
- vinovest.co
1.7
Bad
285 reviews
Asks customers to review
This company invites their customers to review, whether positive or negative
Replied to 84% of negative reviews
Typically takes over 1 month to reply
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Great tasting
Great tasting, great selections, would love to do a tasting+dinner next time around.
September 1, 2025
Scam! 3 years trying, and can’t get out!
It seemed a way to diversify some spare cash - but this has turned into a nightmare that I cannot get out of. They will give you all the support in the world to put money in, and assure ‘active management’ however extracting out has been (and continues to be) impossible.
I accepted that there may be delays to sell wine, and that it is possible that values could go down (they have) this I was aware of going in.
But 3 years ago, I asked them to liquidate my portfolio at any price and to get out and they they are have been unable to sell the wine they purchased for me - yet still continue to charge ongoing management fees.
For 3 years I have been begging them to let me leave their ponzi scheme and yet it appears they won’t sell the wine and let me go…. I’m still technically a customer because I cannot get out!!!!
August 26, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Vinovest
Hi Mike,
Three years trying to exit is unacceptable. I want to personally intervene here.
You asked to liquidate at any price three years ago, and you're still a customer against your will while paying fees. That's not how this should work.
Please email me directly at brent@vinovest.co with your account email. I'll review your portfolio and liquidation history myself. If we've been unable to sell your holdings for three years, we need to discuss alternative options - even if that means accepting significantly reduced prices to get you out.
I can't fix three years of frustration, but I can give you a concrete path forward.
— Brent Akamine, CEO
I was misled by false reviews and…
I was misled by false reviews and nearly lost everything. I owe everything to those in the bio who stepped in when I needed it most.
March 13, 2025
Unprompted review
Stay Away, It's a Grift
They engage in false advertising on their yields, & the fees are BS. This operation hasn't scaled for a reason.
August 4, 2025
Unprompted review
VINOVEST IS A SCAM!
SCAM!
I diversified a lot of my investments. Someone told me about Wine portfolios, hence why I too have a bunch of money tied up in wines. Anyway, I have the same issues. I'd say my entire portfolio is down about 39%.
Trying to sell wines results in them never being sold, or you "supposedly" get bids for them that would result in you taking a significant loss. I tried cashing in my wines....aka, absorb the loss, have them ship the wines to me so I can drink them. All of a sudden, their "System is down" to process such requests.
Then they hit you up for these management fees which suck out ANY potential gains you might have ever made.
Their customer support is terrible... to the point you feel like you want to put a fist through your monitor at how angry they make you. I just want out... I want out of their shitty scammy framework. However, I want to hold them accountable for the wines they supposedly put in my portfolio. I want to see those wines.... I want to drink them.
Anyway... for anyone considering using them. Stay clear. Its a TERRIBLE investment unless you are looking for one to dump money into and take sustained losses year over year.
August 13, 2025
Unprompted review
Bye Bye Investment
I have basically written off my initial investment as they won't ship me my wines (without it costing as much as my initial investment just for shipping, ironically) and their is 0 demand in their marketplace to actually sell them. Its all just a big scam folks. They lock up funds to secure high monthly fees and do everything in their power to push you off (in fact they don't even respond to me anymore- full ghost). And I am 99% sure they do not have the wine they say they do, nor actually store it. I could go on for a few hours here on all the problems I have encountered with the team over the past few years, but its not worth it...its a shame- could have been a strong company with a lock on the market in the US. But that is what greed does to certain young founders. What a shame!
July 2, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Vinovest
Hello John,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We’re genuinely sorry to hear that your expectations haven’t been met, and we’d like to address the points in your review to provide a clearer picture for you and others reading.
First and most importantly: your wines absolutely do exist and are securely stored in globally recognized, professional wine storage facilities such as Octavian Vaults and LCB. These third-party warehouses are industry-standard and used by top wine merchants and collectors worldwide.
