The Movers.com Blog

No matter what brand of wine you like to drink, if you have a wine collection, then preserving it is probably important to you.  As you prepare to move, you might think you have to leave your wine behind, fearing it might break or the taste will change for the worse.

Photo by DontbBlue, sxc.hu

Fortunately, you have options on how to transport your wine collection safely to your new home.  Make sure to tell your mover that you have a wine collection, and then ask the following questions:

Do you have climate-controlled vans? Moving your wine collection in a climate-controlled van is ideal for maintaining your wine’s flavor and appearance.  The recommended temperature for most wines is fifty-five degrees, but you should check with an expert before you request a specific temperature.

What kinds of boxes do you use to transport wine collections? There are special boxes designed for transporting wine bottles.  Make  sure to give the mover information about the quantity and size of your wine collection. These details will help your mover confirm that they not only have the right-sized box, but have enough boxes to assist you with your special move.

Do you know of the restrictions in my destination area regarding the transport of alcoholic beverages? The mover should be aware that restrictions regarding the amount of alcohol that can be brought in for personal use may apply to your move.  You or the mover should contact alcohol beverage control authorities in your destination area before you move.

Do you have any coverage plans that would apply to my wine collection in the even that any bottles are damaged, stolen, or lost? You may want coverage for your wine collection during the transportation process.  If so, ask your moving specialist if this is a service they provide, under what circumstances would your items receive coverage, and the definition of any terms.  Most likely, the specialist would send you their insurance policy before you commit to any agreement.

To further assess the value of your wine collection, you might want to consider having your collection appraised.  Many local wine merchants offer this service.

You do have the option of transporting the wine by car, which will give you or another passenger full control over the climate.  You’ll also be able to monitor the condition of your wine during the move.  Some commercial airlines do offer wine transport services, but this can be a very expensive option.

The best time of year to move your wine collection is when temperatures are most mild, like early spring or late fall.   Luckily, a climate-controlled vehicle will give you year-round flexibility and ensures that your wine collection arrives safely to its destination.

Have you ever transported your wine collection?  Tell us about it with a quick comment below!