Don’t Make These Wine Travel Mistakes: A Sommelier’s Packing Guide

Wine travel is one of life’s greatest pleasures, but packing for it can get tricky. After years of tasting in vineyards, hopping on wine cruises, and lugging bottles through airports, I’ve learned a thing or two about what to bring and what to leave behind. Whether you’re heading to Napa, Tuscany, or somewhere off the beaten path, here are my tried-and-true tips to help you travel smarter and sip happier.

1. Don’t Wear White…

I’ve learned (the hard way!) that white clothing and red wine are not a good mix. Whether it’s a generous pour or a rogue swirl (sorry, Sarah!!😁), red wine has an uncanny ability to find your lightest outfit. Dark colors are your friend. But if you must wear white… see tip #4 below.

2. A Wine Suitcase is a Game-Changer

If you’re bringing wine home (and let’s be honest, you will), the VinGardeValise is your best friend. It’s a hard-shell suitcase with padded compartments that cradle your bottles like newborns - no clinking, no broken glass, and no stress at baggage claim. The foam inserts are removable, so it makes a nice luggage piece even without wine. I purchased the 12-bottle suitcase in a gorgeous Bordeaux color and have been using it to transfer wine from Illinois to our home in Florida. I’ll be using mine to bring a few special bottles to Europe for my private group river cruise in September - and of course, I fully plan to fill it up with amazing local wines to bring back home! I used to think I’d just ship wine home… until I got a shipping quote from Champagne that made my jaw drop. International shipping has become QUITE expensive. Packing your wine in a VinGardeValise means you can bring home your favorites safely, skip the shipping fees, and enjoy your wine sooner. I am happy to share a discount code for 20% off any product on their site. Just use code CWT20: https://vingardevalise.com/

3. Wine Sleeves for the Minimalist

If you’re only picking up a few bottles, reusable padded wine sleeves are a simple solution. Lightweight and easy to stash, I always pack a couple - because that wine suitcase fills up fast. By the way, these sleeves aren’t just for wine. They’re great for other glass goodies too, like olive oil, vinegar, or local spirits.  Protect the glass, protect the liquid - protect your clothes! You can find a variety of options on Amazon, but your local wine shop may also carry them.

4. My Secret Weapon: Wine Away

I’ve used Wine Away stain remover for years, both at home and while traveling. This little bottle is magic on red wine spills on clothes, table linens, even carpets. It also works great on other organic stains like tomato sauce and fruit juice. I keep the travel-size spray bottle in my purse and a full-size version at home. I'm so confident in Wine Away that I just ordered white dining room chairs!

Full confession: The times I’ve ruined white clothing? Yep - I forgot to pack it.

5. Fashion vs. Function: Dress Smart (Even If You Love Shoes Like I Do)

I’ll admit it - I love fashion, and I’ve definitely packed more shoes than days on a trip. But trust me: those cute platform espadrilles? They are not vineyard-friendly. Many wineries have gravel paths, cobblestones, and sometimes a lot of walking (looking at you, Champagne Maison Ruinart and your five miles of underground cellars!). Comfortable walking shoes are a must.  And be sure to wear layers - cellars stay around 55°F year-round, even when it’s 85° and sunny outside. A light sweater, scarf, or wrap will keep you comfortable and looking chic in that perfect cellar photo.

6. Don’t Forget Snacks - Future You Will Thank You

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of wine tasting, but trust me - you need to eat. Not every winery will have breadsticks or nibbles on hand, and drinking on an empty stomach is a fast track to feeling awful by noon (especially when you start tasting at 9am!). I never leave for a day of tasting without a stash of snacks - think mixed nuts, a protein bar, or even some crackers tucked in my bag. Future you (and your stomach) will thank you.

Bonus Tips from the Road

• Bring a portable tote or lightweight wine bag for vineyard visits - some small producers don’t have bags on hand. And you will need somewhere to carry that extra scarf!

• A good wine key is a must, especially if you’re staying in an Airbnb or hosting a little impromptu tasting. Just remember: do not pack it in your carry-on or it may be sacrificed to the TSA gods. Always place it in your checked luggage.

• If you’re out wine tasting and leaving bottles in a hot car, they’re going to cook. Do yourself (and your wine) a favor: swing by a local store, grab a cheap Styrofoam cooler and some ice. Your wine will stay cool and you’ll be very glad you made the extra stop.

Wine travel should be fun, easy, and full of great memories (and great wine!). With a little planning and the right gear, you'll be ready for anything - from tastings in the vineyard to surprise wine shop stops. I hope these tips help make your next trip smoother and more enjoyable.

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