Regarding your statement about shipping, international wine logistics are complex and can be costly, especially when dealing with duties, tariffs, temperature-controlled handling, and consolidation across multiple warehouses. We never charge arbitrary fees—any shipping quote you receive reflects real third-party costs, and we’re always happy to explore ways to minimize those expenses.
As for wine sales: all wines listed through Vinovest are marketed to the outside fine wine trade, not just within our platform. Demand depends heavily on market conditions, maturity, and pricing. While liquidity can vary, our team continues working on your behalf to identify buyers through a broad network of global merchants and collectors.
Finally, we’re disappointed to hear you felt ignored. We make every effort to respond to support inquiries, and if you’ve been waiting on a reply, we’d like to investigate and follow up immediately. Please reach out to us directly at hello@vinovest.co with your registered account information so we can address your concerns without delay.
We understand your frustration and are here to help. While the journey in alternative investments like fine wine isn’t always smooth, we’re committed to transparency and improving our platform and services every step of the way.
Thank you again for your feedback.
Logged in to invest more money and my…
Logged in to invest more money and my wine and my money had been zero out. Would like to know who stole it as I received no wine and no money somebody has both. Would not recommend to anyone until they find my wine or my money. Never happened to in 50 years
July 18, 2025
Unprompted review
Your investment is hard to get out of.
This is not an investment, it's a trap for your money wrapped in a good looking interface. I just happen to need to liquidate what I have in vinovest and can't wait until maturity for another 5-10 years.
I've listed the wines in my portfolio well below their estimated value and added flexible pricing. But more than 1 month later, nothing. I doubt they have a marketplace. But of course they keep charging me holding fees and asking me to add funds to my account.
Ridiculous. And to think I almost referred some friends. I'm very happy my friends were not interested when I told them I had found vinovest.
EDIT: As they mentioned in their reply, indeed my wines have been finally sold, albeit maybe because I significantly reduced their price to make sure they are sold.
July 1, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Vinovest
Hello Cristian,
Thank you for sharing your feedback — we understand how frustrating it can be when expectations aren’t met during the liquidation process.
To clarify, your wines were officially listed for sale in April and were made available to a broad network of external buyers. While we do everything we can to help facilitate timely sales, there is no guaranteed timeframe for when wines will sell, especially given current market conditions where buyer demand can be slower.
After further review of your account we have confirmed that all of your wines have now been sold and all proceeds are available for withdrawal.
Vinovest does not limit sales to an internal marketplace — your wines were listed across external channels and promoted to a global network of collectors, merchants, and brokers to help maximize your opportunities.
Thank you again for your time and sharing your feedback,
Vinovest is absolutely terrible
Vinovest is terrible. They made it sound like an investment platform, and that I could buy and sell wine freely. Lies. When I wanted to liquidate my wines they told me to fill out more paperwork, and held my money for over a year and I still do not the proceeds from having my wine sold.
The best part is, because they are ridiculous and terrible at their jobs, they took fees from my sale price to cover their “storage fee’s” and took hundreds of dollars off the price of my wine over the last 12+ months.
I emailed their customer service the other day and they said oh yeah it “sold yesterday”. I had not emailed them in 7 months, but coincidentally it sold the day before I emailed them. Give me a break!
I literally LOST 25% of the value of my portfolio investing with Vinovest - do NOT invest with them, they will keep your money and make interest, and return to you whenever they feel like it. Total scam.
June 13, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Vinovest
Hello,
Thank you for your feedback. We're sorry to hear about your frustration and want to take this opportunity to clarify a few important details regarding your account.
All of your wines have now been successfully sold, and 100% of the proceeds were returned to you as of the end of June. While we understand the experience may not have met your expectations, we want to confirm that no funds have been withheld and your account has been fully settled.
