Safety Precautions to Take When Shipping Wine

So, you’ve decided to take the wine space and get the fruits of your labor into bottles and then glasses of those who appreciate them? Man, I wish you luck.

Like most common aspects of alcohol beverage industry, wine delivery is complicated. It’s a delicate and tricky business, especially now that interstate shipping of wine and other alcoholic beverages are banned by some states in the US including Delaware, Kentucky, Alabama, Oklahoma, and Utah. But despite that, you know what they always say: to look at the brighter side of things is your best solution to progress.

When you start to take on the challenge of wine business and shipping, you have to be determined, creative, fearless, and passionate about your craft. And once you’ve navigated all your licenses, business permits, and taxes and finally landed on your first day of operation, the next important thing you have to equip yourself is the strategy of making each customer satisfied about your service.

What consumers expect from a reputable wine shipper?

✓ Shipment Policies

✓ Wine Quality

✓ Shipment Duration

As a wine shipping company, you have to be aware of the fact that different grapes may also vary in tolerance to temperature. Therefore, each type of wine requires high maintenance. But on top of that, champagne must be treated like a queen for it may cause an explosion due to extremely high temperature.

The most challenging problem is that some grapes may experience air or travel sickness mainly because of temperature fluctuations so they will need at least a few weeks to recover. And for that, customers have the right to get notified.

In response to the delicate situations of wine shipping, here are the better ways to package wine bottles for smooth corporate delivery.

• Know when bottles should be packed upright or flat.

Experts suggest that most wine bottles must be shipped in a standing position but not advised for all types. You can only ship bottles in an upright or standing position when they have not been stored in a cellar-like condition or in temperature control. Poorly-stored wines are more likely to spill or leak if laid down.

Also Read: 5 Wines You Must Taste Before turning 30

But for older wines that have aged on their sides or have been lying flat and undisturbed for a while, you won’t have to be bothered by shipping them in a flat lay down position.

• Make sure all bottles are secured.

Check if bottles are tightly corked. This way ensures that corks do not loosen during the entire shipping. For double protection, wrap them with two to three sheets of paper and then mold the top of sheets to the bottle’s neck. Once secured, place each wrapped bottle into cell divided container.  

• Use the right container for shipping.

The most ideal container for wine shipping is a strong, corrugated cardboard box. It is specially designed with cell dividers for each bottle’s protection. This means that using boxes that are intended for other purposes is strictly not advised. You must choose an appropriate box with a thick outer shell and firm separators to support the heavy and overloaded weight of bottles and avoid unwanted spills and customer dissatisfaction. Before sealing the box, shake it gently to check if bottles do not clang together. Shippers use water-activated tapes for extra security and protection. Finally, attach a fragile label on the address description of each box.  

But before sending these boxes away, make sure that the vehicle keeps an ideal temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent damage upon delivery. Providing carriers with automated climate control is an advantage.  

Pic credit: taazatadka.com