I too have checked wine. I typically use boxes for 2-3 bottles. I wrap each bottle in lots of newspaper and stuff the box full of newspaper. I tape up the boxes, and make sure that are packed tight in the luggage...so they don't shift around a lot.

TABC allows import of 3 gallons of wine for residents and 1 gallon of wine for non-residents. My calculation is coming out to 15 bottles (750 ml/bottle).

http://www.tabc.state.tx.us/help/poe.htm

How much alcohol can I bring back from Mexico and other locations outside of Texas?
If you are a Texas resident (including persons in the armed forces stationed in Texas), the maximum quantity of alcoholic beverages that you can bring back into Texas is:

1 quart of distilled spirits
3 gallons of wine and
24 twelve-ounce containers of beer.

If you are a nonresident of Texas, the maximum quantity of alcoholic beverages that you can bring back into Texas is:

1 gallon of distilled spirits or wine (or any combination of the two)
and 24 twelve-ounce containers of beer.


What happens if I bring in more alcoholic beverages than my allowed limit?

Our Taxpayer Compliance Officers are authorized to seize and destroy alcoholic beverages over the importation limits as well as those in the possession of minors or intoxicated persons. Cigarettes in the possession of persons under the age of 18 will also be confiscated and destroyed.