Top 5 Packaging Tips for Shipping Wine

Most people think of packaging wine as a necessary inconvenience. It’s something that you have to do to protect your products and get them from point A to point B intact. Sounds simple right? Nope. There’s more to it than that.

If you pack wine bottles incorrectly, it could break during transport and lead to plenty of unhappy customers. In this post, we’ll share five tips for packaging wine so your products can withstand rough shipping conditions. If you want to learn how to prepare wine bottles for shipment the right way, keep reading!

#1 – Use Sturdy Corrugated Boxes

When packaging wine for shipping, it’s important to use a sturdy box that will protect your wine from being damaged during transport. A corrugated wine shipper is ideal for packing wine, as it is durable and reliable.

Corrugated boxes have a double wall construction that provides extra insulation and protection. Inside that construction is a ruffled inner layer that increases strength and flexibility while keeping the overall weight of the container down. The added protection makes corrugated fiberboard a perfect choice to pack wine bottles and reduce costs.

Corrugated shipping kits have many benefits over traditional cardboard packaging, especially when it comes to wine packaging. The materials used to make these kits are biodegradable, contain no dyes or bleaches, and can be composted and recycled effectively.

Corrugated boxes also feature designs that ensure safer transport. Gorilla Shipper’s Hexabox kits have intuitive, interlocking tabs and compartments for packaging wine bottles securely. Our patented six-sided design distributes weight more evenly, relieving pressure off your products. This helps protect your goods from damage by improper handling or rough climatic conditions.

#2 – Pack Wine Bottles Securely With Inserts

To ensure your wine arrives in pristine condition, you must use inserts to keep the bottles secure. Wine bottles are prone to breakage if they are dropped or allowed to shift inside the box during transit.

Fortunately, many different inserts work well for packaging wine bottles. One of the most common is the foam insert. Foam inserts encase wine bottles to protect them from damage and keep them from breaking. They come in several shapes and sizes. Most importantly, they maintain a constant temperature inside.

Another popular type of insert is molded pulp inserts. Pulp inserts provide reliable protection and withstand extreme temperatures. They fit bottles perfectly, providing a snug and secure fit that prevents shifting during shipping. Unlike foam inserts, pulp inserts are biodegradable and recyclable. They’re the ideal choice for businesses that want to practice eco-friendly shipping.

While they don’t look as protective as foam and pulp inserts, the right corrugated inserts can provide the same, if not better protection. Gorilla Shipper’s Hexabox inserts have passed vibration, compression, and free fall drop tests (10 drops at 30”) and are ISTA 6-FEDEX-A certified. Pack your wine in these lightweight inserts to ensure safe delivery.

#3 – Cushion Bottles With Bubble Wrap or Foam Peanuts

Another effective method for packaging wine and ensuring it remains safe during transit is to use bubble wrap. Bubble wrap provides cushioning and protection from bumps and impacts.

The air-filled bubbles help absorb shock and prevent the bottles from breaking. All you need to do is wrap your bottles on all sides and tape them up for shipping. This lightweight packing material is available in several shapes and sizes and makes it easy to pack wine for transport.

Foam peanuts are another great option for preparing and packaging wine bottles for shipment. Utilizing peanuts in combination with other materials provides wine bottles with extra layers of cushion and protection.

You can use them to fill up any extra space to eliminate shifting and prevent shock from causing damage to the product. Once you pack wine bottles inside the box, the small pieces of shock-absorbing styrofoam will keep the bottles intact and minimize the risk of breakage.

#4 – Double Box Your Wine Shipments

The double box method for packaging wine is a great way to protect your wine during transit. It involves using two boxes instead of one to prevent the bottles from breaking or shifting.

The first box is the outer box and uses filler material to provide superior protection. The second box houses the wine bottles and inserts to prevent them from moving around and becoming damaged. If you use two boxes instead of one, you can effectively pack wine to ensure safe delivery.

To perform this method, pack the original wine box in a new shipping container at least six inches longer, wider, and higher than the original. Fill the bottom of the new shipping container with at least two to three inches of inflatable packaging, loose-fill peanuts, or bubble wrap, and place your wine box in the center. Lastly, fill the remaining space with packing material and securely tape the outside.

#5 – Follow Carrier Requirements for Shipping Alcohol

Well, you’ve finished packaging the wine and sealed the box. Now it’s time to deliver your package to the recipient. But, can YOU ship alcohol?

According to federal and state laws, only licensed businesses can sell alcohol, and a signed contract with a shipping carrier is required to ship alcohol in the United States. Businesses and licensees must also follow any other packaging and labeling requirements for each shipping company.

As of now, no alcoholic beverages, including wine, may be shipped through the United States Postal Service (USPS) under any circumstance. While you may have heard that unlicensed individuals pack wine and ship with USPS, it is illegal.

With UPS and FedEx, you must label all packages containing wine with a designated alcoholic beverages shipping label and any other labeling the destination state may require. Shipments of wine must also include a completed UPS Adult Signature Form or FedEx Adult Signature Form, depending on your chosen carrier.

Package Your Wine With Gorilla Shippers

When packaging wine, you have options that will help you ensure your product arrives in one piece. In this article, we outlined five of the most effective techniques. Whether you choose to pack wine using bubble wrap, foam peanuts, the double box method, or wine shipper kits, following these tips will ensure that your wine arrives at its destination in pristine condition.

If you need wine packaging products, look no further than Gorilla Shipper. From foam and pulp inserts to corrugated boxes, we offer everything you need to ship your products safely. If you need more information or want to speak to an expert regarding our shipping solutions, contact us today or call 866-447-4737. We’re here to help!