Packing wine for a move may not be as enjoyable as sipping on a new pinot noir or chardonnay, but arriving with every bottle intact makes the effort worthwhile.
Wine bottles and glassware are inherently fragile. They need to be packed safely while also protecting the wine itself from temperature shifts, vibration, and prolonged exposure to light. With professional advice, you can prep your collection for a safe, spill-free ride.
Before we dig into the details of moving wine, there’s one more thing to keep in mind. If you’re moving to a new state or country, look up local alcohol regulations as you plan. There may be guidelines dictating how you must transport and declare alcoholic beverages.
Supplies Needed to Pack Wine Safely
When moving with wine, it’s crucial you set yourself up for success by assembling the right packing materials. You’ll need:
- Dedicated wine boxes or crates. Boxes and crates designed to hold wine will have separate compartments for each bottle. These containers often hold 6-12 bottles at a time, though you don’t have to fill all the slots.
- Other boxes/shipping containers. In a pinch, sturdy all-purpose moving boxes will work as an alternative to dedicated wine boxes, but you’ll need to add extra padding or inserts. Keep in mind that full wine bottles are heavy, so choose packing containers that are sturdy and durable. And be sure to cut up an extra cardboard box into rectangular slats to separate bottles when packing.
- Bubble wrap and/or packing paper.These are the materials you’ll use to wrap each bottle. You’ll also use some as extra padding to keep wrapped bottles from getting too close to the side of the box or each other.
- Packing tape.Once your wine bottles are safe and secure, you’ll use packing tape to seal the box to prevent accidents during transit.
- Labels. Using printed stickers that say “Fragile” and “This Side Up” ensures everyone knows these boxes need additional care and attention.
- Waterproof wine protectors (optional). Many companies now offer waterproof wine protectors that envelop each wine bottle and close with an airtight seal. These bags are less about protecting the wine and more about preventing a broken bottle from spreading. These eco-friendly baggies are reusable, too! You can use them again when you bring wine home from vacation or take a bottle to a dinner party or picnic.
In general, your goal is to cushion your wine in a container strong enough to support the weight of a full case of bottles, and the listed materials will be best at helping you meet that goal.
Step-By-Step Guide for Packing Wine
Now that you know what you need to have on hand, you can begin the packing process. It’ll take longer than you think, especially since you’re working with fragile or expensive bottles. So as you start breaking down your cellar or wine fridge, keep these 6 packing tips for wine in mind.
Step 1: Have Your Collection Appraised
If you own a lot of high-value bottles, have your collection appraised (if you haven’t already).
An official appraisal by a qualified professional can be used to insure your wine in case the unthinkable happens as you move.
Step 2: Sort Wine by Type and Size
Always pack similar wine types and bottle sizes together to streamline the process. This also prevents accidentally unbalancing a box by putting a half bottle (375ml) on one side of a container and a magnum (1500ml) on the other.
“Wine endures a lot of rolling and shaking during travel. This can result in a phenomenon called “bottle shock” that causes the wine’s flavors to seem muted or off.”
Also, take this opportunity to set aside any opened or partially full bottles — these aren’t ideal for transport and are more likely to leak or spoil.
Step 3: Wrap Each Bottle Individually
Every bottle should be wrapped separately using bubble wrap, packing paper, or specialized bottle sleeves. I
f you’re using waterproof wine bags as an extra precaution, put those on your bottles before adding padding. Cushion bottles generously so that you can’t feel the hard curves of the glass through the wrapping.
Step 4: Tuck Wrapped Bottles Into Your Boxes
If you’re using a dedicated wine box, you can slide one wrapped bottle into each slot. If you’re using a regular shipping box or other container, only pack as many bottles as the container can securely hold without being too heavy (usually 40 lbs is the limit per box). Use cardboard slats to separate bottles.
Step 5: Fill in the Gaps
Keep wine bottles from shifting during your move by filling any empty spaces with wadded packing paper or bubble wrap. Bottles shouldn’t be in contact with each other or with the side of your shipping container.
Step 6: Add Labels
Label all your boxes with warnings that are impossible to ignore. “Fragile” labels are a must, while “Delicate” and “Keep Upright”/”This Side Up” with an arrow indicating which side is up can also be helpful.
Pro Tip: Remember to transport and store bottles “lying down” to keep the wine in contact with the cork. This keeps the cork moist and expanded to help maintain the bottle’s seal and prevent pesky leaks and oxidation. Wine bottles with non-cork seals (like twist-offs) can be stored standing up.
How to Transport Wine Safely
After learning how to pack wine for a move, the next step is learning how to transport it to your new home safely.
Even though you’ve labeled your boxes, take a moment to remind your movers that the wine is fragile. Boxes shouldn’t be stacked too high or put on an unsteady surface.
Always transport wine in a temperature-controlled vehicle held at a consistent 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Exposure to excessive heat or cold can cause the wine to expand, contract, or spoil, potentially pushing corks out or affecting taste. If your moving truck does not include a climate-controlled cargo hold, consider shipping your wine with an approved courier that does, or transporting it in your own vehicle.
Unpacking and Reassembling Wine
Wine endures a lot of rolling and shaking during travel. This can result in a phenomenon called “bottle shock” that causes the wine’s flavors to seem muted or off. It’s an easy fix, however — just let the wine sit undisturbed for at least a week. This allows sediment to settle before you uncork your first bottle for a celebratory drink.
“Every bottle should be wrapped separately using bubble wrap, packing paper, or specialized bottle sleeves. If you’re using waterproof wine bags as an extra precaution, put those on your bottles before adding padding.”
Also, check your bottles and corks for damage as you stock your new cellar, wine fridge, or shelves.
Learn more on our How to Pack Hub.
FAQs About Moving Wine
What if my wine is fragile or oversized?
If you’re moving fragile or oversized wine bottles, it’s even more important that you use specialized wine boxes. This helps prevent shifting during transit and keeps each bottle separate and secure. Especially large bottles may require custom-made boxes.
Can I move wine myself, or should I hire professionals?
If your collection is extensive or contains expensive and rare vintages, consider hiring professionals who specialize in wine transport. They can ensure proper handling, packing, and temperature control throughout the move.