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7 Best Ways to Ship Wine From Napa Without The Stress

ByAlisha Rose

Bringing home wine from Napa Valley is one of the best souvenirs you can get, but unlike a t-shirt or magnet, to ship wine from Napa it takes a little bit more planning to get home safely.

And it is illegal to ship alcohol on your own (you can’t walk into a FedEx, UPS, or USPS), you must use a authorized shipping company.

As someone who loves to travel (and bring back wine from just about everywhere), I’ve learned a thing or two about shipping and packing wine home to California. I get wine club shipments from various wineries and I have even helped ship wine for family from Napa who live out state.

Whether you’re flying with a few bottles or shipping a full case, I’ve got tips, including some you’ve probably never thought of, to help you travel stress-free and keep your Napa wine safe and sound.

7 Different Ways to Ship Wine From Napa

There are plenty of reasons to buy wine while in Napa Valley. If you fall in love with a small, family-run winery on your Napa trip, you will not find their wines at your local store. Another perk is, many wineries waive tasting fees with a purchase of a wine bottle or two.

I’m not a shipping expert, and alcohol laws vary by state. However, these are some helpful tips we’ve used over the years.

If you have questions about shipping to your state, contact the winery you are tasting at first and use them as a resouce for guidance.

1. Ship From the Winery You Purchased it From

The easiest way to get wine home is to ship directly from the winery, we have done this many of times. They’ll often offer shipping at a discounted rate, or even free, depending on your purchase.

However, policies vary; some wineries ship just a few bottles, while others require a full case. If you’re buying only a bottle or two, check in advance or explore other options.

Note: Wineries can’t ship wine from other wineries, and some states have shipping restrictions. Always confirm with the winery before purchasing.

Pros:

  • Easy and conveient
  • More affordable than shipping
  • Professional shipping services and covered if anything were to happen
  • Great if buying a case or more from one winery
  • Saves space in luggage
  • No need to carry to the airport

Cons:

  • Might have an extra fee to ship wine home
  • Verify that the winery has license to ship to your state
  • Wineries only ship their own wines
  • Adult (21+) must sign for delivery
  • Longer shipping times
  • Minimum purchase may be required

2. Send Through a Shipping Center

Stop by or book a pickup from one of Napa Valley’s many shipping centers, it’s the easiest way to get your wine home without the hassle of packing or lugging it to the airport.

Just make sure to check their insurance policy, especially if you’re shipping during the summer to a hot state!

Pros:

  • Hassle-free—pickup and shipping handled for you
  • Multiple shipping locations available
  • Ideal for buying single bottles from multiple wineries
  • Save luggage space
  • No need to bring wine to the airport

Cons:

  • Can be expensive, especially in summer for temperature control
  • Minimum purchase required, not ideal for 1-2 bottles
  • Extra insurance cost with varying policies
  • Requires an adult (21+) to sign upon delivery
  • Longer wait time for arrival

Shipping Centers Located in Napa Valley

Buffalo’s Shipping Post: Located in downtown Napa, you can also request a pick up. They are not open on Sunday’s and do not ship to Utah, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire. Insurance is $3.00 per $100 and no insurance for heat, cold, weepage, or foil damage.
⏰ Monday – Friday 8am-5pm, Saturday- 9am-3pm, Sunday – Closed 
📍2471 Solano Ave, Napa, CA 94558

Cartons & Crates: Located in the city of Napa, they will pick up, pack and ship wines for you and are open 7 days a week. A minimum purchase applies—5 bottles ship as 6, and 7-12 ship as 12. Insurance covers up to $100 for free, with additional coverage at $2 per $100, protecting against heat, freeze, cork push, seepage, and label or capsule damage.
⏰ Mon-Fri:  8:00am-6:00pm | Sat-Sun: 10:00am-5:00pm
📍3250 California Blvd, Napa, CA 94558

