Looking for some gift ideas for the wine lovers in your life? From curated gift baskets to personalized accessories, there are plenty of unique ways to show you care. If you’re wondering how to ship wine as a gift, there are a few things you should keep in mind. At Spirited Shipper, our wine shipping boxes make delivery easy, reliable, and stress-free. Read on to learn more about wine shipping in the US, and to get more wine-friendly gift ideas.
Unique Wine Gift Ideas for Friends and Family
Don’t bring the same old bottle of red to your in-laws this year. It’s time to get creative and really wow your wine-loving friends and family. Elevate your wine gifting with these fun ideas.
Personalized Wine Bottles and Labels
Put a smile on your friend’s face with a personalized wine bottle. Make it simple with a customized paper label featuring a favorite photo. Or get a little fancy with these engraved personalized wine bottles from Williams-Sonoma.
Wine Gift Baskets
Another simple way to upgrade a wine gift is to place it in a basket with cheese, snacks, and other fun items. You can make your own basket or find a pre-made one online.
Wine Accessories and Tools
From funky cork displays to personalized wine stoppers and racks, the possibilities are endless regarding accessories and tools for wine lovers.
Creative Wine Gifts Beyond the Bottle
Another creative gift for wine lovers is a wine-themed experience. If you don’t know what variety of red to buy, surprise your friends and family with a gift certificate for a tasting, class, or night out.
Wine Tasting Experiences or Classes
Local wineries often have tasting experiences and sommelier classes available to the public. These are great opportunities to expand your horizons, try something new, and get better acquainted with wine.
Wine Paint Night
Wine paint nights have become increasingly popular over the years and can be so much fun with the right crowd. The typical format includes an instructor teaching everyone in the group how to paint a sample picture, while you sip wine, chat, and let loose.
How to Ship Wine as a Gift Safely and Legally
With so many wine subscriptions out there it may be tempting to sign up your friends or family as a nice surprise. But you might not be able to if they live in a state with strict laws. If you’re planning on shipping wine as a gift, there are several regulations to be aware of.
Can You Ship Wine as a Gift?
In most states, you can ship wine as a gift. However, a few states prohibit alcohol shipping altogether—Utah, Mississippi, and Delaware. Rhode Island and Arkansas also have strict wine shipping laws; you can only ship wine in these states after visiting a local winery in person.
State Regulations on Shipping Wine
In states where wine shipping is allowed, retailers must have a permit and license and must partner with an authorized shipping carrier like UPS or FedEx. Some states also limit the quantity of wine that can be shipped. For example, Alabama residents can only ship 12 cases of wine per year.
Packaging Tips for Mailing Wine as a Gift
Proper packaging is crucial when shipping wine as a gift. Ensure you’re using quality shipping materials to prevent breakage and watch out for extreme temperatures in transit that can cause damage.
Choosing Secure Packaging for Wine Bottles
Sturdy corrugated cardboard boxes are the best way to package wine bottles for transport. These boxes take up less room, provide insulation, and protect glass from bumping into other surfaces and breaking. Spirited Shipper boxes are certified and designed specifically for shipping wine and other glass bottles.
Ensuring Temperature Control During Shipping
Heat and cold can damage the quality of wine, which is why it’s important to be aware of extreme temperatures throughout the shipping process. If you’re shipping wine as a gift during the summer, pack the product with gel ice packs, or use a refrigerated shipping partner. In the winter, use thermal sleeves, cardboard filler, and other products to keep wine from getting too cold.
How to Ship Wine as a Gift through Approved Carriers
Whether you’re planning to ship wine as a retailer or a consumer, certain carriers are approved to transport alcohol in the US.
Which Carriers Allow Wine Shipments?
The following carriers are legally allowed to ship wine in the US:
- FedEx
- UPS
- Local Logistics Companies
The third option varies by location, but many smaller logistics companies can transport wine from authorized retailers and wineries.
Carrier Requirements for Shipping Wine
These carriers require the sender to have a valid permit or license to ship wine, and the recipient must be 21 or older and provide a signature. According to federal guidelines, wine packaging must also be sealed properly and labeled clearly.
Spirited Shipper’s Wine Shipping Solutions
Whether you need a single wine shipping box, or a whole case, Spirited Shipper has everything you need. With 30+ years of experience in this industry, we make wine gifting safe and simple, providing peace of mind with durable, compliant packaging options.
