How to Move A Wine Collection

Wine isn’t just another item on your packing list—it’s a delicate, often expensive asset that demands careful handling. Whether you’ve curated a cellar over years or simply want to protect a few vintage bottles, transporting wine requires planning, temperature control, and attention to detail.

At Piepho Moving & Storage, we’ve helped clients across Minneapolis, St. Paul, Mankato, Rochester, and La Crosse, WI move their most treasured items—including wine collections—with care and expertise.

Pre-Move Checklist for Wine Collectors

1. Take a Complete Inventory

Create a detailed wine inventory including bottle names, vintages, regions, and market value. Apps like CellarTracker or Vivino can simplify this process.

2. Get Your Wine Collection Appraised

If your collection includes rare or high-value bottles, have it professionally appraised before the move. This is essential for getting accurate insurance coverage during transit.

3. Check Local, State & International Wine Transport Laws

Alcohol regulations vary by location. Some states and countries impose restrictions or taxes on transporting wine. If you’re moving out of the country, consult with your mover or check TTB’s Alcohol Beverage Importing Guidelines.

How to Pack Wine Bottles for Moving

Proper packing materials and techniques are critical to preventing leaks or breakage. Here’s how to safely prep your wine for relocation:

✅ Use Wine-Specific Moving Supplies

• Wine shipping boxes with dividers or foam inserts

• Packing paper, bubble wrap, or air pillows for extra cushioning

• Sturdy tape to seal the boxes securely

• “Fragile” and upright arrows clearly marked on the box

✅ Bottle Packing Tips

• Wrap each bottle in packing paper or bubble wrap

• Place bottles vertically (upright) whenever possible

• Avoid storing wine near heavy items or boxes that could shift

• Pack bottles snugly to prevent movement in transit

How to Move Wine Glasses and Accessories

Don’t forget your glassware and accessories. Here’s how to pack fragile wine items:

Use divided dish pack boxes for stemware

• Wrap each glass individually with paper or bubble wrap

• Fill empty spaces with soft material (towels, socks, or foam peanuts)

• Use original boxes if available

❄️ Climate Considerations: Why Temperature Control Matters

Extreme heat or cold can ruin wine, especially during long-distance moves. Exposure to fluctuating temps can cause corks to pop or wine to spoil.

• Consider climate-controlled transportation (offered by Piepho for valuable collections)

• Avoid moving wine during the hottest months (June–August) or freezing winters

• If driving yourself, keep wine in a temperature-stable area of the vehicle, not the trunk

Why Hire Professional Wine Movers

At Piepho Moving & Storage, we specialize in transporting fragile, valuable, and climate-sensitive items, including wine. As a certified Allied Van Lines agent, we can coordinate secure, climate-controlled moves anywhere in the U.S. or internationally.

Our specialty moving service include:

• Custom crating and packing

• Climate-controlled trucks

• Logistics planning for large or high-value collections

• Optional storage in temperature-regulated facilities

We specialize in residential moving services, including items that are delicate, like wine. As a trusted Allied Van Lines agent that is part of a global network, we help ensure your wine collection is moved safely to anywhere in the world. For your local, long-distance, and international wine moving needs, our team is ready to serve you.