All American Mail Center: Located in the city of Napa, offers a pick up service and free estimates. They are closed on Sundays.
⏰ Open Monday – Friday 8am-6pm | Saturday 10am-3pm  
📍1370 Trancas Street, Napa, CA 94558

Stagecoach Express and Co: Based in Napa, they offer pickup services but are closed on weekends. Insurance costs $3 per $100, covering loss, breakage, cork issues, label/foil damage, and temperature-related leaks. No residential delivery insurance for Arizona during hot months.
⏰ Open Mon – Fri: 9:00 – 5:30
📍3379 Solano Ave, Napa, CA 94558

Bodega Shipping: Located in St. Helena, pick up services are offered, and they are closed on the weekends. Insurance is offered at $2 per $100 in value.
⏰ Mon-Fri: 8AM – 4PM
📍385 Lafata Street, Saint Helena, California 94574

3. Ship From Your Hotel

Some hotels in Napa Valley, like the Inn St. Helena, will ship your wine for you through trusted vendors, making it one less thing to worry about.

I love this option because it saves you the time and energy from making a trip to a shipping center or hauling your wine to the airport.

Pros:

  • No trip to the shipping center
  • Easy and convenientIdeal for buying single bottles from multiple wineries
  • Saves luggage space
  • No need to bring wine to the airport

Cons:

  • Not every hotel offers this perk
  • Can be expensive, especially in summer for temperature control
  • Minimum purchase typically required, not ideal for 1-2 bottles
  • Extra insurance cost with varying policies
  • Requires an adult (21+) to sign upon delivery
  • Longer wait time for arrival

4. Get Your Own Packing Supplies And Check It

For a more affordable option, you can pack it yourself and check it as a bag. Some wineries offer boxes for a small fee, or you can buy packing supplies at a local shop.

Or another option that is a little bit more labor intensive is you can bring your own packing materials to Napa.

If flying Southwest, you can check two bags for free per person, so you could use one for your wine. Alaska Airlines offers their Wine Flies Free program, letting you check a case at no charge. If you’re flying another airline, check their baggage policy, it might still be cheaper than shipping from a center

Pros:

  • Cheaper than shipping centers
  • Wine arrives with you, avoiding delays and storage issues
  • Skip state alcohol restrictions
  • No waiting for delivery or signatures

Cons:

  • Risk of damage and no insurance
  • You need to keep the case under 50 lbs
  • It’s heavy and awkward to carry to the airport
  • Baggage fees vary by airline
Image courtesy of The Wine Check

4. Purchase The Wine Check Luggage

The Wine Check Luggage makes getting through the airport a breeze! The padded luggage has two wheels and comes with an adjustable strap so you can easily pull or carry it.

On the inside is a styrofoam case and wine shipper box that will keep your wine safe during traveling. The bag is collapsabile, so it’s easy to pack for your trip to Napa and store in your hotel room.

They are priced at around $90 online and available at many Napa wineries, it can be a great investment for frequent wine country trips. Also, depending on your destination, The Wine Check may be a more affordable and convenient option than using a shipping center.

Pros:

  • Holds 12 bottles under 50 lbs
  • Free pickup in Napa
  • May be checked free on some airlines
  • Lightweight
  • Protects bottles during transit
  • Wine arrives with you, avoiding delays and state restrictions
  • Reusable for future trips
  • No delivery wait or signature required

Cons:

  • Cost $90
  • Extra bag to pack and check
  • Unnecessary if a winery ships for free
  • Doesn’t protect against cork leaks -use wine skins
  • Baggage fees vary by airline

5. Bring a Wine Suit Case

A wine suitcase is for somebody who visits Napa Valley or travels to other wine regions regularly throughout the year. They are more of an investment, most start at around $300 each, but will last you longer and are much sturdier than the Wine Check Luggage.

Another perk is they can be dual purposed and be used to pack clothes or other items as well. The one I have seen and recommended the most is the VinGarde Valise Grande Bottle Wine Suitcase.