We also want to clarify that Vinovest does not charge advisory or performance fees. The fees deducted from your sale proceeds were related to storage and insurance, which are clearly disclosed and continue to apply while your wines are stored—whether they are held, listed, or awaiting sale. These fees ensure that your wines are professionally preserved until the moment of transfer or delivery.
We understand that the fine wine market operates differently from more liquid asset classes. Sales can take time, and values can fluctuate depending on market demand and maturity. That said, we’re always available to provide guidance and transparency throughout the liquidation process.
Thank you again for your feedback.
I invested 10000 euro
I invested 10000 euro. Left it for one year and most for two years. I started selling some, which took forever, lowering the price month after month, I succeeded in selling some after 6 months. It took my 1,5 years to sell my complete portfolio, ending in selling cases for half of the market value. This market at Vinovest is simply not liquid!! There is no demand.
May 30, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Vinovest
Hello Rene,
Thank you for sharing your experience. We understand your frustration and sincerely appreciate your patience throughout the selling process. It’s important to clarify that wines on Vinovest are sold on the external market, and as such, sales can be influenced by external demand and market conditions. This means there is no guaranteed timeframe for selling, and pricing may fluctuate based on market interest at any given point.
We've confirmed that your portfolio has been fully sold and that your funds have been returned to you.
Thank you for allowing us to manage your investment, and we wish you all the best in your future ventures.
Reply from Vinovest
Hi Brian,
We're sorry to hear about your experience and take concerns like this very seriously. Our team is more than happy to assist, but we will need some additional details about your account to investigate and help resolve the issue.
Please reach out to us directly with your account information so we can look into this and help you as quickly as possible.
Thank you
Poor customer service
Terrible customer service and response time. It's been 6 weeks since I submitted a withdrawal request and still have not received funds.
May 15, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Vinovest
Hello Gyula,
Thank you for your feedback, and we’re sorry to hear about your frustration.
We can confirm that your withdrawal request was received two weeks ago . All withdrawal requests are processed within the standard timeline outlined in our FAQ, which typically occurs within a few weeks, depending on the settlement process involved.
We understand how important timely communication is, and we apologize if our updates haven’t met your expectations. If your request falls outside the expected processing window, we will absolutely investigate and prioritize resolution.
Please feel free to reach out to us directly at so we can provide a specific update on your request.
After almost a year I lost 25%…
After almost a year my investment of the, from the company choosen wine, lost 25%. After a few months U finally could sell a few bottles but only for much lower than market price. Since a few month I still waiting for the withdraw… and I almost bought a whisky cask! Keep your hands off!!!
May 12, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Vinovest
Hello Rick,
Thank you for your feedback—we’re truly sorry to hear about your experience and understand your frustration.
Wine is a long-term asset, and unfortunately, the broader market has seen a downturn over the past few years. While our team selects wines based on historical performance and market data, no investment is without risk—especially in periods of lower global demand and shifting buyer behavior. Choosing to sell your wines after only 1 year of investment adds to the potential risk.
Regarding your note on selling below market price: our pricing data comes from third-party sources and wines are listed on external marketplaces where actual sale prices are determined by what buyers are actively willing to pay. We never force sales below market value, but in some cases, clients choose to reduce prices in order to improve liquidity.
As for your withdrawal, we sincerely apologize if there was any delay. While most withdrawals are processed in a timely manner, occasional delays can happen due to third-party settlement times. If your withdrawal is still pending, please reach out to our support team so we can investigate and ensure this is resolved immediately.
We also appreciate your mention of the whisky cask offering—this is a separate asset class with its own unique risks and timelines, and we aim to provide full transparency before clients commit.
We’d welcome the opportunity to make this right. Please don’t hesitate to contact us directly so we can assist you further.
Wine lost value over 4 years
Wine lost value over 4 years. Management fees are awful. They charge interest if you don’t pay them on time. More importantly you can even get the wine you own.
This is the biggest waste of money I have ever seen in my life. I would report them to the SEC if you can.
