Afternoon all - we're off to Cape Town in F and was thinking of bring back a few bottles of their finest plonk. How much can you reasonably expect to bring back as hand baggage? I am assuming packing wine to be checked in is not a great idea?
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No, don't check in the wine - too risky! You won't be able to take it as hand baggage owing to the insecurity problems, so you're left with the range available at the airport shops beyond the insecurity check.
I haven't done that, feeling that there would be few bargains. However, a half-case of 6 bottles shouldn't be a problem. Over the UK limit, though.
It depends if they have a 100ml of liquid restriction......
I've packed bottles in cases before with no problem. Hard side cases are better than soft, but so long as you wrap all the bottles in your dirty washing, they should be OK. Wrap them in tied plastic bags for extra peace of mind!
As a couple we always bring back 6 bottles of wine from CPT and always send it in the hold; we have never in 10 years lost any to accident or otherwise; We get the merchant to pack them in a 6 bottle polystyrene mould and then in a wine box; contantia uitsig our favourite does this happily.
I successfully brought two bottles back in my suitcase that was in the hold - well wrapped up in clothes. They were fine. I was very sceptical but it was fine, no damages!
Also most of the vineyards etc down there are well set up for shipping things back for you - adds a bit to the cost though.
They can also pack stuff up pretty well too...I saw someone checking in a case of wine into the hold that was packaged in a special poly chest and looked secure.
I find unless you're after a rarity it isn't worth the hassle or the risk of ending up with ruby coloured dirty washing TBH.
Due to the buying power of the big supermarkets you'll find the normal stuff just as cheap in Tesco and you get the points as well.
I've packed bottles in cases before with no problem. Hard side cases are better than soft, but so long as you wrap all the bottles in your dirty washing, they should be OK. Wrap them in tied plastic bags for extra peace of mind!
I always wish folks well when they suggest this.
Two occasions I have been at baggage reclaim when cases have come off the belt venting, on one occasion whiskey, on another vino rosso. Not nice.
I done this successfully before. I always think its worth the risk. Wrap up well in the centre of a large suitcase and it should all being well be fine..
I was part of a group of 60 passengers about 40 of which brought home wine.. Nobody had any difficulties!!!
Checking wine bottles is just fine. I just lugged some of Mexico's finest tequilla in my check-in bags, and they survived intact.
I have transported wine before, and usually try to pack them in actual wine cases (the ones with sliding lids). I pack the bottles with bubble wrap and/or clothing inside the cases, then put the cases in the middle of the suitcase and ensure they cannot move around.
I have never suffered a broken bottle before (and I travel with soft bags too).
You may be limited by import restrictions or customs agents in a bad mood, however. It hardly seems to be a problem, however, if you are not schlepping tens of bottles.
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No, don't check in the wine - too risky! You won't be able to take it as hand baggage owing to the insecurity problems, so you're left with the range available at the airport shops beyond the insecurity check.
I haven't done that, feeling that there would be few bargains.
CPT "duty free" has a good selection of wine, but at very high prices (probably higher than in the UK?).
You can carry liquids through security in SA on DOMESTIC flights. Sadly, not international flights. You can never find the really good stuff at duty free. Use your extra luggage allowance and bring over a couple of blankets to wrap the booze in. You place in between clothes, place in plastic bag in case of accidents.
As a South African in London, I bring back my favourite wines every trip. Bottles get individually wrapped in a triple layer of bubblewrap, then in clothes. Never more than 3 or 4 bottles per bag and always make sure they are in the middle of the bag (not close to the sides). I also fill the bag completely (even adding scrunched up newspaper if I have to) to make sure nohing can move around in transit. In 6 years I've never had a problem.
Definately give it a go - I recommend "Life From Stone", a dry white from Springfield estate.
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I must agree with SchmeckFlyer, simonsmith and sstolp. I always bring back wine from abroad. Always packed in a suitcase. Usually in a 6 bottle polystyrene mould as simonsmith, but sometimes just wrapped in bubble wrap and dirty laundry. I have never had any breakages, and I never use hard cases either. Yes, it is probably wise to pack the bottles in the middle of the case. If I go the polystyrene route I put a layer of bubble wrap beneath and on top of it (but dirty laundry is just as good. I travel frequently (average once a month) and always bring back 6 bottles at least.
