# Cookie Policy **Effective: May 1, 2026** This Cookie Policy explains how WineSpirit LLC ("WineSpirit," "we," "us," or "our") uses cookies and similar technologies on https://www.winespirit.app and any related subdomains, mobile applications, and services (collectively, the "Service"). This Cookie Policy should be read together with our [Privacy Policy](/privacy) and [Terms and Conditions](/terms). ## What Are Cookies? Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device when you visit a website. They allow the website to recognize your device and remember information about your visit, such as your preferences and the actions you take. We also use similar technologies including: - **Local Storage** — A browser-based storage that retains data across sessions - **Session Storage** — Temporary storage cleared when you close your browser - **Session Tokens** — Server-managed tokens used to maintain your authenticated session For simplicity, this policy refers to all of these as "cookies." ## How We Use Cookies We use cookies for several purposes, organized into the categories below. You may control which non-essential cookies we use through our Cookie Settings panel, accessible from the footer of every page. ### Strictly Necessary Cookies (Always On) These cookies are essential for the Service to function. Without them, you cannot use core features like signing in or maintaining a session. **You cannot disable these while using the Service.** | Purpose | What it does | |---|---| | Authentication | Maintains your signed-in session | | Age Verification | Remembers that you have confirmed you are 21 or older | | CSRF Protection | Prevents cross-site request forgery attacks | | Session Continuity | Keeps you on the same backend instance during a session | ### Functional Cookies (Optional) These cookies remember your preferences to make the Service more useful. They are not essential for sign-in but improve your experience. | Purpose | What it does | |---|---| | Display Preferences | Remembers filter selections, sort order, and view preferences in your cellar | | Theme Settings | Remembers your interface preferences | | Onboarding State | Tracks completion of welcome wizard so it doesn't reappear | ### Analytics Cookies (Optional) These cookies help us understand how the Service is used in aggregate so we can improve it. We do not use analytics cookies to identify you individually. | Purpose | What it does | |---|---| | Usage Patterns | Tracks which features are used most, page views, and session duration | | Performance Monitoring | Identifies slow-loading pages and errors | | Feature Adoption | Helps us understand which improvements resonate with users | We use privacy-respecting analytics tools that do not track you across other websites and do not build a profile of you for advertising purposes. ### Marketing Cookies (Not Used) **WineSpirit does not use marketing cookies, advertising trackers, or third-party advertising pixels.** We do not display advertisements within the Service, and we do not allow third parties to track or target you based on your activity on WineSpirit. This category exists in our Cookie Settings panel for transparency, but contains no active cookies. We will update this policy if that ever changes. ## Third-Party Cookies and Subprocessors When you use certain features of the Service, your interactions may involve cookies set by third-party Subprocessors: - **Hosting and Infrastructure (Vercel)** — Sets technical cookies for routing and load balancing - **Authentication Services** — Sets session cookies during sign-in flows - **Analytics Provider** — May set first-party analytics cookies (subject to your consent) A complete list of our Subprocessors is described in our [Privacy Policy](/privacy) and maintained at our [Subprocessors page](/subprocessors). ## How to Manage Your Cookie Preferences You can manage your cookie preferences in three ways: ### 1. Through Our Cookie Settings Panel The first time you visit WineSpirit, you will see a cookie banner allowing you to: - **Accept All** — Enables all cookies (necessary, functional, analytics) - **Reject Non-Essential** — Only strictly necessary cookies will be set - **Customize** — Select specific categories you wish to enable You can change these preferences at any time by clicking "Cookie Settings" in the footer of any page. ### 2. Through Your Browser Most browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. Disabling cookies may impact your ability to use the Service: - **Strictly Necessary cookies** cannot be disabled while using the Service - **Functional, Analytics, and Marketing cookies** can be disabled with no impact on core functionality For instructions specific to your browser: - [Chrome](https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95647) - [Firefox](https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/cookies-information-websites-store-on-your-computer) - [Safari](https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/manage-cookies-sfri11471/mac) - [Edge](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4027947) ### 3. By Closing Your Account When you close your WineSpirit account, all account-related cookies are cleared. See our [Privacy Policy](/privacy) for our retention practices. ## Consent Records When you make a cookie consent choice, we record: - The version of the Cookie Policy in effect at the time - Which categories you accepted or rejected - Your IP address and user agent (for legal record-keeping) - The date and time of your decision This record is retained as evidence of your consent for compliance with privacy laws including GDPR, the UK GDPR, and the CCPA. You may request deletion of these records by contacting [info@winespirit.app](mailto:info@winespirit.app). ## Updates to This Policy We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable law. When we make material changes, we will: - Update the "Effective Date" above and post a new version - Notify you in the Service or by email when changes affect your prior consent - Re-display the cookie banner so you can review and update your choices ## Contact Us If you have questions about this Cookie Policy or our use of cookies, please contact: **WineSpirit LLC** Email: [info@winespirit.app](mailto:info@winespirit.app) This Cookie Policy was last updated on May 1, 2026.