Pros:

  • Weighs 43-50 lbs with 12 bottles
  • Padded inserts for protection
  • Dual purpose suitcase
  • May be checked free on some airlines
  • Reusable for future trips
  • Wine arrives with you, avoiding delays and state restrictions
  • No delivery wait or signature required

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Unnecessary if a winery ships for free
  • Extra bag to pack and check
  • Doesn’t protect from cork leaks—use wine skins
  • Baggage fees depending on which airline you are flying

6. Pack An Extra Bag and Check it

Instead of purchasing the wine suitcase another option is to bring an extra bag for your wine. A hard-shell suitcase works well, or you can pack a duffle bag to hold your clothes and toiletries, then transfer your wine into your main luggage.

This is a more budget-friendly alternative to the Wine Check or a dedicated wine suitcase. Just be sure to grab some protective supplies like bubble wrap or wine skins to keep your bottles safe during travel.

Pros:

  • More affordable than shipping or a wine suitcase
  • May be checked free on some airlines
  • Wine arrives with you, avoiding delays and state restrictions
  • No delivery wait or signature required

Cons:

  • Requires bubble wrap or WineSkins for protection
  • Unnecessary if a winery ships a case for free
  • Extra bag to pack and check
  • Doesn’t protect from cork leaks—use WineSkins
  • Baggage fees vary by airline

7. Pack Them in Your Suitcase With WineSkins

Packing wine bottles in your suitcase isn’t foolproof, but it’s something I’ve done many times when I only wanted to bring back a bottle or two. Instead of relying on clothes for padding, a more reliable option is to use WineSkins. They are a bubble wrap designed for wine bottles.

Pro tip: If you’re adding wine bottles to your luggage, they are typically around 3 lbs each.

Pros:

  • Protects against leaks and damage
  • Budget-friendly—no wine suitcase or shipping fees
  • Fits in regular luggage, no extra bag needed
  • Wine arrives with you, avoiding delays and state restrictions
  • No delivery wait or signature required

Cons:

  • Single use
  • Limited space and weight restrictions
  • Only can bring home one or two bottles
  • Not as protective as a hard-shell wine suitcase.
A woman and man sitting down and enjoying a food and wine pairing at VGS Winery

How Much Does it Cost to Ship a Case of Wine

Shipping cost vary, depending on what state you are shipping to. Many states have additional rules and fees that can make it more expensive to ship wine.

For example, Pennslyvania is one of those tougher states to ship to because shipping centers need to send through a third party service. For a case of wine, ground shipping will cost you approximately $135.

Unless the winery is covering it or giving you a discount you can expect to pay somewhere around $55 to $135 for groundshipping for a case of wine.

Cheapest Way to Ship Wine

The most cost-effective way to ship wine really depends on how much you’re bringing home.

For just a bottle or two, the cheapest option is packing them in your suitcase with WineSkins, which cost around $10 for a two-pack.

For a case or less, checking it as a bag with Southwest or Alaska Airlines wine flies free is the best deal. You just need shipping supplies.

If you’re buying a case or more from a single winery, many offer discounted or even free shipping.

A wood table set for four wine tastings at Frogs Leap Winery

Other Tips For Shipping Wine From Napa

  • Consider shipping home wine with friends to save on shipping cost
  • Shipping wine in the summer is typically more expensive
  • Fly with an airline that lets you check an extra bag for free (Southwest) or take advantage of the wine flies free program with Alaska Airlines
  • If you are checking alcohol in your bag, make sure to follow the airlines policy. For example, Southwest requires you to put your alcohol in a leak proof bag.
  • Check if there are any restrictions to shipping alcohol to your state.

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Alisha Mansfield is the founder of NorCal Wine Gal. She is a passionate traveler with a deep love for all things wine! She lives in the Bay Area and has spent years touring and tasting her way through beautiful wine country. Her mission is to help you plan an unforgettable trip to Napa Valley!