As a collector, moving is often dreaded due to the painstaking task of packing. Whether it’s baseball cards, art, books, or wine, packing requires care. Wine, being expensive and fragile, needs meticulous handling. While moving it yourself is entirely achievable with the right tools, supplies, and by referencing various wine-related sources, it can be a complex and risky process. Why not let a professional take care of your wine collection? Maffucci offers specialized moving services for your niche needs, ensuring your collection is handled with the highest level of care and expertise.

For over 100 years, we’ve been serving the tri-state area with a team of reliable movers to meet all of their needs. Our specialized services include fine art and antiques, large instruments, electronics, and more. We can assist with any and all objects that require the white glove treatment during a move, including wine. 

How to Move Wine Like a Professional

While hiring a team of professionals to move your wine collection is the safest way to ensure everything is handled correctly, it’s not the only option. With the right tools, supplies, and by referencing various wine-related sources, moving your collection yourself is entirely achievable. It’s just a matter of following the steps below and using a few helpful tips. 

Step 1: Appraisal

If you have an extensive collection, getting it appraised is essential. An experienced appraiser will provide an accurate estimate of your collection’s total value. The appraisal helps you select the right insurance policy or protection plan for your wine during the move. It also offers written documentation of its value, which you’ll need to file a claim if something goes wrong during transport. After all, quality wine isn’t cheap. 

Step 2: Inventory and Photograph Your Collection

After the appraisal, take a thorough inventory of your wine collection. This involves counting each bottle individually and sorting them by wine type. We also recommend taking pictures of each bottle label and the box or crate where you store them. If you have a large collection, consider filling out a high-value inventory form. This meticulous process ensures that everything is accounted for and nothing gets missed, providing you with peace of mind during the move.

Step 3: Purchase Packing Supplies

Once you’ve finished your inventory, gather the necessary packing supplies. Keep in mind, it’s better to buy extra than to run out of the materials needed to pack your collection safely. Proper packing materials are essential for ensuring your wine’s safety during the move. Supplies you’ll need to purchase to do the job correctly include:

• Sturdy wine packing boxes with bottle inserts
• Bubble wrap that’s suitable for glass
• Packing paper and foam peanuts
• Plenty of strong packing tape

Step 4: Get to Wrapping

Glass is very fragile, so make sure to pack wine bottles securely and carefully. Glass bottles that contact each other during transport are most likely to break, which can damage or spoil other bottles in your collection. To minimize this risk, each bottle should be individually wrapped and separated by inserts. Use bubble wrap, newspaper, or parchment paper, and remember, layers are essential!  

Mark the box as “fragile” and specify which way up it should be loaded into your moving vehicle. While it might seem obvious, never pack open wine bottles. Improper storage of your wine can significantly affect its flavor and quality. To keep them in good condition, store red and white wines on their side or upside down, keeping the corks moist to prevent oxidation and spoilage. Finally, once your wine has been packed and the box securely closed, take an extra step by placing that box into another, slightly larger box. This provides an additional layer of protection.

Step 5: Check Regulations

Before loading your securely packed bottles of wine, check the county and state regulations. Simply reading the rules of your new location isn’t enough — also contact local authorities in the towns you plan to stop in along the way. Laws vary by area; you might need to declare the wine in some places but not in others. Failing to do so when required could lead to penalties for bringing alcohol for personal use across state lines. 

Helpful Tips for Moving Wine

Don’t forget about temperature control. As a wine collector, you’re aware that environmental changes can affect your collection. Since wine is sensitive to temperature fluctuations, extreme heat or cold can spoil an entire collection during a move. The ideal storage temperature is between 52-57°F, although most wines are kept between 45–65°F. To maintain this perfect temperature during the move, use insulated or thermal packaging. 

It’s essential to allow the wine to rest for at least a week before drinking it. This is because a thin layer of bitter sediment, also known as tannin polymers that form as wine ages, can get stirred up during transport. For older wines, waiting a few months might help the bottle completely clear. This post-move care is crucial for preserving the quality of your collection. 

Maffucci Moving & Storage. Your Wine Collection’s Safest Bet.

If everything we’ve discussed today feels overwhelming to remember, along with your other responsibilities, consider hiring a professional packing company like Maffucci. Our team of dedicated moving experts will carefully handle your belongings at every step of the process. We know all about handling wine, especially how to load, unload, and transport it safely. Once your wine has arrived at its new home, check all the boxes against the inventory form to ensure everything is accounted for.

For a stress-free move, call Maffucci Moving. We provide expert packing solutions, high-quality materials, and friendly customer service to ensure the best experience. Contact us today for a free quote, and let our team carefully handle your wine collection!