The right way to Pack Wine In a Suitcase

Touring with wine is not any straightforward feat, however generally it’s mandatory (whats up, working in wine!) and generally it’s simply downright fascinating (whats up, wine nation holidays!). Whereas many locations will typically be capable to ship to you, it’s not at all times probably the most cost-effective or time-sensitive, particularly internationally. 

“Generally you wish to maintain onto just a few bottles to get pleasure from within the resort, after which extra instantly whenever you get residence,” says Elise Cordell, senior model ambassador, Pernod Ricard USA. 

So, simply how do you journey with wine that gained’t depart your bottles damaged? We requested specialists to share their insider ideas for the easiest way to pack wine in your suitcase.

Use Strategic Placement

Essentially the most low-tech, low-effort, low-stakes choice is to pack your bottles rigorously utilizing what’s already in your bag—your garments. 

“If I’m actually in a pinch, I wrap the bottle with a t-shirt or two, then put a pair of footwear on both aspect, shirts on high and backside and pack it proper in the midst of the suitcase,” says Michael Kennedy, the founding father of Fraîche Wine Group, who travels with bottles not less than as soon as a month. 

“For crimson wine, I do attempt to put a bottle inside a sealed plastic bag simply in case it leaks,” he provides. 

Kate Dingwall, a sommelier and Wine Fanatic contributor, incessantly transports bottles and in addition favors strategic placement and utilizing what you’ve got in a pinch. “I went to a good friend’s marriage ceremony just a few years in the past within the desert and packed Champagne in cowboy boots,” she says. “They offered an incredibly large amount of padding.”

Take Benefit of Wine Luggage and Wine Sleeves

Whereas clothes-as-protection may work generally, most specialists notice that utilizing wine skins, wine baggage and bubble wrap wine wrapping is preferable. All use them. 

“I don’t skimp on the wrapping,” Dingwall says. “Any native wine store will at all times have bubble wrap sleeves or packing supplies in case you ask–it’s value the additional effort to make sure that any bottles you’re bringing residence are correctly packed. Nobody desires to get residence after a protracted flight to discover a suitcase stuffed with damaged glass and Syrah-slicked garments.”

Grasp Sommelier Steven McDonald, government wine director of Pappas Bros. Steakhouses, makes use of a wine pores and skin from Uline, a sealed bag constructed from thick bubble wrap, when he travels.

Kennedy can be a fan of the WineSkin when touring with “only a couple” of bottles. “They don’t take up a ton of house in your baggage and price solely a pair {dollars},” he says.

Use Different Suitcase and Journey Helpers

For Cordell, padded wine shippers have been a lifesaver for her common checked baggage. “The identical ones that importers and distributors use to move,” she says. She notes that these shippers can simply be discovered from native wine retailers or from Amazon. 

Kennedy recommends utilizing a Wine Verify, a cloth case with wheels that matches round a cardboard field that holds a case of wine. “Most vineyard folks use this product, or one thing comparable,” he says. 

Go for Styrofoam

McDonald has additionally used styrofoam circumstances, like this one from Uline, for journeys, “as a result of its sturdiness and temperature regulation.” Styrofoam is a poor conductor of warmth, and the fabric prevents warmth from passing via and ruining wine.

Put money into a Wine Suitcase

One other sensible choice, particularly for these touring typically with wine, is a wine suitcase with inserts. Each Kennedy and Cordell swear by the VinGardeValise. 

“It is one thing I reserve for after I journey with particular bottles for occasions, like older, uncommon, Champagne,” Kennedy says. 

“I’ve had a VinGardeValise 12-bottle suitcase for nearly 10 years now,” Cordell says. “It has been world wide with me, and continues to be going robust.” She likes it as a result of the case is ultra-light, so it could possibly accommodate wine bottles with out going over the 50 pound restrict and has 4 wheels for simple maneuvering. 

She additionally notes that the froth inserts are sturdy, and may accommodate uniquely formed bottles. “The froth can be fully detachable if you wish to simply use one suitcase when touring, and pack your garments/toiletries on one aspect after which your wine on the opposite,” she provides. 

Another stellar suitcase choices embody the Vino-Voyage 12-Bottle Wine Suitcase or the Vino-Voyage 6-Bottle Suitcase. Each have TSA-approved locks and detachable foam inserts to guard bottles.

Take into account ‘Journey Shock’

Touring with wine isn’t at all times excellent. It may be expensive, and it doesn’t at all times imply your wine will survive the journey, even when the bottle itself does.

“I am at all times cautious about journey shock,” Dingwall says. “There is a cause winemakers ship their bottles with temperature-controlled vehicles. The hull of a airplane could be frosty, bottles can get sizzling sitting on a tarmac, and all that shaking? Yikes, you may find yourself with some anxious wine. I’ve opened a pair bottles which ended up fairly yucky after a airplane journey—muted and awkward at one of the best, faulted on the worst. I now let any wines wait round for just a few months earlier than I open to provide them time to settle.” 

And Don’t Overlook about Sticker Shock

“Make it possible for it is value it,” McDonald says. “It is numerous problem and threat to take 25-ounces value of wine in your bag. Make sure that there isn’t any irreplaceable clothes in your baggage that might be ruined, and know the tax regulation in every vacation spot nation as a result of you might be topic to a tax or additional inspection relying on the quantity of wine.”

Cordell emphasizes that touring with standing on an airline or utilizing a bank card tied to your airline without cost baggage is an effective way to economize and problem when touring with wine, “particularly in case you’re planning a trip to wine nation,” she says. 

Extra Journey Protection

Revealed: September 13, 2024