May 4, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Vinovest
Hello Matt,
Thank you for sharing your experience—your concerns are absolutely valid, and we're sorry to hear that your investment has not met your expectations.
Wine is a long-term asset class, and its performance can vary significantly depending on broader market cycles. Over the past few years, the fine wine market—like many alternative investments—has faced headwinds due to global economic conditions, which may have impacted the performance of your portfolio. That said, we understand how frustrating it is to see your wines decline in value, and we're here to support you in navigating your options.
Regarding fees: our monthly fees cover storage, insurance, provenance verification, and account management. Interest is only charged on overdue balances, and we strive to give ample notice before doing so. That said, if there’s been any confusion or error, we’d be happy to review and discuss it directly.
We take regulatory compliance seriously and operate under all applicable laws and standards. If you feel something hasn’t been handled properly, we genuinely want to hear from you and make it right.
Please reach out to our team at any time, they are always happy to help.
Shady company - avoid!
Very shady company. Do NOT trust them with your money. When I signed up, I was told by the salesperson that I could liquidate my account and sell the wine at any time. What they don’t tell you, is that’s it’s impossible to actually sell the wine. I’ve had my entire portfolio listed for sale for almost 12 months, and they’ve sold 25% of it. I ask for regular updates on when it will be sold, and they can’t provide any. Their only suggestion to get it sold is to drastically reduce the asking price below their own “market value”, essentially slashing my investment.
Their selling methods are clearly unethical. They sell nothing for months, I email them, then magically something gets sold. Nothing again for months, I email them, something else gets sold. There’s clearly in control of when stuff gets sold and just try to hold onto your money.
Do not invest with this firm if you ever want to see your money back.
April 14, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Vinovest
Hello Christopher,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We're sorry to hear that the process has been frustrating, and we appreciate the opportunity to address your concerns.
We understand how disappointing it is to think you can liquidate your wine at any time, only to face delays when trying to do so. While that guidance was intended to reflect the flexibility of listing wines for sale, it’s true that actual sell-through depends heavily on buyer demand—especially in a slower global fine wine market.
To clarify: all wines are listed for sale through third-party marketplaces that serve a global network of buyers and merchants. Vinovest does not sell wine through an internal system. Sales activity is driven by external demand, pricing trends, and liquidity for specific producers or vintages.
Wine pricing on our platform is based on independent, third-party data. When we suggest price reductions, it's based on current market activity—not to undercut your investment, but to help align listings with what buyers are currently paying. That said, any pricing adjustments are entirely optional and always in your control.
We acknowledge that communication around portfolio updates hasn’t always been as proactive preferred. We’re actively working to improve transparency and client reporting so you can see more clearly how your wines are priced and performing.
Please reach out to our team if you have any questions.
Avoid, scam and impossible to get your money OR wine back
Invested in VinoVest before reading reviews (my fault and take responsibility for that); after several years I tried selling and since they can't sell, asked about having them shipped to me...here's their response, “At this time, we are pausing shipping while we overhaul the process. We hope to create a more cost-efficient shipping process for our clients but need time to work out all the logistics and details.” So if it's our wine when we buy it, why can't we get it shipped when we request it? Can't sell and can't get it shipped? Unbelievable. Just stay away from this company.
April 11, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Vinovest
Hello Ramon,
Thank you for your candid feedback—and for acknowledging your initial decision, even as you hold us accountable. We understand how frustrating it must feel to be unable to sell your wines or take delivery as expected, and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and disappointment this has caused.
To address your concern: yes, the wines are yours, and you retain full ownership. The current pause on shipping is temporary and was implemented as we work to redesign a more efficient, cost-effective, and reliable global fulfillment process. However, we completely recognize how frustrating it is to be told there is a temporary pause to shipment. We are actively working to reinstate shipping options as quickly as possible, and we’re exploring interim solutions for clients who wish to take delivery sooner.
While sales timelines have been impacted by broader market conditions, we are also adding additional options and channels to improve liquidity going forward.
