How to Bring Swiss Wine Home

To the US or Canada

Shipping Swiss wine, wine suitcases & customs

Affiliate Disclaimer: As an EdibleSwitzerland affiliate partner with LaZenne, I may earn a small commission if you purchase through links on this page—at no extra cost to you.

Switzerland’s vineyards—tucked between emerald hills, sun-drenched slopes and crystalline lakes—produce some of Europe’s most elegant wines. After a day of sipping our trademark Chasselas in Lavaux or tasting Petite Arvine in Valais, you’re bound to want a few bottles as souvenirs.

Over the years on our EdibleSwitzerland wine tours, two questions rise above the rest:

1. Do Swiss wineries ship internationally?
2. How can I bring a dozen bottles home to the USA or Canada?

The answer to the first is simple: most small and mid-sized Swiss domains don’t ship abroad, due to hoops of regulation and cost. But there’s a seamless workaround: travel with your wine secured in a purpose-built suitcase. Below, we’ll guide you through every step—from choosing the right gear to clearing customs without headaches.

Why Swiss Wineries Rarely Ship Overseas

Complex Regulations & Licensing

Every country—and often every province or state—has its own labyrinth of wine-import rules. Licenses, bonded warehouses and state-by-state permits make it prohibitively expensive for most Swiss producers to register in multiple regions.

Sky-High Shipping Costs

International freight, breakage insurance, customs duties and handling fees can more than double the price of a case of wine. For many wineries, the slim margins simply don’t justify the effort.

Our takeaway: If you fall in love with a bottling on tour, don’t count on delivery—plan to bring it with you instead.

Your “Shipping” Solution: The Wine Suitcase

By far the easiest way to transport wine safely is in a foam-lined, hard-sided wine suitcase. This approach offers three unbeatable advantages:

1. Tailored Protection
   Each bottle sits in its own snug foam compartment—no clinking, shifting or risk of breakage.
2. Airline Compliance
   Designed to fit most checked-baggage dimensions, these suitcases spare you oversize fees and gate-agent headaches.
3. Packing Peace of Mind
   No more bulky cardboard boxes, duct tape or wrinkled clothing shielding your bottles. Just zip, tag and go.

👉 Ready to invest in professional-grade protection? Check out the LaZenne Wine Suitcases (affilate link)—built for durability, TSA compliance and worry-free travel.

Step-by-Step: Packing Your Wine Suitcase Like a Pro

1. Reserve Extra Baggage Online
   Purchase additional checked-bag allowance through your airline’s website—almost always cheaper in advance.
2. Insert Bottles Vertically
   Wrap each bottle in the removable foam sleeve, then slide it into its compartment. Upright packing ensures maximal stability.
3. Fill Any Gaps
   Stuff soft garments—socks, scarves or a light sweater—around bottles to prevent foam from compressing and shifting.
4. Seal, Label & Weigh
   Zip up, attach a “FRAGILE: GLASS” tag, and weigh your suitcase at home. Adjust contents to stay under the airline’s weight limit (typically 23 kg/50 lb).

Airline Alcohol Rules: What You Need to Know

• Quantity Limits:
  Most carriers allow up to 5 L of wine per passenger in checked baggage, provided it’s under 24 % ABV.
• Original Packaging Required:
  Wine must travel in its original retail packaging or be encased in a hard-sided container like your wine suitcase.
• Optional Insurance:
  For rare or expensive bottles, consider add-on baggage breakage insurance for extra peace of mind.

For a deeper dive into airline policies, LaZenne’s guide is a terrific resource: Taking Alcohol on a Plane 101.

Clearing Customs with 12 Bottles

Whether you’re heading to the U.S. or Canada, honesty and documentation go a long way. Below are the key allowances, duties and declarations for each.

United States

1. Duty-Free Allowance:
   Each adult (21 +) may bring in 1 L of wine duty-free.
2. Duties on Excess:
   Beyond 1 L, federal excise taxes run about $1.07 per liter, plus any state duties. For roughly 9 L (a dozen bottles), expect to pay $10–$20 total.
3. Declaration:
   Declare all bottles on your CBP form. Undeclared wine can be seized and subject you to fines.

Pro Tip: Keep your receipts and your CBP form handy. A few organized minutes can save hours at the arrival hall.

Canada

1. Duty-Free Allowance:
   Each adult (18 + in most provinces, 19 + in BC/NS) may import 1.5 L of wine—equivalent to two standard bottles—duty-free.
2. Duties & Taxes on Excess:
   Anything over 1.5 L is subject to federal excise and provincial taxes. Combined, these can range from CAD $1 to $3 per liter, depending on the province. For 9 L, budget roughly CAD $15–$30 in duties and taxes.
3. Declaration:
   Declare all alcohol on your Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) declaration card. Honest declaration expedites the process; undeclared wine risks confiscation and penalties.

Pro Tip: If you’re traveling into Ontario or Quebec, check the provincial liquor-board website for up-to-date duty calculators.

Extra Tips from EdibleSwitzerland

• Maximize Hand-Carried Items: Wear your heaviest clothes and shoes to offset checked-bag weight.
• Use a Luggage Tracker: A small GPS tracker on your suitcase provides extra security.

Santé to Stress-Free Swiss Wine Travel!

By pairing a robust wine suitcase with a little advance planning, you’ll turn the journey home into the smooth finale of an unforgettable Swiss wine adventure.

Ready to pack? You can always order one and ship it to EdibleSwitzerland’s Swiss address. I can make sure I bring it on our tour! Explore the LaZenne Wine Suitcases (affilate link).