Important Factors in Wine Transport
No matter the quantity of wine, there are some important factors that should always be kept in mind:
Temperature Control
Firstly, temperature should always be controlled, as wine is sensitive to temperature fluctuations. The temperature must be kept constant during transport to avoid any loss of quality.
Therefore, at Vioneers, we temporarily halt shipments during extreme temperatures. Should this occur in mid-summer or winter, we will notify our customers immediately.
As a customer, you should also always consider whether you will be home on the delivery date or, for example, on holiday. Wines should never be left in the sun at a drop-off location, as constant temperatures cannot be guaranteed there. In such cases, it is best to specify your neighbours as an alternative delivery location or contact your wine merchant. Vioneers offers its customers the option of timing the delivery so that the wines are delivered on a preferred date. Feel free to check our FAQ's on this topic for any open questions.
Vibrations
Furthermore, when shipping wine, care should be taken to absorb vibrations and tremors, or better yet, to prevent them entirely. Vibrations can cause the wine to oxidize and impair its aromas or damage the wine bottle. Use appropriate cushioning materials to minimize impacts during transport.
Storage
The storage of wine before shipment is just as important as the transport itself. Our warehouse in Stuttgart is therefore located in suitable cool cellar rooms without direct sunlight. If available, we recommend a similar location for your storage. You can find more tips on wine storage here.
What happens to wine during strong temperature fluctuations?
Strong temperature fluctuations can cause the wine to expand and contract. This can allow air to enter the bottle, leading to oxidation of the wine and negatively affecting its taste.
It can also cause the wine to release its aromas more quickly, leading to a loss of complex aromas and nuances. Low temperatures, on the other hand, can slow down the release of aromas, making the wine flat and unbalanced.
In addition to the two effects mentioned so far, cork damage can also occur. Fluctuations can cause the cork to shrink and expand. This can lead to the cork no longer sealing properly and air entering the bottle, which in turn leads to oxidation or can spoil the wine.
Last but not least, extreme heat can cause wine to age faster and deteriorate more quickly. This can be particularly problematic if the wine is meant to be stored to develop its best qualities.
Different Types of Wine Transport
As with all other foodstuffs, there are different shipping options for wine depending on the quantity.
If a single bottle of wine is ordered, there are special single cartons for this, which we also use at Vioneers. These must be sufficiently padded to prevent damage.
If more than one bottle is ordered, we use 3-, 6- or 12-bottle cartons. Our gastronomy customers usually receive their orders on pallets, as these involve larger quantities.
When wine is exported in large quantities, transport is carried out in containers. This is the case, for example, when overseas wineries ship their wines to Europe. Special precautions regarding temperature control and vibration damping are necessary here, as the transport takes more time.
Conclusion
Transporting wine is an art in itself. Whether you are shipping individual bottles or entire containers, proper packaging and careful handling of the wine are crucial. At Vioneers, we place the highest value on our customers receiving their wine in the best condition, which is why our transport and storage processes are meticulously planned. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us by email or by phone at our service number: +49 7191 2206 085.
