How to Ship Wine Home From Sonoma County

Zinfandel from California’s Sonoma Valley. Sauvignon Blanc from the famous Carneros wine region. Pinot Noir or Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley. Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley. Pinot Grigio from Dry Creek Valley. Merlot from Sonoma Mountain. Each of these can represent fond memories of your Sonoma Wine Country getaway — not to mention the promise of savoring them in the future.

To transport your precious cargo undamaged, with the least effort and fuss, follow these tips, and your wine will make it home safe and sound.

How to Pack Wine Bottles

If you’re driving, guard against extreme temperature changes. Wine can be a bit like Goldilocks — one temperature is too hot, another is too cold. Make sure your wine stays “just right” by keeping bottles away from direct sunlight. Insulate them by wrapping them in your clothes. Store them in an insulated cooler out of the sun to help keep temps constant. 

On planes, wine can’t be transported in carry-on luggage. However, if you’re flying from the Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS) in Santa Rosa, you can check up to a full case (12 bottles) of wine for free on either Alaska Airlines or Southwest Airlines. Discover direct flights to Sonoma Wine Country.

Wine can also be packed in your checked luggage. International travelers should be aware of possible customs duties or taxes that may apply.

Wine-Packing Tips

The best way to pack a bottle for transport in your luggage is to use a Wine Skin, which is sold at many winery gift shops throughout Sonoma Wine Country. The bubble-wrap-lined bag fits snugly over the bottle. It has a strong seal that ensures the wine won’t leak from the packaging if the bottle breaks.

If you don’t have a Wine Skin, pack the bottle in a waterproof bag and wrap the bag with clothing or bubble wrap. Make sure to pad between each bottle, and always pack the bottles in the center of your luggage, cushioning them with clothing.

If you’re a frequent flier to Sonoma Wine Country, consider investing in the collapsible and reusable container known as the Wine Check. Pack up to a case of wine in the bag and check it as luggage, paying only the luggage fee. It even has rollers, so you don’t have to carry your case of wine. A fully loaded bag is under the airline’s 50-pound limit. It’s FAA-approved, and it ensures your wine arrives safely.

You can also ship wine using boxes designed to hold six or 12 bottles; the best ones have inserts that mold to the shape of bottles. Sold at most wineries and shipping-supply stores, these can be checked as luggage and can be an economical way to carry more than a few bottles of wine home.

Fly With Wine sells the VinGarde Valise. This wine luggage is designed exclusively for safely shipping wine, with a 100% polycarbonate shell, and is guaranteed to keep wine safe during travel. Their products conform to all applicable TSA, FAA, and airline luggage standards. In most cases, fully loaded with wine, it still weighs less than 50 lbs.

How to Ship Wine From California

Shipping is also available, but check whether your home state permits wine shipments: A few don’t. If shipping to your home or business is allowed, you can make arrangements at each winery. If you prefer to handle the details yourself, there are many shipping businesses throughout Sonoma County.

Crown Wine Shipping, Healdsburg

Crown Wine Shipping will package and ship your wine anywhere on the globe. They primarily use UPS for national delivery. Typical shipping options include next-day air, second-day air, three-day select, and ground shipping.

Rabbit Hole Post, Santa Rosa

Specializing in wine shipping, Rabbit Hole Post can ensure your bottles arrive safely. They offer both domestic and international shipping.

Shipping your wine home safely will pay off when you get to sip, savor, and share your delicious souvenirs, transporting you back to the highlights of your vacation.

Looking for more Sonoma Wine Country tips? Check out the 7 Tips for Sonoma Wine Tasting.

Learn more about the 425+ wineries throughout Sonoma County, California.