Packing for a Wine Journey
Well you finally made it to the night before of that long awaited, meticulously planned, every-friend-envious, international wine journey. Congratulations!You have several goals in mind for this excursion. First, have a good time. Second, bring some wine back. Sometimes the second goal becomes the first. So how do you prepare to bring wine back? Here are a few things to think about.I have been successfully bringing wine back from other countries since I turned 21. There are several options to safely and successfully transport wine internationally. The first is having the Vineyard, or Wine Merchant, ship it for you. If you are buying multiple cases of wine then this is really your only option, baring the few readers that have access to private aircraft. It can be expensive and, depending on the current rotation of world events, can take awhile.Yet if you are like me and enjoy buying one or two bottles from multiple locations, then bringing that wine home in your checked luggage may be the way to go.Planning prior to leaving home is key!!!I travel pretty efficiently, and I also, usually, have a base that I operate out of on my travels. That gives me the ability to stow all of my stuff and not have to drag it around. Therefore I fit all of my personal stuff, even on a multi-week trip, in a backpack and an international sized carry on roller bag. Then I devote a single, soft sided, semi-rigid roller bag to be a checked bag. This will be my wine carrier.You have two options when considering “wine luggage.” Option 1 is a specifically built (usually hard sided) wine suitcase. They come in a lot of different sizes, are fairly expensive, and even the best ones are a little cumbersome. They also really only have one use, so not the most versatile.Option 2; using a traditional, soft sided piece of luggage, preferably a piece you already own. I use an old carry on roller bag that can be expanded. Studies have shown that soft sided luggage actually lasts longer and protects the contents better than hard sided luggage (they are much better at absorbing impact). The key to filling soft sided luggage with 18 bottles of wine are wine sleeves.I fill my wine luggage at home with wine sleeves, which are made from durable bubble wrap and are sealable. I also take some extra bubble wrap to line the inside of the main compartment. They are essential!! They are also much cheaper and easier to find here at home, so don't bet your wine trip on finding adequate ones on the road!Next thing to consider with a soft sided bag is weight. Not just for the airline, but for the integrity of the zippers. I bring a lockable luggage strap to wrap around the entire bag. It also helps with picking out your bag out on the carousel.Finally, lock the bag and bring a back up lock. TSA, and other nosy customs officials, love taking a look, and often do not reattach the lock properly. I now no longer use TSA locks. If they want to get in they will call you and ask you to open your bag. Once complete, you lock it and don’t have to worry about someone else getting into your stuff. Also, I have had locks break, so having a back up is a good idea.With a good plan and the right equipment you can be confident that your treasure-find-of-a-wine will make it home intact. Being able to bring back that great wine-find to enjoy with your friends will only extend your wine journey when you return home, and will be well worth the effort!Join us next week as we report back on week one of our wine journey, France! Jusque la, mes amies!