Hello everyone,

I have searched on the forum and gotten a couple of posts on this, but would like to clarify the answers on a couple of things. I'll be in Florence, Rome & Venice in September (Yay).
If I visit a vineyard, it is possible they will not ship a case of wine back to U.S for me? If I find a vineyard that does this, does it go through customs and does it have to be picked up in DC....or does it just get delivered to my home?
Re: shipping from Italy - has anyone used a service such as DHL or anything like that to ship a box home? Same question, does it need to go through customs? I shipped 2 boxes from Italy via their postal service "express mail" several years ago and one box arrived open and empty and the other box never arrived. So, I just want to have some idea of an alternate route if needed.
As always, thanks in advance for advice!
Susan

Hi S,

>If I visit a vineyard, it is possible they will not ship a case of wine back to U.S for me?<

It depends on your State laws. In some, there is no problem. In others, GA for example, the vineyard won't go to the trouble of applying for a license.

>If I find a vineyard that does this, does it...just get delivered to my home?

Yes. If it is legal.

Re: shipping from Italy,...<

Anything bulky and expensive should be handled by the merchant.

If you mail or ship something home yourself, check the rules at www.cbp.gov

Enjoy your visit.

Why would it go to DC?

Everything potentially goes through customs when it enters the US.

Where do you live?

Greetings,

Thanks for responses. In answer to question, I live in DC and don't quite understand....does the package go to some "customs" place where I have to pick it up? Or is it like shipping via DHL in the US where I ship it and it's delivered to my home.
Obviously I'm interested in making this as easy as possible for myself and I don't quite get how it works. I'll try not to ship, but if I have to, I hope to be prepared
Susan

To see if your state allows wine to be shipped in check this map.
http://www.freethegrapes.org/wine_lovers.html#laws

Used DHL in Venice to ship pottery and glass home. Declared the value ( below the allowance) on the form. Nothing was opened nor was there anything from US Customs. Arrived in 3 days.

Thanks for comments. Arrgg! I live in MD so no shipping of wine. Luckily mom lives in VA!!!
SuQue! Thank you for the DHL tip. that is great to know. I'll find a DHL in each city to be on the safe side.

Susan

Susan, What is your motivation? Most of the wines you can buy in the US and probably cheaper when you add the shipping costs.

Hi Suz,

DC limits the amount of wine that can be shipped to your home.

See http://tinyurl.com/3q2zrg

In Venice, I shipped via DHL but not from thier own shop. It was a private shipping center in Cannaregio across from a florist on a N/S/ street. that was off the main street from the train station.. Sorry I don't have more info.