Moving Your Wine
Wine collections can represent
a sizable investment. You should first calculate the total value of the collection.
Once that is complete, you can decide whether to move your wine in a traditional
moving van or on a climate-controlled vehicle. A full service moving company will
be able to guide you in this decision.
Getting it there!
If you are moving your wine collection in the summer or winter months, where temperatures
can be extreme, you may want to consider requesting an estimate for moving the wine
collection on a climate-controlled van line. Speak with the professional moving
estimator who comes to your home about availability and cost.
Understand the value of your wine
High-value wine collections should have a professional appraisal completed prior
to shipping. The best way to locate an appraiser is to contact a local, fine-wine
distributor or shop.
If you have a small wine collection, it is recommended that you move the wine in
your car. This will allow you to control the temperature.
Packing
Special care should be taken to protect the wine when packing. Professional movers
are qualified to correctly pack the wine bottles. If you are packing the wine yourself,
you may want to consider obtaining wine-packing boxes used to transport wine by
the case on commercial airlines. These are made of Styrofoam or corrugated cardboard
and protect the bottles well. You can purchase them at stores that sell wine in
your area. You can also order wine-packing materials from: California Glass Co,
155 98th Avenue, Oakland, CA 94603, (510) 635-7700
- Remember to pack the wine on its side, as it would be stored in your home.
- Even if extreme care has been used in packing and moving, wine bottle shock may
occur. The wine will shake within the bottle as it is moved. If opened too soon,
a loss of flavor may result. Allow the bottles to rest for 7 days prior to opening.
For more information about moving wine collections, visit these Web sites:
