Privacy Policy

Last updated: February 5, 2026

Introduction

At CCQuel Inc. ("we," "our," or "us"), we believe your wine journal is personal. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you use Sip Notes, our mobile application and related services (collectively, the "App").

By creating an account or using Sip Notes, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. This Privacy Policy should be read alongside our Terms of Service.

Information We Collect

Account Information

When you create an account, we collect your email address for authentication via one-time passcode (OTP) login. You may also provide an optional display name and profile photo.

Wine Data

As you use the App, you may create wine logs including wine names, producers, vintages, regions, varietals, and your personal reactions. This also includes tasting notes, journal entries, photos you upload (such as wine labels and bottles), and wishlist items.

Sessions Data

If you participate in collaborative tasting Sessions, we collect the content you contribute (tasting notes, ratings, and reactions), Session membership information, and your interactions within the Session.

Group Information

We collect information about groups you create or join, content you choose to share with groups, and reactions and comments on shared items.

Technical Information

We automatically collect device tokens for push notifications (if enabled), basic usage analytics to improve the App, device type and operating system version, and crash reports and performance data.

How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

  • Provide, maintain, and improve the Sip Notes service;
  • Facilitate Sessions and group interactions;
  • Send you notifications about Session activity, group updates, and App features (if enabled);
  • Generate anonymized, aggregated insights (such as regional wine trends and average ratings) for product improvement;
  • Respond to your support requests;
  • Protect against fraud, abuse, and unauthorized access; and
  • Comply with legal obligations.

What We Never Do

We are committed to your privacy. We will never:

  • Sell your personal data to third parties;
  • Share your private journal entries with anyone, including group or Session members;
  • Use your data for advertising or targeted marketing;
  • Share your information with data brokers; or
  • Access your data for purposes other than providing and improving the service.

Privacy by Design

Sip Notes is built with privacy at its core:

Journal Entries Stay Private: When you share a wine log to a group or Session, only your emoji reaction and tasting notes are visible. Your private journal text is never shared.

You Control Sharing: Nothing is shared automatically. You explicitly choose what to share and with which groups or Sessions.

Database-Level Protection: Your data is protected at the database level, ensuring only you can access your private information.

Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your data:

  • All data is transmitted over HTTPS encryption;
  • Secure, passwordless authentication using one-time passcodes;
  • Database-level security policies on all personal data;
  • Secure credential storage on your device;
  • Cloud infrastructure with encryption at rest; and
  • Regular security audits and updates.

Your data may be processed by third-party infrastructure and notification providers, including cloud storage and content delivery services for images, and Apple Push Notification service (APNs) for iOS notifications. These providers are bound by their own privacy policies and our data processing agreements.

Your Rights

You have full control over your data:

Access: View all your data within the App at any time.

Delete: Delete your account at any time from the App settings.

Erase History: When deleting your account, you have the option to completely remove all your contributions from groups and Sessions.

Unshare: Remove your shared content from any group or Session at any time.

Data Export: You may request an export of your personal data by contacting us at support@sipnotes.app.

Data Retention

We retain your data for as long as your account is active. When you delete your account:

  • Your profile is anonymized immediately;
  • Personal data is deleted from our active databases within 30 days;
  • If you choose "Erase History," all group and Session contributions are also removed; and
  • Anonymized, aggregated data that cannot identify you may be retained for analytics purposes.

Data may be retained beyond 30 days only where required by law.

California Privacy Rights

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and related laws, including:

  • The right to know what personal information we collect, use, and disclose;
  • The right to request deletion of your personal information;
  • The right to opt out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell personal information); and
  • The right to non-discrimination for exercising your privacy rights.

To exercise these rights, contact us at support@sipnotes.app. In accordance with California Assembly Bill 656 (AB 656), you may delete your account at any time through the App settings.

Children's Privacy

Sip Notes is intended exclusively for users of legal drinking age in their jurisdiction (at least 21 years of age in the United States). We do not knowingly collect information from anyone under the legal drinking age. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a minor, we will take steps to delete that information promptly. If you believe a minor has provided us with personal data, please contact us at support@sipnotes.app.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by:

  • Posting the updated policy within the App and on our website;
  • Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this document; and
  • Sending an in-app notification for material changes.

Your continued use of Sip Notes after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or your data, please contact us:

CCQuel Inc.

Email: support@sipnotes.app