We’d welcome the opportunity to take a closer look at your account and see what immediate solutions might be available. Please feel free to reach out to our team directly.
The Biggest Scam in Wine Investment – Avoid at All Costs!
Vinovest is hands down the worst investment platform I’ve ever encountered. For nearly TWO YEARS, my wines have been stuck on their so-called “marketplace,” with zero progress in selling them. And let’s be real—this isn’t some ultra-rare collection; it’s just two simple cases of wine!
Since they clearly cannot sell them, I asked for my wines to be shipped to me. Their response? “At this time, we are pausing shipping while we overhaul the process. We hope to create a more cost-efficient shipping process for our clients but need time to work out all the logistics and details.” Seriously?! You’ve had two years, and now I have to wait even longer?!
And here’s the worst part—they keep charging me monthly storage fees for wines I can’t sell and can’t even get back! How is this even legal?! It’s as if they’re holding my investment hostage while squeezing every last cent out of me.
Vinovest markets itself as a professional wine investment platform, but in reality, it’s a complete joke. They lure you in with a slick website and big promises, but once they have your money, good luck ever seeing it again.
DO NOT invest a single penny in Vinovest unless you enjoy watching your money disappear into a black hole. Total scam.
March 31, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Vinovest
Hello Jo,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We completely understand your frustration and sincerely apologize for the delays and inconvenience you've faced.
All wines are listed to external wine markets. These markets have experienced longer-than-expected sell-through times for many wines due to broader shifts in the fine wine market over the past few years. While not an excuse, this context helps explain why some wines—especially those with lower trading volume—have taken longer to sell. That said, we know that a multi-year delay is unacceptable, and we continually work on new options to improve liquidity and provide clients with faster exit options.
Regarding your request to take physical delivery of your wines: we acknowledge that the pause in shipping has caused further frustration. We paused outbound shipments temporarily to redesign a more cost-effective and transparent shipping process—especially for international clients—but we understand how this has affected your ability to access your wines and we are accelerating efforts to reinstate this service.
As for storage fees: wines remain insured and professionally stored during this time, which does incur ongoing costs.
Huge scam. Ponzi scheme. Impossible to get your money out.
This is a massive scam, and it is impossible to get your money out. It is a Ponzi scheme on asteroids. And, of course, if you forget about your investment and want to get your wines, it is impossible because they don't have them! Regulators should immediately intervene in this business.
March 31, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Vinovest
Hello Murguiondo,
Thank you for taking the time to share your concerns. We’re genuinely sorry to hear about your experience and would like to clarify a few important points.
First and foremost, we take the integrity of our platform and the trust of our clients extremely seriously. All wines purchased through our service are backed by physical ownership, professionally stored in bonded warehouses, and fully insured. Clients can request delivery or sale of their wines at any time, subject to standard industry processes and timelines. Customers can also submit withdrawal requests for all available funds in their account at anytime.
We welcome regulatory oversight and fully comply with all applicable laws and industry standards. If there's been a misunderstanding or an issue with your account, we’d appreciate the opportunity to investigate further and make it right.
Please reach out to us and our team is happy to help.
Been invested with Vinovest for several…
Been invested with Vinovest for several years now with diminishing estimated wine values, crazy storage and management fees, and now my wine has been listed for months and months with absolutely nothing selling. This has been a horrible investment and one that most should steer clear of.
March 5, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Vinovest
Hi Joe,
Thank you for reaching out and sharing your concerns. We certainly understand your frustrations and are sorry to hear your experience has not met your expectations.
Fine wine valuations fluctuate based on demand, market conditions, and comparable sales. Adjusting your prices to be more competitive can help attract potential buyers more quickly.
All wines are stored in state of the art facilities to protect the integrity of the wine and to help maintain their value.
Please reach out to our team if you need any assistance with your account or if you have any questions.
Thank you again.
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