If you’re going on a wine tasting trip to Napa Valley or trying the mezcal in Oaxaca, like we did recently, you’re probably going to want to bring back some wine or spirits with you. It’s totally fine to pack it in your checked luggage, but you can’t be sure it’ll make it home safely. There are so many risks.
What if a bottle breaks after being tossed around by the baggage handlers? You can wrap them well, but you can’t guarantee your luggage won’t be a sopping mess of red wine when it arrives. That’s why we always take our VinGardeValise wine suitcase. It’s the perfect solution.
Before you continue reading, we are so in love with our wine suitcase that we have become affiliates, and we will receive a small commission for any sales made through our link. You can trust that all of the information below is our honest opinion, and we even scored a discount for you. Use our code SJ20 at checkout to get 20% your purchase, should you choose to.
This unique luggage is designed just for travelers like us who want to bring wine and other bottles back home. It has an impact-resistant polycarbonate shell and special foam inserts that are designed to protect up to 12 bottles of wine safely.
I used to think these suitcases weren’t for me because I thought they only carried wine, but that’s not true. There are many different options available that can be configured to accommodate anywhere from 2 to 12 bottles, with the remaining space available for clothing and personal items.
We have the Piccolo carry-on case that holds 5 bottles on one side, and space for your clothes and shoes on the other. This case is particularly great for us, being light packers, because it can be taken to your destination as a carry on and only has to be checked on the way back, once it’s full of wine.
Designed for Wine Enthusiasts
The patented removable inserts make this suitcase highly customizable to your specific needs. You can configure the interior to accommodate various bottle shapes and sizes.
Models range from the Piccolo 5-bottle version that we have to larger options that hold up to 12 bottles. If you opt for the 12-bottle configuration, it’s a full-sized suitcase designed only for wine. If you only want to bring back a few bottles, then you can get a smaller one that allows you to use the remaining space for clothes and personal items.
Many of the models also have split inserts so you can remove a section if you want to. Like the Piccolo, which has 2 inserts, so you can travel with 2 bottles, 3 bottles, or 5 bottles (when using both inserts). Remove either insert and you have extra space for personal items.
The wine-specific foam inserts prevent bottles from shifting during transport. Each bottle cavity will hold standard 750ml bottles securely. There might also be times when you need a different sized space. For instance, on our recent trip to Oaxaca, Mexico, we lamented that we couldn’t bring uniquely shaped bottles back. For those times, there are special inserts you can buy from the company website that fit various other types of bottles.
You’ll save substantially on international shipping costs that wineries typically charge. These savings often offset the initial investment in the wine suitcase after just one or two trips.
Top Features
If you’re considering buying a wine suitcase like this, you’re probably going to want to know the top features. These specialized luggage options offer several key features that set them apart from standard travel cases.
- The VinGardeValise is constructed with high-density foam sleeves that cradle each bottle individually, providing protection against impacts. The case has a reinforced rib design and heavy-duty corner guards that absorb shock.
- The case has a TSA compliant lock that’s flush-mounted and integrated directly into the suitcase. This meets modern travel security requirements.
- The hard-shell exterior protects against temperature fluctuations and provides structural integrity. Your bottles remain secure thanks to the tight seal created by sturdy zippers that prevent accidental opening during transit.
- Testing has shown these cases can withstand the rigors of baggage handling and transport, giving you confidence when checking your precious cargo.
- The wheels are very smooth-rolling and the telescoping handle is comfortable to grip and slide.
The only thing I don’t love about the case are the handles. Both sets of handles (on the top and the side) are rather bulky and uncomfortable to use. I’m not sure I understand the reason for this design decision.
Don’t forget! We scored a discount for you. Use our code SJ20 at checkout to get 20% your purchase, should you choose to.
Lightweight Design and Carry-On Size
My favorite feature is the lightweight construction. Seriously, when I first got the suitcase, I was shocked by how light it is. I figured it would have to be heavy and bulky to securely hold the wine, but that’s definitely not the reality.
The Piccolo model that I have meets TSA carry-on sizing standards, so it will fit into the baggage sizers of most airlines. Most U.S. carriers allow bags up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches, but international limits can differ significantly. It weighs just 9 pounds unpacked.
We have really enjoyed traveling with this luggage. It’s not bulky or cumbersome. It’s so light, even when packed full. It has plenty of room for a week’s worth of clothing alongside the wine. Truthfully, it’s as good or better than any luggage I’ve used. Very much worth its cost.
Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.