Many wine lovers worry that their wine bottles will break during the move. Whether in a removal company’s truck or in their own car, transportation is often hectic and turbulent. That is why it is important to observe a few essential points. Here you can find out how to get your wine to your new home intact and in good condition.
What is the best way to transport wine bottles?
By taking a few precautions, you can transport your wine safely. A hectic transport is indeed not the best thing for your treasures. This is why it is important to protect your bottles when packing them in boxes. The removal company you have booked can also provide you with special boxes for transporting wine bottles. These boxes contain compartments, which helps to limit shocks. Make sure that all the boxes are well closed and cushioned so that none of them break during the move. These moving boxes should also be marked “fragile”. You can also ask the removal company to pack your boxes. Avoid transporting your bottles by air as wine does not tolerate atmospheric pressure.
For older wines, it can happen that the deposit at the bottom of the bottle is stirred into the wine. The wine crystals then mix with the wine and cannot be found at the bottom of the bottle. Simply let the wine rest for a few days after transport before opening it. You will soon notice that the deposit will settle back to the bottom of the bottle.
Does wine deteriorate in the sun?
Sunlight – also known as ultraviolet light – has a negative influence on the shelf life of wine and therefore on its quality. This is why most bottles are made of green glass: not for aesthetic reasons but to limit the penetration of UV light into the bottle. In any case, it is better to store your wine away from the sun’s rays.
Furthermore, your wine bottles are sensitive to temperature differences. The issue of heat unfortunately makes the transport of wine a little more complicated. Heat is considered to be an enemy of wine and can indeed be very damaging.
If your wine is in a cellar and you are moving in the summer, here are our tips:
If you are moving on your own, leave your bottles, protected from light, packed in the cellar as long as possible and load them at the last moment (especially if the journey is long). If you only have a few good bottles, carry them with you in your personal car. In summer, it is better to know your bottles in a place that can be air-conditioned than in the moving truck.
How long does the wine need to rest after it’s been moved?
As wine is sensitive to vibrations, it is advisable to let the wine rest for 2 to 3 weeks after transport. In general, the best storage temperature is around 12-14 degrees Celsius and the relative humidity should be between 70 and 80%. As soon as you arrive in your new home, you should take this into account.
If you follow these tips for transporting your wine or entrust it to a removal company you trust, nothing can stop you from enjoying your vintage wine in your new flat.
