Whether you are a connoisseur or just a casual sipper, you likely put a lot of time, effort and money into amassing your wine collection. So, if you’re in the process of relocating, it’s important to take the proper steps to protect your valued collection during your move. Keep your collection safe with these tips:
Know the Value of Your Vino
Whether you have an extensive collection or just several bottles of wine, you need to know the value of your collection. It is helpful to take photographs and inventory your collection (there are moving apps that can help!). For more extensive collections, you may want to enlist the help of a wine appraiser to assist you in determining the value of your collection. Appraisers can be located through wine specialty shops or wine relocation specialists. If you are contracting with a moving company, be sure to let them know you are planning to transport wine and fill out a High-Value Inventory, as the general liability coverage may not extend to wine. Many standard movers are not equipped to move wine collections, so be sure to ask about specialized movers and climate-controlled vehicles. Our top-rated moving company in NYC is used to all types of high-end moves and can carefully walk you through your options.
Carefully Pack
Specialized wine packing boxes with cardboard or styrofoam inserts are best to use when packing your wine. You want to keep the cork wet, so pack the bottles on their sides or upside down. Be sure to label the boxes as fragile and indicate which side should be up. Open bottles of wine should be set aside and not included in your packing. Be aware of the weight you are packing, particularly if you are planning to move the boxes yourself. A 12-bottle case of wine weighs about 35 pounds.
Consider the Temperature
The ideal temperature for red wine is 55 degrees Fahrenheit. White wines can stand a bit warmer temperatures. Consider the temperature on the day you plan to move. Extreme heat and cold are detrimental to your wine. Spring and fall temperatures are the best for moving without a climate controlled vehicle. For smaller collections, moving the boxes of wine in your personal vehicle may be the best option, as you can control the temperature. For extensive collections, you may need to hire a professional who can provide a climate controlled environment for the duration of the journey.
Check Regulations
Before transporting wine on a cross country move, be sure to check the regulations in the area to which you are moving. Regulations regarding the transport of wine and alcohol vary by states. It is better to know and comply with the regulations than to risk a fine or losing your valuable collection. If you choose to hire a professional mover, they should be well-versed in the various regulations governing the transport of alcoholic beverages.
Let the Wine Rest
Once your wine reaches its destination and is unpacked, allow some time for the wine to rest before opening. The wine may have experienced some bottle shock by shaking a bit during transit which can have an impact the wine’s flavor. A good rule-of-thumb is to allow the wine to rest for seven days for each day in transit before opening.
Taking just a few special precautions can help you maintain the value and flavor of your valuable wine collection. Whether your collection is small or massive, it can be safely moved for you to enjoy in your new home. Cheers!
