For wineries looking to grow their international presence, sending wine samples overseas is often the first step in building export markets.
Wine samples are commonly sent internationally for:
- distributor and importer evaluation
- retailer tastings
- international wine competitions
- trade shows and wine events
- journalist and critic tastings
- export market development
While sending wine samples internationally is common practice, it still requires careful preparation and compliance with import regulations in the destination country.
This guide explains how Australian wineries can successfully ship wine samples overseas, and how Get Freighted helps wineries manage the process smoothly.
Can Wineries Send Wine Samples Overseas?
Yes. Australian wineries can send wine samples to most countries around the world, provided the shipment meets the destination country's import requirements.
Wine samples can be sent to:
- distributors and importers
- retailers
- trade show organisers
- wine competitions
- licensed businesses
In many cases, shipments can contain as little as one bottle, making sample shipments a flexible way to introduce wines to international markets.
Shipping costs depend on the destination and shipment size. Wineries can refer to the Get Freighted Samples & B2B Shipment Rate Card for indicative pricing.
Why Sending Wine Samples Requires Careful Preparation
Unlike most goods, wine is classified as alcohol, which is a regulated product in most countries. This means shipments must meet specific requirements for customs clearance and alcohol imports.
Key considerations include:
- packaging suitable for international transit
- customs documentation requirements
- import regulations in the destination country
- duties and taxes
- whether shipments must be sent to licensed importers
Understanding these requirements in advance helps ensure samples clear customs without delays.
Packaging Wine Samples for International Shipping
Packaging is one of the most important factors when shipping wine samples overseas.
Wine bottles are fragile and shipments typically pass through multiple transit hubs and handling points during international transport. Packaging should be designed to protect bottles throughout the journey.
Recommended packaging practices
Wine samples should be packed using:
- double walled cardboard cartons
- cardboard dividers or inserts between bottles
- additional cardboard padding to prevent internal movement
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 using:
- foam packaging pallets
- bubble wrap as the primary packaging method
- loose packaging that allows bottles to move during transit
Packaging used for international shipments must be stronger and more protective than packaging typically used for domestic shipping. Get Freighted can provide suitable wine shipping cartons designed specifically for international transit.
Declaring Wine Samples at Production Value
Many countries allow wine samples to be declared at production value when being sent for evaluation purposes. Production value typically represents the cost of producing the wine, rather than the retail selling price.
Declaring samples at production value can significantly reduce:
- import duties
- taxes
- customs charges
However, requirements vary by destination country. Wineries should refer to the Get Freighted Wine Shipping Guide or contact our team to confirm the correct declaration requirements for each country.
Our team regularly assists wineries in ensuring shipments are declared correctly to meet destination country regulations.
Import Requirements for Wine Samples
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 Wine Samples
A compliant customs invoice is required for international wine shipments. This document provides customs authorities with information about the shipment including:
- product description
- number of bottles
- declared value
- shipment purpose
Each country has slightly different documentation requirements. The Get Freighted booking portal automatically generates compliant customs documentation based on the destination country, helping wineries avoid common paperwork errors.
Shipping Wine Samples to Almost Any Country
While alcohol imports are regulated, wine samples can be sent to most countries around the world, provided the shipment complies with the destination country's rules. These rules may include:
- import licences for alcohol
- specific customs declarations
- production value declarations
- documentation requirements
Working with a specialist wine freight forwarder helps wineries navigate these requirements more easily.
Why Wine Samples Are Typically Sent via Air Freight
Wine samples are almost always shipped via air freight. Air freight offers several advantages for sample shipments:
- faster delivery times
- reduced transit handling
- lower risk of damage
- quicker customs processing
Get Freighted works with a network of preferred international air freight partners to ensure reliable delivery.
Typical Transit Times for International Wine Samples
Transit times vary depending on the destination country. 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 international markets
Transit times may vary depending on customs clearance and importer processing requirements.
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 understands the complexities involved in sending wine samples overseas.
We assist wineries with:
- selecting the best shipping method
- ensuring shipments meet destination import requirements
- preparing compliant customs documentation
- advising on sample declaration requirements
- coordinating international delivery
Our goal is simple: to ensure your wine samples arrive safely and clear customs without delays.
Up to 36% Cheaper Than Booking Direct
Because of the large 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 Start to Delivery
When you ship wine samples with Get Freighted, our team monitors the 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 arrangements
This proactive monitoring helps ensure your samples reach their destination as planned.
Australian Based Support 365 Days a Year
Get Freighted provides Australian phone and email support 365 days a year. Our team regularly assists wineries with:
- distributor sample shipments
- wine competition entries
- international trade events
- export market development shipments
Having access to expert support helps simplify the process of shipping wine samples internationally.
Start Shipping Wine Samples Overseas
Wineries can create a free Get Freighted account and begin shipping samples internationally in minutes: register here.
Your account provides access to:
- discounted international shipping rates
- a booking platform designed specifically for wine shipments
- compliant customs documentation generation
- detailed wine shipping guides by country
- expert support from the Get Freighted logistics team