Zürich Wine Academy

Effective date: 25 October 2026

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1. Who is responsible for your information?

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Zürich Wine Academy, Joseph Benvenuto, operating as Zürich Wine Academy, is responsible for the personal information described in this policy.  Teaching venue: Werdstrasse 8, 8004 Zürich, Switzerland,  Email: info@zurichwineacademy.com,  Website: www.zurichwineacademy.com.  This policy covers information handled through our website, enquiries, bookings, courses, examinations, and events. We handle personal information under the Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection and other data protection laws where applicable.

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2. Information we collect

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Depending on how you interact with us, we collect:

• Contact information: your name, email address, telephone number, and postal or billing address.

• Booking information: selected courses or events, attendance details, correspondence, and booking preferences.

• Payment information: invoices, transaction references, payment status, and information needed to administer refunds.

• Student and examination information: information required for registration, assessment, results, and certification, which may include your date of birth and candidate number.

• Support information: accessibility requirements, allergies, or other information you choose to provide so we can arrange support.

• Communication preferences: newsletter subscriptions, consent records, and unsubscribe requests.

• Website information: IP address, browser and device information, website activity, and cookie preferences, depending on the technologies enabled.  Please provide only the information necessary for your enquiry, booking, or support request.

 

3. How we collect information

 

We receive information when you contact us, complete a form, book or attend an activity, register for an examination, subscribe to communications, or otherwise interact with us.

We may also receive relevant information from someone booking on your behalf, an employer arranging training, payment providers, or qualification bodies.

Some technical information is collected automatically when you visit our website, as explained below.

 

4. Why we use information

 

We use personal information to:

• Respond to enquiries and manage bookings.

• Deliver courses, tastings, and events.

• Process payments, invoices, and refunds.

• Arrange examinations, communicate results, and administer qualifications.

• Provide requested accessibility or dietary arrangements.

• Send practical information about your booking.

• Send marketing communications in accordance with applicable requirements and your preferences.

• Maintain website security and functionality.

• Meet legal obligations, maintain records, and resolve disputes.

 

Where applicable law requires a legal basis, we rely on the relevant basis, such as performing a contract, complying with a legal obligation, pursuing legitimate interests, or obtaining consent. Sensitive information receives additional protection as required by law.

 

5. Who receives information?

 

We disclose information only where needed for the purposes described above, including to:

• Instructors, examination administrators, and authorized staff.

• Website hosting, booking, communications, and IT service providers.

• Payment processors and financial service providers.

• Qualification bodies, including WSET where you enroll in a WSET qualification.

• Delivery providers when sending materials or certificates.

• Professional advisers and authorities where legally necessary.

For qualification registrations, the awarding body may also act as an independent controller under its own privacy notice.

 

6. Processing outside Switzerland

 

Some providers or qualification bodies may process information outside Switzerland.

You may contact us for further information about applicable safeguards.

 

7. Cookies and website technologies

 

Our website uses WIX to support website operation, bookings, security, preferences, and analytics.

Where consent is required, optional technologies will operate only after you consent. Browser settings also allow you to block or delete cookies, although this may affect website functionality.

 

8. Communications and photographs

 

We use your contact details to send booking confirmations, course information, examination updates, and other necessary service messages.

Marketing communications are handled separately. You can unsubscribe using the link in our emails or by contacting us. Unsubscribing from marketing does not prevent necessary messages about an existing booking.

Where used, we will explain their purpose and obtain consent where required. Contact us with questions or requests concerning identifiable images.

 

9. How long we keep information

 

We retain information only for as long as needed for its purpose, applicable legal obligations, and the establishment or defense of legal claims.

Accounting records subject to statutory retention obligations are retained for the legally required period. Information no longer needed is deleted or anonymized, subject to lawful retention requirements.

 

10. Security

 

We apply appropriate technical and organizational safeguards to protect personal information against unauthorized access, loss, misuse, or disclosure. Access is limited according to operational need.

No method of transmission or storage is completely secure.

 

11. Your rights

 

Depending on applicable law and the circumstances, you may request access to your information, correction, deletion, restriction of processing, or delivery or transfer of certain information. You may also object to certain processing or withdraw consent where processing relies on it.  These rights are subject to legal conditions and exceptions. Withdrawing consent does not affect processing lawfully carried out beforehand.

Contact info@zurichwineacademy.com to make a request. We may need to verify your identity proportionately. You may also contact the Swiss Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner or another competent supervisory authority.

 

12. Changes and contact

 

We may update this policy when our practices or legal requirements change. The current version and effective date will appear on this page. We will provide additional notice where required.

For privacy questions, contact info@zurichwineacademy.com.