Has anyone ever brought wine in to Mexico? If so, is there a limit on the # of bottles and did you carry them on or put them in your luggage? Thank you!

When we lived in Mexico we brought back wine every time we traveled outside the country. There is a dollar limit on the amount of goods that a returning resident can bring in, but we were never able to determine if there were specific rules about wine (unlike in Canada, for example).

We caught the red inspection light only twice. The first time we had only a few bottles and that didn't get a comment at all. The second time we had 12 bottles in a styrofoam shipping container. He opened it, shook his head, wagged his finger and then let us go.

So if you're talking about a few bottles, I can't imagine a visitor would have any trouble with Mexican customs.

Regarding carry-on vs. checked. For a few bottles I would wrap well in bubble wrap and take in my carry-on. If you are on a regional carrier and there is any risk of plane-side checking of bigger carry-ons, make sure the wine is in the bag that you carry on to the plane, especially if it is a special bottle. Our only broken bottle ever was the result of very rough handling of the plane-side bags.

For 6 or more bottles we use a 12-bottle styrofoam shipper and count it as one of our checked bags.

I'm assuming you are bringing something real special? Otherwise I would buy wine once you're there.

Dear jallard:

I believe the limit is one or two bottles per person. We carry ours on.

MY

It's four bottles per, but there is a lot of interesting Chilean and Argentine wine here.
I actually drove X with 12 cases last April - mostly '82 Bordeaux - got green lights all the way so no duty.
M

If you have no specific reasons to bring it, higher end bottles of domestic Chateau Domeq can be pretty good. Also Casa Madera is at least interesting in the fact that it is the oldest winery inthe new world.

We mostly drink Sauv. Blanc and Pinot Grigio. We have a couple California favorites and thought it might be nice to bring a few without paying the high resort prices. Also, we are staying at a small resort in the Mayan Riviera and we thought taking a taxi into Playa for wine might add up and since we haven't been then, I'm not sure of the varieties available. Lovesprada = good idea about the bubble wrap. I think we'll try it!

There is plenty of good Sauvignon Blanc in MX from Chile, Argentina, and yes, even MX but if you see the (Argentine) Lurton Pinot Gris, it is really special (same grape as the mostly lesser quality wines labelled Pinot Grigio).
M (SMdA, Gto.)

I'll look for them. Thank you for the the recommendations.