Expert Tips: How to Safely Pack and Travel with Wine Bottles

Whether you've toured the cellars of Bordeaux or received a special bottle from a hotel far from wine country, transporting your prized wines home can be tricky. Many wine shops offer specialized packing materials to prevent leaks and breakage. But if they're unavailable, we've consulted top sommeliers and winery experts for proven strategies to ensure your liquid souvenirs arrive safely.

First and foremost: never pack wine in your carry-on luggage. It will be confiscated at security, regardless of its sentimental value.

Master Sommelier Willi Sherer from Acacia House by Chris Cosentino in St. Helena, CA, recommends starting with WineSkin wine shields—bottle-shaped bags that provide excellent initial protection. Maria Stuart, partner at R. Stuart & Co. Winery in McMinnville, Oregon, prefers reusable JetBags, which absorb leaks if needed. If unavailable, use a sturdy plastic laundry bag from your hotel as a first layer.

Next, add cushioning with your longest socks: slide one over the bottle base and another over the neck (its most fragile part). Wrap the sock-covered bottle in a T-shirt or flannel pajama pants, then place it in the suitcase center, surrounded by soft clothing. Form a protective perimeter with shoes. As Raymond Gamez, logistics manager at Fess Parker Winery and Vineyard in Los Olivos, California, notes: “Soft materials are essential, but a strong outer layer prevents direct impacts during transit.” Top with magazines or hotel guides to secure everything.

For extra peace of mind, opt for wine-specific shipping boxes. “These work for checked luggage too,” says Stuart. “Airlines disclaim responsibility, but proper packing ensures success—I've never had issues.” Sherer suggests molded pulp bottle shippers for these boxes.

The most reliable (though pricier) option is a professional wine-shipping service. At Las Alcobas Napa Valley, experts pack on-site, store in temperature-controlled rooms, and offer climate-controlled shipping. “You've found the wines; let pros handle transport,” Sherer advises.