avoid fridays

Always aim to ship Monday through Wednesday. Shipping on a Friday almost always means your wine will sit in a warehouse or truck over the weekend. Even in mild conditions, this exposes bottles to:
- Heat fluctuations
- Delays in climate-controlled handling
- Greater risk of damage and seepage

Avoid Summer Shipping (If Possible)

High temperatures are a major risk to wine quality during transit. Shipping in hot weather without precautions is the most common cause of irreversible damage. If you can delay your shipment until cooler weather, please do.

If summer shipping is unavoidable, take extra precautions:
- Double-check that you are using proper, insulated packaging
- Use overnight shipping to reduce time in transit
- Never use Ground shipping in warm weather

Use Expedited Shipping

Ground shipping exposes bottles to prolonged heat, vibrations, and handling. For high-value or rare wines, we strongly recommend:
- Overnight service during warmer months (May/June - October)
- 2-Day Express at during cooler seasons
- Never use Ground for collectible or fragile bottles

pack it properly

Improper packaging is one of the top causes of wine damage in transit. Please use:
- Molded Styrofoam wine shippers (not cardboard dividers or bubble wrap)
- Appropriately sized boxes – avoid overpacking or using inserts that don’t fit snugly
- For non-standard size bottles, use size-specific Styrofoam shippers
- Always ensure bottles are fully enclosed in insulating material (no protruding necks or exposed tops)

confirm details

To ensure a smooth and secure delivery:
- Provide advance notice before sending your wines to ensure proper receipt, handling, and storage upon arrival
- Include tracking numbers and expected delivery dates

Insurance & Liability

Always consider 3rd-party insurance when shipping rare or expensive wines. Please note:
- Most carriers do not insure against heat exposure
- If damage occurs due to improper packaging or heat, resale value may be lost or significantly reduced
- Wines that arrive in compromised condition may be deemed unsellable

If you have any questions about packing, shipping, or preparing your collection for sale, don’t hesitate to ask.