Shipping wine home from Italy- I'm really confused
 

This might be a lame question, but I am a little confused,I have read posts saying that shipping alchol is illeagle, and I have read conflicting posts saying that you can have wine shipped home from wineries.
Whats the deal?
Thanks for you help
Fluffy

Hi Fluffy,

The Federal Government will let you ship wine home as long as you pay the duty (abouot 10%).

Individual States have various regulations. In GA, where I live, one may not ship wine home, but can bring it in the luggage.

fluffy- no need for confusion. The Feds say you can ship alcohol to the states as long as you pay duty. Some states will not allow shipment to private individuals. The governor of Florida had to fly to DC to pick up a shipment of wine he won on a bet over the Super Bowl. (something about minors purchasing booze on-line)! Check your state laws.

Thanks for the clarification,
do I pay the duty up front, for instance will the winery add the duty when they ship or do I pay the duty when I pick it up at the post office?
Please forgive my ignorance.
Fluffy

TTT
I am also quite interested in how the duty works. Would love to ship a case of Brunello home this fall.

I did some checking at the U.S. Customs website and as far as I can tell the winery would make the shipping arrangements, the wine would pass through customs where the amount of duty would be asessed, and then you would be charged when delivery is made. I checked with the state of Colorado and they allow shipment of wine from outside the country but they do charge a very small excise tax.

Thanks Boulder-
It has been suggested to me that a good wine shop in Italy could ship as well.Any suggestion on such a shop in Florence-from any wine experts?
Thanks in advance
Fluffy

Certain states won't allow shipment imported to an individual. We live in California and could not accept a case of wine from France. So check on your states requirements first.