If you’re planning a trip to Napa and Sonoma, you’re probably looking forward to tasting some of the best wines in the world. Every time we go there, we fall in love with a few of the wines and either have to leave them behind or find a way to get them home with us.
Bringing your favorite wine back home can be a challenge if you’re flying. Fortunately, there are several wine shipping options available to make your life easier. In this article, we’ll explore wine shipping options when visiting Napa and Sonoma.
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One of the most popular, and dare I say easiest, ways to get the wine back home is to use wine shipping boxes as checked luggage. These boxes come with contoured inserts that lock wine bottles into place to minimize movement during shipping.
Another option is to use a wine shipping company like All American Mail Center Inc. This company has been helping individuals and businesses in Napa ship wine and packages around the world since 1985. They’re a leading wine shipping company for Napa and Sonoma Counties. We’ll tell you more about this option below.
Do keep in mind that commercial shipping companies like FedEx and UPS are not an option. “Only FedEx-approved, licensed alcohol shippers who’ve entered into a FedEx Alcohol Shipping Agreement may ship alcohol via FedEx® services. Consumers may not ship alcohol of any type via FedEx services,” says FedEx.
3 Best Wine Shipping Options
- Option One: Checked Luggage
- Option Two: Ship It Through the Winery
- Option Three: Ship It Through a Company
Option One: Checked Luggage
We’ve used this option many times and it’s very convenient, though there are a few considerations to make in preparation.
First, you’ll need to make sure you have purchased checked luggage for your flight. This can be quite expensive, so you’ll have to factor that into the price of this endeavor. There are also weight limits for checked luggage. A typical case of wine, with 12 bottles, weighs between 30-42 pounds. Most airline rules allow for luggage weighing 50 pounds, but you’ll want to double-check.
Secondly, you’ll need to obtain wine packing boxes. You can sometimes get these at a winery – they’ll be especially willing to help if you’ve bought a lot of their wine. If you can’t get it from there, the next best option is BevMo or a wine shop in the area.
We’ve bought many shipping boxes from BevMo in Sonoma. Call ahead to be sure they have them. They cost about $15. They’re easy to use and effective at protecting your precious liquid cargo when on the go.
Another option for those of us who often transport wine is to buy a wine suitcase or at the very least, some bubble sleeves for the wine bottles, so you can pack them safely in your regular luggage.
Option Two: Ship It Through the Winery
Most wineries offer shipping direct to your home. The problem is often the cost of said shipping. We’ve found it to be prohibitively expensive, which is why we usually opt for the checked luggage option, but sometimes you’ll find a winery that has a great shipping deal, especially if you join their wine club.
If you really like the wine, it’s often best to consider the wine club, because then you’ll get regular shipments and usually with a lower shipping fee. We have two clubs in Sonoma that ship their 3 or 4-bottle club selections to us for a $10 shipping fee.
You can also find wineries that will ship you a one-off half or full case of wine. If you plan to purchase wine only from that one winery, it’s definitely the way to go. But if you’re planning to mix and match as you taste from winery to winery, this probably isn’t the best option.
Option Three: Ship It Through a Company
There are several companies in Sonoma and Napa that will ship your wine purchases home for you. These are great options because they’ll take care of the whole process for you, including packing, insurance, proper temperature control, etc. They’ll even come to your hotel to pick up the wine.
Three of the companies we know and have used in the past are:
If you’re planning to bring back wine, you should contact some of these companies in advance to see what their prices are and to make sure you’ll be covered for the time and location you need. It pays to be prepared.
Shipping Wine Safely
When shipping wine, it’s important to pack it safely to avoid damage. Wine shipping boxes with contoured inserts (either styrofoam or cardboard) that lock wine bottles into place to minimize movement during shipping are a good option. You can purchase these boxes from many wineries or shipping companies.
If the wine is going in your luggage, you’ll want to protect it from shattering by wrapping them well in bubble wrap, wine sleeves, or at the very least a lot of clothing. No one wants a broken bottle of wine leaking all over their and others’ luggage.
If you’re worried about your wine getting too hot during shipping, consider using a cool shipping option. Some shipping companies offer temperature-controlled shipping to ensure that your wine stays at the right temperature during transit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does TSA allow wine on the plane?
If you’re flying home and want to take your wine with you, you can pack it in your checked luggage. TSA allows alcohol with less than 24 percent ABV in your checked bag. They allow 5 liters (1.3 gallons) per passenger and it must be in unopened retail packaging. If you have wine with higher alcohol content, you’ll need to ship it separately.
How can I ship wine internationally?
Shipping wine internationally can be a bit more complicated than shipping domestically. You will need to check the laws and regulations of both the country you are shipping from and the country you are shipping to. Some countries have restrictions on the amount of alcohol that can be shipped, while others prohibit it altogether. You will also need to consider customs fees and taxes, which can vary depending on the country. It is best to consult with a reputable international shipping company that specializes in wine to ensure that you are following all the necessary regulations.
What are the best shipping companies for wine?
There are several shipping companies that specialize in shipping wine, including Stagecoach Express and All American Mail Center. It is important to choose a company that has experience shipping wine and that offers insurance and tracking options. You may also want to consider using a company that offers temperature-controlled shipping, especially if you are shipping wine during the summer months.
What are the legal requirements for shipping wine?
Shipping wine is regulated by both federal and state laws. You must have a valid license to ship wine, and you must follow all the necessary regulations regarding packaging, labeling, and shipping. That’s why it’s not possible for consumers to ship their own wine. It’s best to go through a licensed company.
What is the average cost of shipping wine from a winery?
The cost of shipping wine from a winery can vary depending on several factors, including the distance the wine is being shipped, the weight of the shipment, and the shipping method. On average, you can expect to pay between $30 and $50 for shipping a case of wine from a winery in Napa or Sonoma. Some wineries may offer discounted or free shipping for larger orders.
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Laura is a travel fanatic who loves seeing and doing new things. She lives in Ventura, CA, and spends a lot of time exploring California’s cities, beaches, and national parks.