For Australian wineries looking to build export markets, sending wine samples to the United States is often an essential step.
Wineries regularly ship wine samples to:
- importers and distributors
- wine competitions
- trade tastings
- journalists and critics
- international wine shows
However, shipping wine samples to the USA is not as simple as sending a standard courier parcel.
The United States has strict alcohol import regulations, and wineries must follow the correct process to ensure shipments clear customs successfully.
This guide explains how wineries can compliantly ship wine samples from Australia to the USA, and the two main options available through Get Freighted.
Can Australian Wineries Ship Wine Samples to the USA?
Yes, Australian wineries can ship wine samples to the United States, but shipments must comply with US alcohol import regulations and labelling requirements.
Depending on the urgency of the shipment, wineries generally have two options when sending wine samples to the USA:
- Monthly consolidation service through Get Freighted
- Direct express courier shipment via Get Freighted's preferred carriers
Each option has advantages depending on the situation.
Option 1: Monthly Consolidated Wine Sample Shipping
Many wineries choose to ship samples through Get Freighted's consolidated export service. With this option, wine samples from multiple wineries are consolidated at our central warehouse before export to the United States.
Benefits of consolidation
- Get Freighted manages US import compliance
- no need for the winery to organise import documentation
- reduced regulatory complexity
- cost efficiencies through consolidated freight
This service is commonly used for:
- wine competitions
- trade events
- distributor sample shipments
- industry association shipments
Important consideration
Because shipments are consolidated with other wineries, dispatch occurs once per month. This option is ideal for planned shipments where timing is flexible.
Option 2: Express Air Freight Sample Shipments
If samples need to arrive quickly, wineries can send shipments directly from the winery using express air freight courier services arranged through Get Freighted.
These shipments are sent via trusted international carriers such as DHL, FedEx and UPS, and are delivered directly to the winery's importer or distributor in the United States.
Transit time
Typical transit times are:
- 7 to 10 business days to mainland USA
- 10 to 14 business days to Hawaii and Alaska
Transit times are subject to the importer completing the required US import procedures once the shipment arrives. Unlike many other countries, international carriers do not complete the alcohol import process in the United States on behalf of the importer.
Important Requirements for Direct Courier Shipments
When sending wine samples via express courier, several compliance steps must be completed before the shipment can enter the United States.
1. COLA / TTB label approval
Wine labels must be approved by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). Wineries must obtain a Certificate of Label Approval (COLA) for wines entering the US market.
Apply here: https://www.ttbonline.gov/cola
2. Prior Notice submission
A Prior Notice must be submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before the wine arrives in the United States.
Submit Prior Notice here: https://www.access.fda.gov
3. Licensed US importer
Wine shipments must be sent to a business that holds a licence to import alcohol into the United States. This is typically:
- a US importer
- a distributor
- a licensed wine business
Shipments generally cannot be sent directly to private individuals under this courier shipping model.
Why Many Wineries Choose Get Freighted
Get Freighted specialises in wine logistics and export shipping for Australian wineries. Because of the volume of shipments we manage across the wine industry, we are able to pass on significant freight discounts to our customers.
Up to 36% cheaper than booking directly with carriers
Shipping through Get Freighted is often up to 36% cheaper than booking directly with international carriers such as DHL, FedEx or UPS.
A simple way to think about it is: shipping with Get Freighted is like flying business class for the price of economy.
You receive:
- access to discounted carrier rates
- specialist wine logistics expertise
- full shipment monitoring and support
without the complexity of managing the process yourself.
End to End Shipment Monitoring
When you ship with Get Freighted, our team monitors your shipment from the time the booking is created until it is successfully delivered.
If any issues arise during transit, our team can:
- intercept shipments
- liaise with carriers
- resolve customs or documentation issues
This proactive monitoring is particularly valuable when shipping wine internationally, where regulatory requirements can sometimes create delays.
Australian Support 365 Days a Year
Get Freighted provides Australian based phone and email support 365 days a year. Our team regularly assists wineries with:
- sample shipments to distributors
- competition shipments
- trade show logistics
- urgent export shipments
Having access to real support when you need it can make a significant difference when working with international logistics.
Start Shipping Wine Samples Today
Wineries can create a free Get Freighted account and begin arranging shipments in minutes: register here.
Creating an account gives you access to:
- discounted international freight rates
- shipping booking tools
- packaging ordering
- detailed wine export guides
- support from the Get Freighted logistics team
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to ship wine samples to the USA?
Express courier shipments typically take 7 to 10 business days to mainland USA and 10 to 14 days to Hawaii or Alaska, depending on customs clearance and importer processing.
Can I send wine samples directly to a US consumer?
No. Wine shipments via courier must generally be sent to a licensed importer or distributor in the United States.
Do carriers like DHL or FedEx complete alcohol imports in the USA?
No. Carriers transport the shipment but do not complete the alcohol import process in the United States. The importer must complete the required steps.
What is COLA approval?
COLA (Certificate of Label Approval) is a label approval issued by the US Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) allowing wine to be imported into the United States.
Need Help Shipping Wine Samples to the USA?
The Get Freighted team are experts in wine export logistics and international sample shipments. If you need assistance sending wine samples to:
- a distributor
- a wine competition
- a trade tasting
- an importer in the USA
our team can guide you through the process.
- Email: support@getfreighted.com.au
- Phone: 1300 878 078
Ready to Start Shipping?
Create your free Get Freighted account today and access discounted shipping rates, export guidance and full logistics support: register here.