Privacy Policy

Last updated: [September 22nd 2025]

1. Introduction

Karakasis.mw (“we,” “our,” “us”) is a premium wine education platform led by Yiannis Karakasis MW, focused on Greek wines and wine education. We value your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard information when you visit our website, create an account, or subscribe to our services. By accessing Karakasis.mw, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Collect

A. Information you provide directly

Name, email address, and password when creating an account
Billing details (payment method, billing address) when subscribing to premium content
Communication details when you contact us via forms or email
Preferences and settings saved in your account

B. Information collected automatically

IP address, browser type, device information, and operating system
Log data such as pages viewed, time spent on pages, and referring websites
Cookies and similar technologies (see Section 7)

C. Information from third parties

Stripe for payment processing and billing verification
Acumbamail for managing newsletter subscriptions and communications
Analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) to understand how visitors use the site

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

Provide access to free and premium content
Manage your account, subscription, and billing via Stripe
Send newsletters and updates via Acumbamail (with your consent)
Improve website functionality and user experience
Respond to inquiries and provide customer support
Enforce our Terms of Use and comply with legal obligations

4. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA) or UK, we process your personal data under the following legal bases:

Contractual necessity – to deliver the services you signed up for
Consent – for newsletters, marketing, and optional cookies
Legitimate interests – to improve our services and secure our website
Legal obligations – to comply with applicable laws (e.g., tax regulations)

5. How We Share Information

We do not sell your personal data. We may share it only with:

Stripe (payment provider) to process payments securely
Acumbamail (newsletter tool) to send updates and communications
Analytics providers (e.g., Google Analytics) to measure performance
Hosting provider in the EU to store and serve website content
Legal authorities if required by law or to protect our rights
Business transfers in case of a merger or restructuring

6. International Data Transfers

Our servers are hosted in the European Union. However, some of our service providers (such as Stripe, Acumbamail, and Google Analytics) may transfer data outside the EU/EEA. In such cases, we rely on appropriate safeguards such as the European Commission’s Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) to ensure adequate protection of your personal data.

7. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

Remember user preferences and settings
Enable login and account features
Analyze site traffic and performance via Google Analytics
Support marketing and newsletter campaigns through Acumbamail

You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings or our cookie consent banner.

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal data only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes stated in this Privacy Policy, comply with legal requirements, or resolve disputes.

Account data: retained until you delete your account
Billing records: retained as required by tax and accounting laws
Newsletter data (via Acumbamail): retained until you unsubscribe
Analytics data: retained according to provider policies

9. Your Rights (EEA/UK Users)

You have the right to:

Access the personal data we hold about you
Request correction or deletion of your data
Withdraw consent for newsletters and marketing at any time
Restrict or object to certain processing activities
Request data portability

To exercise these rights, contact us at [yiannis@karakasis.mw].

10. Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal data. This includes using secure connections (SSL), limiting access to authorized personnel, and relying on trusted providers like Stripe and Acumbamail.

11. Children’s Privacy

Karakasis.mw is not directed to individuals under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children.

12. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Updates will be posted on this page with the “last updated” date.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, you may contact us at: yiannis@karakasis.mw