Packing and Shipping: How to Avoid Damage

Why Packing Matters

Wine and spirits are fragile. A broken bottle during transit is a loss for everyone. Proper packing prevents breakage and protects labels from damage.

Temperature and movement are the main risks. Bottles can break from impact, and temperature extremes during transit can damage wine. Summer shipping requires extra care.

Taking time to pack properly pays off. A few extra minutes prevents costly damage.

Materials You Will Need

For shipping bottles safely, you need appropriate boxes, cushioning material, and packing tape. Wine shippers with styrofoam inserts are ideal but not required.

If you do not have wine shippers, sturdy cardboard boxes with proper cushioning work. Use bubble wrap, packing paper, or foam to protect bottles.

Avoid packing materials that do not cushion well. Newspaper alone is not sufficient. Bottles should not touch each other or the box walls.

• Wine shipper boxes with styrofoam inserts (ideal)
• Sturdy double-walled cardboard boxes
• Bubble wrap for individual bottles
• Packing paper or foam for filling gaps
• Strong packing tape
• Fragile stickers (optional but helpful)

Packing Individual Bottles

Wrap each bottle individually in bubble wrap. Secure the wrap with tape. Pay extra attention to the neck, which is most vulnerable.

Place wrapped bottles upright or on their sides with labels protected. Fill all empty space with packing material. Bottles should not shift or move within the box.

For valuable bottles, consider double boxing. Pack the inner box, then place it inside a larger box with additional cushioning.

• Wrap each bottle in bubble wrap
• Secure wrap with tape
• Protect the neck area
• Fill all gaps with packing material
• Bottles should not touch or shift
• Consider double boxing for high-value items

Packing Cases and Boxes

Original wood cases provide excellent protection. If bottles are in OWC, keep them there. Wrap the case in bubble wrap or place in a larger box with padding.

For cardboard boxes of wine, verify bottles are not loose inside. If there are empty slots, fill them with packing material.

Do not overload boxes. Heavy boxes are more likely to be dropped. Keep weight reasonable and use multiple boxes if needed.

Shipping Considerations

Choose a reliable carrier and insure the shipment for full value. Ground shipping is generally preferred over air freight, which involves more handling.

Avoid shipping during temperature extremes. Summer heat is especially risky for wine. If possible, wait for moderate weather or use expedited shipping to minimize transit time.

Mark boxes as fragile and indicate which end is up. Proper labeling helps handlers treat packages appropriately.

• Insure shipments for full value
• Use ground shipping when possible
• Avoid extreme weather periods
• Mark boxes as fragile
• Indicate proper orientation
• Request signature on delivery

How We Handle Logistics

For smaller shipments, we send prepaid shipping labels with insurance included. You pack and drop off the box at the carrier location.

For larger collections, we coordinate pickup. We arrange for packing materials, professional packing, and transport. You do not need to pack anything yourself.

We handle insurance and claims if damage occurs during transit we arranged. For shipments you pack, pack carefully to avoid problems.