For wineries looking to build brand recognition in international markets, entering wine competitions and participating in global trade events is an important part of export strategy.
Australian wineries regularly send wines overseas to:
- international wine competitions
- sommelier and trade tasting events
- global wine trade shows
- industry judging panels
- wine journalist tastings
Events such as these offer valuable opportunities for wineries to build brand awareness, attract distributors and generate international sales.
However, shipping wine to international wine competitions and trade events requires careful preparation to ensure the wines arrive on time and clear customs without delays.
This guide explains how wineries can successfully ship wine to international competitions and trade events, and how Get Freighted assists wineries in managing these shipments worldwide.
Can Wineries Send Wine to International Competitions and Trade Events?
Yes. Australian wineries can ship wines to competitions, trade shows and tasting events across the world, provided shipments comply with the import regulations of the destination country.
Wineries frequently send wines to:
- wine competitions
- trade tasting events
- export market showcases
- sommelier events
- international wine exhibitions
Wine shipments for events are typically sent as samples for evaluation or promotion purposes. In many cases, shipments may contain only a few bottles, although larger shipments may be required depending on event requirements.
Shipping costs will vary based on the destination and number of bottles being sent. Wineries can refer to the Get Freighted Samples & B2B Shipment Rate Card for typical shipping costs.
Always Check Event Delivery Guidelines First
Before shipping wine to a competition or trade event, it is essential to review the event organiser's delivery guidelines. Most competitions and trade events publish detailed shipping instructions including:
- delivery deadlines
- event warehouse addresses
- labelling requirements for cartons
- documentation requirements
- instructions for customs declarations
Some events require shipments to arrive within specific delivery windows, while others may require special labels to be attached to cartons or bottles.
Failure to follow event shipping instructions can result in:
- shipments being refused by event organisers
- wines arriving too late for judging
- additional handling costs
For this reason, wineries should always source the official delivery guidelines from the event organiser before shipping.
Why Sending Wine to Events Requires Careful Planning
Shipping wine internationally for competitions and trade events involves more than simply sending a parcel overseas. Important considerations include:
- packaging suitable for international transit
- destination country alcohol import regulations
- customs documentation requirements
- delivery deadlines for the event
- duties and taxes
Working with a specialist wine logistics provider helps ensure shipments meet both customs requirements and event delivery timelines.
Packaging Wine for International Competitions and Events
Packaging is one of the most important factors when shipping wine samples internationally.
Wine bottles are fragile and shipments typically pass through multiple handling points and transit hubs during international transport. Packaging should always be designed for international shipping conditions, which require stronger protection than domestic shipments.
Recommended packaging
Wine samples should be packed using:
- double walled cardboard cartons
- cardboard dividers or bottle inserts
- additional cardboard padding around bottles
Bottles should be packed so that:
- there is no internal movement
- bottles cannot touch each other
- there is no glass to glass or glass to wood contact
Packaging to avoid
Wineries should avoid:
- foam packaging pallets
- loose bubble wrap as primary packaging
- cartons that allow bottles to move during transit
Using appropriate packaging significantly reduces the risk of damage during international transport. Get Freighted can supply wine shipping cartons designed specifically for international shipments.
Declaring Wine Samples for Competitions
Many countries allow wine samples being sent for competitions or trade tastings to be declared at production value. Production value generally reflects the cost of producing the wine, rather than the retail price.
Declaring shipments at production value can significantly reduce:
- duties
- taxes
- customs charges
However, each country has different rules regarding sample shipments. Wineries should refer to the Get Freighted Wine Shipping Guide or speak with our team to confirm the correct declaration requirements for each destination.
Our team regularly assists wineries in ensuring their shipments meet the specific requirements needed to clear customs successfully.
Import Requirements for Competition Shipments
In some countries, wine samples must be sent to or through a licensed alcohol importer. This means shipments may need to be addressed to a business that holds a valid licence or permit to import alcohol into the destination country.
Each country has its own rules regarding alcohol imports, which is why checking the specific requirements for the destination market is essential before shipping. The Get Freighted team can advise wineries on country specific import rules.
Customs Documentation for Event Shipments
A compliant customs invoice is required for international wine shipments. This document typically includes:
- wine description
- number of bottles
- declared value
- shipment purpose (e.g. samples for competition)
Different countries require slightly different information on customs documentation. The Get Freighted booking portal automatically generates compliant customs paperwork based on the destination country, helping wineries avoid documentation errors.
Air Freight Is the Preferred Method for Competition Shipments
Wine samples for competitions and trade events are almost always shipped via air freight. Air freight offers several key advantages:
- faster transit times
- reduced risk of delay
- quicker customs clearance
- greater reliability for time sensitive shipments
Get Freighted works with preferred international air freight partners to ensure reliable global delivery.
Typical Transit Times for International Event Shipments
Transit times vary depending on destination. Typical delivery timeframes include:
- 1 to 2 business days to New Zealand and some parts of Asia
- 3 to 5 business days to many Asian destinations
- 5 to 10 business days to Europe and other global markets
Transit times can vary depending on customs clearance and the importer's processing requirements. For competitions and trade events, wineries should always ship well ahead of event delivery deadlines.
Why Wineries Choose Get Freighted
Get Freighted has been helping wineries ship wine internationally for over 30 years, and has become Australia's leading wine freight forwarder over the past decade.
Our team specialises in wine logistics and regularly coordinates shipments to:
- international wine competitions
- global trade shows
- export tasting events
- distributor tastings
We assist wineries with:
- selecting the best shipping method
- ensuring shipments meet import requirements
- preparing compliant customs documentation
- advising on packaging and declarations
- coordinating international delivery
Our goal is simple: to ensure your wines arrive safely and on time for the event.
Up to 36% Cheaper Than Booking Direct
Because of the volume of wine shipments we manage globally, we are able to negotiate discounted rates with international carriers. These savings are passed directly on to wineries using the Get Freighted platform.
Shipping through Get Freighted is often up to 36% cheaper than booking directly with international carriers.
Shipment Monitoring from Booking to Delivery
When you ship wine with Get Freighted, our team monitors your shipment from booking through to final delivery.
If any issues arise during transit, our team can:
- liaise with carriers
- assist with customs queries
- coordinate delivery with event organisers
This proactive monitoring helps ensure wines arrive on time for judging or exhibition.
Australian Based Support 365 Days a Year
Get Freighted provides Australian phone and email support 365 days a year, assisting wineries with:
- wine competition shipments
- international trade show logistics
- export sample shipments
- global tasting events
Having access to experienced logistics support makes international sample shipments significantly easier.
Start Shipping Wines to International Events
Wineries can create a free Get Freighted account to begin sending wine samples to international competitions and events: register here.
Your account provides access to:
- discounted international shipping rates
- a booking portal designed specifically for wine shipments
- compliant customs documentation generation
- detailed wine shipping guides by country
- expert support from the Get Freighted team