How to Bring Wine Home from Florence: Shipping, Customs, and Packing Tips

Florence is one of the best cities in Italy to experience wine culture. From bold Super Tuscans to elegant Chianti Classicos, the region produces some of the finest wines in the world. After enjoying a few Florence wine tours, you might find yourself wanting to bring a few bottles, or a few cases, home with you. The question then becomes: how do you do that safely, legally, and without hassle?

Here’s a guide to help you bring wine home from Florence with confidence.

Buy from Reputable Wineries or Wine Shops

The first step is choosing where to buy. During your Florence wine tours, you’ll likely visit several family-owned estates and boutique wineries. These are excellent places to purchase wine because the producers often work directly with international shipping partners. Many offer in-house shipping services, which can save you time and effort.

If you shop in Florence itself, look for established wine merchants who specialize in Tuscan labels. Reputable shops will carry a curated selection of local and regional wines. They also know the paperwork involved in international shipping and can help you choose wines that suit your preferences and budget.

Shipping Wine Internationally

Shipping wine home is often the easiest and safest option, especially if you're purchasing more than a few bottles. Most wineries and shops will handle international shipping and provide insurance, tracking, and proper packaging. They use temperature-controlled logistics services during the warmer months to protect the wine from heat damage.

Keep in mind that shipping wine internationally requires careful documentation. The winery or retailer will prepare customs forms and verify that the shipment meets the import rules of your home country. If you live in the United States, for example, each state has its own alcohol import laws. Some states allow direct shipments of wine to private consumers, while others do not.

Before finalizing your purchase, check with the seller and confirm they ship to your specific location. A reliable shipping partner will also handle any additional taxes or duties on your behalf, though these may be added to your invoice.

Carrying Wine in Your Luggage

If you plan to bring wine back in your luggage, make sure you understand the rules and prepare for it. Airlines generally allow you to pack wine in your checked baggage, but there are quantity limits and packing requirements.

For travelers coming from Italy to the U.S., the U.S. Customs and Border Protection allows adults to bring in one liter of alcohol duty-free. Anything beyond that may be subject to a small duty and tax, though in most cases, agents simply waive the fee for personal-use quantities. Still, it's wise to declare all bottles when you land.

To avoid breakage, pack your wine carefully. Use bottle protectors or wine sleeves designed for air travel. These padded bags cushion the bottles and contain spills if something breaks. You can also wrap each bottle in clothing, place it in the center of your suitcase, and surround it with more soft items.

Do not pack wine in carry-on bags, as liquids over 100 ml are not allowed through airport security.

Tax and Duty Considerations

When bringing wine home, consider the value of your purchase. Most countries allow travelers to import wine for personal use, but there are limits on volume and value. You may need to pay duties, VAT, or other import taxes if you exceed these limits.

In the U.S., for example, even though one liter is duty-free, you can usually bring more if it's clearly for personal use. Taxes per bottle are generally low and not a barrier for most travelers. The key is to declare everything truthfully and keep receipts in case customs asks for documentation.

If you're shipping, your wine may be subject to the same taxes. Reputable wineries and shipping services will help you understand these costs upfront.

Final Tips

● Buy from trusted wineries or shops with shipping experience

● Ask about temperature-controlled shipping during warmer months

● If carrying wine in luggage, use protective sleeves or padded wrap

● Check customs rules for your home country before travel

● Declare all alcohol at the border to avoid delays

Florence wine tours give you access to some of Italy’s best wines and most passionate producers. Bringing a few bottles home lets you enjoy that experience long after you leave. With the proper planning, it’s easier than you might think.