Wine.com statement on class action litigation

Michael J. Osborn, Wine.com Founder & VP Merchandising emailed Wine Industry Insight this statement on the class action litigation:

“In October 2013, we were named as a defendant in a class action alleging violations of various California consumer protection statutes in connection with the Wine.com StewardShip Program. StewardShip is our annual membership where we charge $49, and provide these customers unlimited free ground shipping for all their orders.

“The lawsuit alleges that we failed to adequately disclose the terms and conditions of StewardShip membership, including that it would be automatically renew annually.

“Wine.com vigorously contests the claims asserted in the case, including that we engaged in any wrongdoing.

“Nevertheless, in an effort to avoid the uncertainties of litigation, we have entered into an agreement to resolve the case through settlement. ”

That settlement agreement has been presented to the Court, which is scheduled to conduct a final approval hearing with regarding to the proposed settlement later this summer.”