Shipping Wine

[melaniedc]

Hi All: I am walking the Camino Frances in September. I would really like to have some of the local wines shipped back to the states for my coworkers. Has anyone done this? Is it possible?

 

[Al the optimist]

Sorry, I can't help. I only got as far as 87.5% of the thread title. However if you require any advice on that I would be very happy to oblige.

 

[naplesdon]

I have never done it but I suspect some of the bodegas in places like Logrono and Cacabelos would accommodate you. You will probably find the price they want charge to cause you think twice. I like near the Rioja Valley and there are so many labels available there which we can't find in SW France.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

It is very expensive, and at a minimum you need to be in a state that permits. Wine shops in France just tell you they won't do it afters years of unhappy experience with various state laws. In Spain is is simply expensive! You will do better to go to a nearby wine store, buy Spanish wines, and tell your friends you bought it in Spain.

I check my back pack, and always stuff a few bottles inside. Be sure to declare it!

 

[TMcA]

Different approach...

You might want to first check out Spanish wines in stores in "LA" and then research where the vineyards are (near the Camino Frances or not?) and finally visit one or two of them. My wife and I visited Bodegas Ontanon just outside Logrono and found their wines near our home. But I don't believe Ontanon wines are widely distributed in the U.S. The tourist office in Logrono made a reservation for us for an English language tour and advised us how to get to the bodega by bus. On an earlier visit to Spain we stopped at Muga, a prestigious Spanish vineyard, but it was closed. I just looked at the Muga website and you need a reservation for a tour and tasting.

Falcon is correct about difficulties in importing wine. One reason is that wines are taxed and I believe the payment of those taxes for imported wines is made by the U.S. distributor.

 

[Kanga]

You will do better to go to a nearby wine store, buy Spanish wines, and tell your friends you bought it in Spain.

This made me laugh. I could try it, but suspect the "bottled for Aldi" might give the game away.

 

[Houlet]

I order Spanish wine in the UK, for myself and family, from a couple of major on line suppliers neither of whom deliver outside of Europe. I suspect there a good reasons for that.

Costs to the UK depend on the size and value of the order but first 20% VAT is added to the advertised price then about £1 per bottle for shipping.

 

[Felipe]

Well, sipping wine is not difficult. I have considerable expertise on this matter.
First, you smell it, then....oh, wait, I am missing an "h" in your query!

 

[Al the optimist]

So you are also at the 87.5% stage Felipe!

 

[SanFranLinda]

I live in California and work in the wine industry. I have shipped wine home from both France and Spain. But, I live in California and the state allows residents to receive shipments of wine. Alabama does not. It is a "prohibited state". TMcA is correct about the taxes. It's up to each individual state as to whether or not they want all wine received through distributors, where they are assured of receiving their tax dollars on those shipments. You could buy the wine, ship it yourself, and take a chance that your friends will receive it. But wineries will not ship to prohibited states. I would buy it at the end of your trip, packing it well, check it and carry it home with you, as Falcon suggested.

 

[melaniedc]

Thank you for the responses everyone.
I had no idea about restrictions on shipping wine!

I don't even like wine.. which is why I am hiking the Camino to begin with..

I need to acquire a taste for wine so I can 'fit in' with the crazy ER nurses I work with! They all say going home after a long crazy shift is easier knowing they have wine to greet them upon arrival.

Can't ship... Hmmm.. I may need to buy a suitcase on my way out of Spain..

 

[amorfati1]

Hi All: I am walking the Camino Frances in September. I would really like to have some of the local wines shipped back to the states for my coworkers. Has anyone done this? Is it possible?

as i recall, returning from europe, one is allowed two bottles of wine without paying any taxes/fees. never had any issues with my bring-back goodies (olive oil, port wine, vino, eau de vie, etc etc) -
or: find a wine merchand here who ships good spanish/portugues wine. most of them never taste quite like when consumed there, but still ... it's a good approxmimation.
how kind of you to think of your co-workers vino-taste !!!
best wishes!

 

[Felipe]

Connoiseurs (don't count me amongst them) recommend that transported bottles have a two week's rest (horizontally is better) before consuming, for a better experience. Something about sediments...

 

[Angelo]

It's probably cheaper to find Spanish made wines in your local Liquor shop. And easier, too.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Something about sediments

That problem exists only rarely for modern wines. To keep the price down, most modern wine is more chemistry than artistry. It is filtered, so no sediment. It is processed mostly in stainless steel, then blended for a particular taste. It does not change with age, and most does not see an oak barrel. It is tasty and ready to drink as soon as it reaches the shelf!

 

[Mark Francis Auchincloss]

Hi it is possible but you will need to find an importer in your country and ask them if it possible to buy your preferred wine for you. If you're after a sensational albariño wine it's got to be the Foudre from this winery http://www.angelsequeiros.com/vino.aspx I will try to research this issue in more depth in due course

 

[jpflavin1]

I always bring home a couple of bottles of herbal liqueur. Never had any issues. My daughter in law likes Cuarenta y Tres ( a little too sweet for me) but it is readily available in the states.

Ultreya,
Joe

 

[jgonzdr]

Hi All: I am walking the Camino Frances in September. I would really like to have some of the local wines shipped back to the states for my coworkers. Has anyone done this? Is it possible?

This response may not help you, but it will help residents from TX. Each person is allowed one case of wine per person, tax free. I have done this from France twice. Simply packed paper around the bottles, taped the box shut, and checked in on at the Airline's desk with fragile stickers plastered all over it. It is some hassle if you have a stopover, so it has to checked all the way to your destination. Of course, I bought the wine at my last stop so not to carry it around for days. This was the cheapest way for me at least. Good luck