How to Move Your Wine Collection

A wine collection represents a significant investment, whether you’re a connoisseur or casual collector.

Safely moving your wine bottles does not have to be complicated. With a few simple steps, you can create an effective strategy to protect your wine collection during the moving process. 

1. Inventory Check

The first step to safely relocating your wine collection involves conducting an inventory check to assess what you have. Determining the value of your collection is crucial as it will allow you to retain its value in case there is any damage during the relocation. You can also use this information for your removals insurance which will protect your collection during accidents.

Professional wine appraisers can determine the correct value of your collection. Your local wine vendor is usually a good place to ask for recommendations, but local merchants who collect antiques are also a good source of information.

2. Alcohol Moving Regulations 

You need to be aware of relevant regulations when moving your wine collection. Alcohol regulations often vary, with some countries not permitting wine relocation across their borders at all! Conduct thorough legal research into the types and amounts of alcohol that can be transported for personal use.

3. Proper Packaging 

Wine bottles need to be packed appropriately in styrofoam or corrugated boxes before they’re ready to be moved. You should wrap bottles individually and set aside a different box for the ones that have already been opened. Corked bottles should be placed on their side or upside down to keep the corks wet.

The wine will shake during transportation so you need to take extra care during packing to avoid bottle shock. A professional packing service is the best way to protect your wine collection when moving. 

4. Climate Controlled Move 

According to wine experts, a consistent temperature is essential for maintaining the natural flavour of the wine. It’s easier to regulate atmospheric conditions in a car, but that’s only if you have a small collection. For larger or rarer collections, a climate-controlled van is the best way of protecting your wine from fluctuations in temperature.  

Early spring or late autumn is an ideal time for transporting your wine collection. But if you need to move it during summer or winter, you’ll have to consider commercial airlines. Consult with your moving company regarding delivery to the airport and pick-up to avoid exposing your wines to extreme temperatures, should you be moving abroad.

5. Unpacking

You must let your wine rest once it has been moved. If opened too soon, you could lose the natural flavour of the wine. For each day of travel, you need to let the wine rest for a week to ensure the best taste. So, if it takes two days to transport the wine, you should let it rest for a minimum of two weeks before enjoying any of your stock.

From researching legal regulations on moving alcohol to safely packing corked bottles, moving a wine collection involves a step-by-step process. By following a few precautions and safety tips, you can enjoy your wine’s true flavour once it has been moved.

When it comes to moving high-value items such as antiques or a collection of wines, a regular moving company may not do the job. Bishop’s Move’s 160 years of experience in moving means you can rest assured knowing that your possessions will be transported safely and smoothly.