Buying wine online is a very fun and effective method to buy your wine. 1 or 2 clicks with your mouse and wine magically shows up at your front door. Do not know how life can get much better!

Before we make some doorstep sorcery, let’s go over a few straightforward things that can make your purchase go as smoothly as that great cabernet you simply acquired.

Can wine be distributed to my state?

If you're uncertain how this works you are not alone. This question perplexes even the most well informed folks in the bizz.

Here’s a fast overview. Each state dictates it’s own wine shipping laws. So some states can receive wine shipments and some can’t. At the time I am writing this, about 40 states allow wine packages from other states.

Each corporation’s website should have a section that lists the states they ship.

Some states permit wine shipped from wineries only in their state. To further complicate the process, wineries also have to have another permit to ship to each state.

Can you order wine as a gift and send it to someone else in another state? The answer’s yes! So long as the receiver is 21 and in a state that permits wine shipments.

In this case, I usually advise that you inform the recipient so they can make arrangements to sign for the wine. See shipping details below for detailed info.

All these issues can make buying wine online tricky. The best solution is to order from wine companies that at set up to sell online only.

Shipping Details

One of the first things many of us think about receiving shipping wine is something like “How do they know I’m 21″ or what keeps my underage youngsters from ordering and receiving wine? Good query.

Wine can not be delivered using the post office so it is going to be delivered thru someone like UPS or Fedex. You or someone over 21 must show their ID and sign for the package. They won’t leave the package at your door unattended.

Many people who will not be home in the delivery time figure out this problem by having their wine distributed to an at home neighbor or sent to their place of business.

Cost

One of the finest things about buying wine online is the cost advantages. More often than not, you will see a 10-20% discount matched against purchasing at your local wine store.

One tip is to consider buying at least a case. Many times you may receive free shipping at this quantity.

This is significant because shipping wine can be pretty dear. Notice that wine is heavy and the delivery company is charging an extra charge for the above mentioned signature.

But do not fear, some corporations bite the bullet for you and pay the deliverly for you.

Buying Wine Online

I hope this will help. Buying wine online is actually rather easy. Now that you know what should be expected, now’s the time to place that wine order!

Good luck and enjoy your wine!

Mark Adams is a pro winemaker, former winery owner, writer and frequent speaker on wine. He currently teaches wine classes helping people learn about wine all though the United States.


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