Moving your wine collection can feel tricky but with the right tools and a little know-how, you can do it without damaging any bottles. No matter how big or small your collection is following these tips can make the process much easier and less stressful.

  • Get your wine collection appraised. It’s important to know its value before the move, so if anything gets damaged, you can file a claim. If you’re not sure where to get it appraised, ask a nearby wine shop or distributor for a recommendation.
  • Get the proper packing materials. If you’re on a budget, you can wrap wine bottles in paper or bubble wrap, place them in normal boxes and stuff any empty spaces with extra paper. But if you want an easier and safer option, use wine boxes made just for this—they’re designed to make the process smoother.
  • Finish any open bottles. Only pack sealed wine bottles because open ones can leak. So, go ahead and enjoy the open ones before your move.
  • Inspect the corks. Make sure every cork is snug enough to stay in place during the move. If you’re worried, you can buy cork cages to add extra protection.
  • Strengthen the bottom of the boxes. If you think the boxes aren’t strong enough, place 2–3 extra layers of cardboard at the bottom before packing. Then, use extra tape to keep them secure.
  • Avoid standing bottles upright. Corks need to stay moist which is why they’re usually kept on their sides in a wine fridge or cellar. So, when shipping, place corked bottles on their sides or facing downward.
  • Pack similar wines together. Group wines with similar storage needs or types (like reds, whites, or sparkling). It helps with packing and unpacking later.
  • Pay attention to the temperature. Wine stays best around 55°F, so use a regular car for a small collection or a climate-controlled van if you have a lot of bottles.
  • Contact the alcohol control office in the state you’re moving to. Ask if you’re allowed to bring wine and if there are any rules or limits you need to know about.
  • Avoid shipping in extreme weather. Try not to move your wine during very hot or freezing weather. Extreme temperatures can spoil it.
  • Don’t leave wine in a parked car. Never leave wine sitting in a parked car, even for a short while. It can heat up fast and damage the bottles.
  • Track your shipment. If you’re using a shipping company, get a tracking number so you can keep an eye on where your wine is.
  • Let the wine settle after moving. Once you’ve moved, give your wine a few days to rest before opening. It needs time to settle from the trip.

Shipping wine doesn’t have to be difficult when you follow these simple tips.

Note: STI Moving Company doesn’t handle wine shipments but our team is always happy to share helpful tips on how to move your wine safely.