Surviving holiday travel with wine: drinking it and dragging it
With airline restrictions concerning carry-on liquids still in place, holiday travel may be a little more difficult this year. Not that it’s ever easy.
For instance, I reside in the middle of wine country, work at a winery, and write a wine blog. Therefore, I cannot, will not, go home empty-handed. This causes several problems.
The first dilemma. I have been building up quite a collection, for me. I realize some would scoff at what I consider my best pieces. (Well, not the ’96 Ridge Monte Bello, hopefully, even if it is a split.) Yet how do I decide what to take? Some wines I want to bring may not be at their peak drinking point, which leads to another issue that I don’t want to hurt my head thinking about now. Besides, there is only so much room.
Part two of first issue. How do I decide with whom to drink certain bottles? I want everyone to taste everything but must divide the bottles among dinner with the family, late nights with old wine-drinking buddies, trips to the two restaurants where I worked, and visits to friends who operate wine shops that I would love to see carry exclusive Fogarty wine.
The other predicament. Once the contents are decided, then comes the matter of transport. As shipping is not an option, due to home state restrictions and my budget, I will have to shove everything I’m bringing for over a week (presents and all) into one suitcase. That way I can include a case of wine as my other piece of checked luggage. This also means I can only return with one suitcase, which suggests that presents should come in the form of cash or check. (Just kidding…well…kind of.)
The run down. Though it might be a little problematical, it’s definitely doable. If you plan on passing through wine-growing regions, you might want to consider packing light. For the flight there, check only one suitcase, or if you need two, be certain one is of a size that can be carried for the return flight. That way you can purchase a container with Styrofoam shippers (available at most wineries), fill it with prized bottles, and arrive home to find your treasures in the baggage claim, after the inevitable wait, of course. Try not to worry too much. I’ve done this several times and never had a problem. Just don’t look out the window as the baggage handlers load the carts, and think instead about how you’ll need to work off those holiday treats.
airline travel, flying with wine
November 15th, 2006 at 8:41 pm
Surviving Holiday Travel with Wine: Drinking It and Dragging It…
This piece offers advice about traveling on planes with wine. It also addresses the issue of deciding what wine to take and how to share….
November 16th, 2006 at 11:05 am
thought you’d like to know (in case you haven’t heard) that dusty passed his 2nd sommelier test? and thanks for checking out my music. the player is quirkey sometimes and works other times, so check back soon. you coming home for the holidays?
November 16th, 2006 at 12:40 pm
Thanks for the link to my page!
I loved this post. I travel 2 times a year to Eugene Oregon, usually alone. I have a ton of friends there and we all LOVE wine. Its so much fun to go through our “cellar” and steal and pick which wines to share. Carrying it is a hassle too, often I get up to 6 bottles that I feel I must take on the plane with me. So- I broke down two years ago and bought a wine suitcase. Handles, wheels and compartments for 6 bottles! Works perfectly, and now I no longer need to get some man to help my life my carry on into the over head compartment. Now I can easily lift this little suitcase my self. Another plus, I no longer have to wrap the bottles in layers upon layers of socks, and then fret while looking out the window during take off as the baggage guys toss my bag onto the conveyer belt.
November 16th, 2006 at 12:41 pm
P.s., the suitcase works on the return trip home. Protecting the gift of wine and purchases I’ve made while visiting!
November 20th, 2006 at 2:03 pm
I tend to always pack a collapsible duffel. No, it is by far not a classy luggage piece but it holds dirty laundry and other unbreakables easy enough and doubles my return trip capacity. Of course, I pack them now after buying several for return trips. =-)