VIP Access FAQ
Find answers to common questions about VIP Access, monthly allocation events, tier qualification, points, and the selection process.
What bottles are available through VIP Access?
At the end of each month, we reveal the allocations available for that month’s VIP Access Event.
Our full allocation list is posted exclusively online here . We may also provide brief updates on Instagram at @unwindwithwhiskey .
When do VIP Access Events occur?
We host in-person VIP Access Events at the end of each month. The date and time of each event are posted here .
Am I guaranteed to win a bottle if I qualify?
No. We strive to reward as many members as possible, but allocation quantities are limited and there are not enough bottles for every participating VIP Member.
Do I need to do anything to enter a VIP Access Event?
No. Hazmat Members (Tier 1) are automatically included in eligible monthly VIP Access Events for the opportunity to purchase Unicorn and Rare Allocations.
Do I need to attend the event to win?
No. Members do not need to attend the in-person VIP Access Event to be selected. Winners who are not present will be contacted by email following the event.
We do not email non-winners.
Are Pappy Van Winkle and Buffalo Trace Antique Collection included?
Yes. Each year, we host two VIP Access Signature Events featuring the Pappy Van Winkle lineup and the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC).
These are among the rarest and most sought-after bottles we receive. Hazmat Members have the opportunity to be selected to purchase these Unicorn allocations at MSRP.
How long do I keep my VIP Tier?
Points earned within a calendar year determine your VIP Tier for that year and the following calendar year.
If you earn 10,000 points and qualify for Tier 1 in 2025, you secure Tier 1 status for the remainder of 2025 and all of 2026. During 2026, you must earn 10,000 points again to re-qualify for Tier 1 status in 2027.
Where can I see my points and progress toward VIP Tiers?
Open the Rewards popup in the bottom-right corner of the website to view your Points Progress Tracker and see how many points you need to reach the next tier.
You can also select the account/profile icon in the top-right corner and visit the Loyalty Hub for additional information about your points and tier progress.
Am I limited to one bottle per event?
Yes. VIP Members are limited to purchasing one allocation bottle per event.
If I purchase an allocation, does it affect future opportunities?
No. Purchasing an allocation does not reduce your opportunity to be selected in future eligible events. As long as you remain in an eligible Tier, you will continue to be automatically included.
Do points roll over toward VIP Tier status?
Points earned toward VIP Tier progress do not roll over from one calendar year to the next.
Reward points do roll over for redemption purposes. Points expire after 6 months if they are not used for rewards.
If I qualify for Tier 2, can I still move into Tier 1?
Yes.
For example, if you earn 5,000 points and qualify for Tier 2 in 2025, you retain that Tier 2 status through 2026. However, to reach Tier 1 during 2026, you must earn the full 10,000 Tier 1 points during 2026.
Does redeeming points for rewards affect my VIP Tier progress?
No. Redeeming points for rewards does not reduce your yearly points earned for VIP Tier qualification.
If you earn 2,500 points and then redeem all 2,500 points for discounts, your available rewards balance may be 0, but your yearly VIP Tier progress will still reflect the 2,500 points you earned.
Your VIP Tier Status Tracker automatically keeps track of this progress.
Do I have to purchase a bottle if I am selected?
No. You are never obligated to purchase an allocation simply because you were selected.
What are Bonus Points?
Certain bottles may earn Bonus Points in addition to the standard reward of 5 points per dollar.
Bonus Points may be earned once per eligible transaction. You can view participating bottles under the Rewards section of our website.
Do I have a better chance of being selected if I spend more?
Yes. For every 5,000 points earned above the 10,000-point Hazmat Tier, you receive an increased opportunity to be randomly selected.
Can I participate if I do not live in California?
No. VIP Access is currently not available to customers outside of California. Please email us if you have questions.
How do VIP Access Events work?
1. Monthly Allocation List
Each month, we publish a list of available allocations, quantities, and pricing on our website.
2. Eligible Member List
For Allocation Events, your account name, email address, and VIP Tier Status from our Rewards Software are used to automatically generate the applicable list of eligible VIP Members.
3. Random Selection
Eligible members are randomly selected according to our Order of Random Selection.
Unicorn and Rare Allocations:
The selection list includes Hazmat (Tier 1) Members only.
4. In-Person Event
Each selected name is announced live in store. Members who are present and selected have the opportunity to purchase their allocation immediately.
5. Winners Who Do Not Attend
Selected members who are not present will receive an email and have 48 hours to respond and claim their allocation.
We do not email non-winners. If a winner does not respond within 48 hours, the allocation is forfeited and may be moved to Reallocation for Hazmat Members.
6. Purchase & Fulfillment
You are not obligated to purchase an allocation if selected.
If you do not purchase your selected bottle within 30 days, you will forfeit the bottle.
If shipping is requested, you are responsible for the bottle price, shipping charges, and any applicable additional fees. Certain rare bottles may require additional shipping or insurance fees.
*VIP Access, Allocation Tiers, Rewards features, event structure, and program terms are subject to change.
*The Allocation List includes many allocations we have received previously. Bottles may be added or removed as inventory and allocations change.