I bring an extra hardsided Samsonite for wine. Towels, dirty clothes & bubble wrap on the outside. I use the paper mache dividers from burgandy bottles for separators. Holds 9 on a side. Make sure the handle will survive the weight of 18 bottles. I wrap a belt strap around the suitcase.

I have never paid a duty, and I always declare the wine. Keep receipts anyway, as the law taxes the value as well as the alcohol for over the max, which is a bottle or two.

State's rights are also an issue, and it is illegal to bring wine into some states. The Customs agents are required to enforce these state laws.