Tips on Wine Packaging for Shipping

Wise wine packaging includes the use of strong wine shipping boxes. A good wine box has dividers for which you can separate your wine bottles in the box. There are specific boxes, which you can purchase from moving companies that are used to separate fragile items while in the box. You might also be able to obtain wine shipping boxes from your local liquor store. Some people also use carry out containers when packaging their wines. Since wine can be heavy, especially if there are a number of wine bottles, it's best to use smaller boxes if you can. Putting too many bottles in one box may weaken the structural integrity of the box -- allowing it to possibly break.

It is a good idea to add bubble wrap or packing peanuts in the empty spaces within the wine shipping boxes. This will help to ensure that the wine bottles stay still and do not move during transit. Remember, even if the wine packaging box states that the contents are fragile, it is possible that the boxes will get "thrown" around during transportation.

Most shipping experts also recommend that you place extra tape over the bottom of the box. This helps in two ways. First, it helps to prevent the box from slipping wherever it is placed. Second, it provides more structure to the box, making it more study and less prone to ripping or breaking. Duct tape is awesome to use in this case due to its strength.

When transporting sparkling wines, you want to be sure that the corks are tightly fastened on the bottle. As an extra precaution, check the tightness of the corks on all bottles of wine, not just champagne or sparkling wines. Remember that wine corks need to stay moist, so your wine packaging should include a means to package the wine bottles horizontally or upside down.

Once the wine contents are in the wine shipping boxes and are secure, you want to put extra tape on the sides and top of the box. Like for the tape on the bottom, duct tape is a great choice. We also recommend that you add the words "FRAGILE" in big red letters on all sides of the wine shipping boxes.

When it is time to transport the wine packaging boxes, care should be taken as to the temperature of the transport vehicle. Unfortunately, wine can react badly to some temperature changes, such as in appearance, and more importantly, taste. When the temperature is too cold, red wine can get slushy, which can result in a flavor change.

Some vans have climate controlled cargoes, which are a great choice for shipping wine. However, the climate-controlled vans may be expensive. Many wines do quite well at a 55 degree Fahrenheit temperature. Red wines and more expensive wines are more sensitive to temperature changes. Less expensive wines and white wines can withstand the effects of temperature changes better. If transporting more expensive wines, some wine connoisseurs recommend packing them in carry out containers included in an ice chest. Keep in mind that wine is affected by temperature changes. The best time to ship wines in wine shipping boxes is in the spring and fall, when the temperatures are not too hot or too cold. Shipping wines in a hot van that is not climate-controlled in the summer is not a wise move.

Lastly, there are a number of legal rules and regulations when shipping wine. Consult with your local state authorities to understand the legalities of shipping wine to and from your destination.