A bottle of wine is fragile, sensitive to temperature, and subject to paperwork that changes with the destination. It's not a parcel like any other, and the choice of carrier reflects that.
Express courier solutions for wine transport
For small and mid-sized wine export volumes, express courier (FedEx, DHL, Chronopost) remains the fastest and most trackable door-to-door option. It's what Vastorg uses for all its shipments, with a carrier network negotiated specifically for wine.
Keeping the cold chain intact
Wine is sensitive to temperature swings: above 30°C or below 0°C, its quality can be affected. ATP-certified (temperature-controlled) carriers secure the shipment on long routes or during periods of extreme heat or cold, for an additional fee.
Choosing the right carrier for your shipment
- The volume and number of bottles to ship
- The destination (European Union, United States, Australia, Asia…)
- The declared value and the need for ad valorem insurance
- The desired lead time and temperature sensitivity
France or international: what changes
Within France and the European Union, wine transport remains subject to excise duty rules (DAE, GAMMA2) for shipments under suspensive regime. Our guide to choosing a wine logistics company covers this paperwork in detail. Outside the European Union, each destination applies its own duties and taxes: exporting to Australia, for example, adds WET and GST on top of the transport cost.
Prepare the shipment before you pick a carrier
The right transport mode won't help much without a properly prepared shipment. Our guide on packaging suited to wine covers how. On Expédier, enter your route to compare carrier offers and get a quote in 30 seconds.
Frequently asked questions on wine transport
How should wine be packaged?
Wine must be packaged in a container suitable for bottle transport (a Vastorg-supplied box or a carrier-certified box). The goal is to prevent movement, protect the bottles from impacts, and limit breakage risk.
Can I use a standard winery presentation box?
No, it is not permitted. Presentation boxes and standard winery cartons are not designed to withstand the stresses of international transport.
Vastorg can supply suitable packaging based on the shipment.
Can wooden cases be shipped as-is?
No. The wine must be taken out of the wooden case and packed in a carton suited to international transport. A wooden case protects presentation but is not sufficient as transport packaging.
Who supplies the packaging?
Packaging can be supplied by Vastorg. If not, the packaging chosen by the shipper must be validated by Vastorg before departure.
Is a "Fragile" label enough?
No. A "Fragile" label may help but never replaces suitable packaging. The parcel must withstand normal transport handling.
Can gift boxes be shipped?
Yes, but presentation packaging must not be treated as sufficient logistical protection.