The recent closure of Oeno Group has left many wine investors facing uncertainty about the location, status, and ownership of their wine collections. For individuals who entrusted significant capital and carefully selected bottles to Oeno, this period can be confusing and unsettling.
If you are a former Oeno client, you are not alone. At London Barrelhouse, we are supporting affected investors by helping them locate their wine assets, understand their position clearly, and make informed, compliant decisions about next steps.
This article explains what former Oeno clients can do now, how the asset-location process typically works, and how we can assist in a calm, transparent, and legally appropriate
manner.
Understanding the Situation
When a wine investment firm ceases trading, it does not automatically mean that client-owned wine has disappeared or been lost. In many cases, wines are held in third-party
bonded warehouses rather than by the merchant itself. However, confirming this requires clarity, documentation, and careful communication with the relevant parties.
For former Oeno clients, key concerns often include:
● Where their wine is currently stored
● Whether it is held in bond and in whose name
● Whether ownership has been properly allocated
● What practical steps can be taken to regain control
Each situation is different, and outcomes depend on individual records and the way the
original transactions were structured.
Our First Priority: Helping You Locate Your Wine
Our first priority is to assist with locating your wine. We work methodically and responsibly to help establish where your wine is held and under what conditions.
This can involve liaising with:
● Insolvency practitioners or administrators
● Former merchants or counterparties
● Bonded storage facilities in the UK or EU
Using available documentation, such as invoices, order confirmations, storage statements, and correspondence, we help build a clear picture of:
● Storage location
● Storage status (bonded or duty paid)
● Allocation and ownership records
● Storage conditions
Our focus is on clarity and transparency, ensuring you understand exactly what is known and what steps may still be required.
Why Asset Location Can Take Time
Wine investments often involve multiple parties: merchants, brokers, storage providers, and logistics companies. When a firm closes, records may need to be verified across several sources.
Common reasons asset tracing can take time include:
● Incomplete or inconsistent paperwork
● Wines stored under omnibus or pooled arrangements
● Multiple storage facilities used over time
● Delays while administrators confirm records
Our role is to help you navigate this process with patience and realism, setting expectations appropriately and avoiding speculation.
Confirming Ownership and Allocation
One of the most important questions former Oeno clients ask is whether they still legally own
their wine.
Ownership depends on several factors, including:
● Whether the wine was fully paid for
● Whether it was specifically allocated to you
● Whether it was held in your name at the warehouse
Once storage details are identified, we can help you understand what the records indicate and what further confirmation may be required. While we do not provide legal advice, we can help you interpret information and prepare for discussions with administrators or storage providers.
Valuing Your Wine Collection
Once your wine has been identified, we can help you assess and value your collection.
With full visibility of:
● The wines themselves
● Their storage status
● Current market conditions
we provide a clear and realistic view of their value based on prevailing market data.
This allows you to:
● Understand where your collection sits in today’s market
● Assess potential liquidity
● Decide whether to hold, transfer, or sell
All valuations are indicative and provided for guidance only, ensuring compliance and transparency at every stage.
Considering Your Options
After your assets have been located and assessed, you can consider your next steps with confidence.
Typical options may include:
● Retaining the wine in storage
● Transferring it to an alternative storage provider
● Exploring a sale, if appropriate
There is no obligation to take any particular rout.
Support With Selling, If You Choose To
Should you wish to do so, we can also support you in selling your wine. With wines securely
stored and correctly documented, we can help facilitate a smooth route to market.
Depending on the wine and your objectives, this may involve:
● Private sales
● Trade or merchant channels
● Other appropriate and compliant routes
We always act in line with your goals and timescales, ensuring that any sale is handled professionally and transparently.
Frequently Asked Questions from Former Oeno Clients
Has Oeno Group gone into administration?
Oeno Group has ceased trading, and administrators have been appointed to oversee the process. Official updates should always be confirmed through administrator communications or public notices.
How do I get my bottles back from Oeno?
In most cases, wine is stored with independent bonded warehouses rather than physically held by the merchant. The first step is confirming where your wine is stored and how it is registered. We can help you identify this information and understand the process.
Where is my wine stored if I invested through Oeno?
Storage locations vary depending on the original transaction. Wines may be held in UK or EU bonded warehouses. Documentation such as invoices, storage confirmations, or account statements is essential for tracing assets.
Can London Barrelhouse retrieve my wine for me?
We cannot act as administrators or provide legal representation. However, we can assist by helping you locate your wine, understand your position, and communicate effectively with the relevant parties.
Do I still own my wine?
Ownership depends on whether the wine was paid for, allocated, and held in your name.
This must be confirmed individually using warehouse records and transaction documentation.
Can I sell my wine once it has been located?
Yes, provided ownership and storage are confirmed. We can help you explore suitable sale options once your wine is correctly identified and documented.
Is there a cost to speaking with London Barrelhouse?
An initial discussion and asset review are free of charge and come with no obligation.
