Yes, the new regulations are a pain. I would routinely carry back 6 to 12 bottles of wine when returning from "wine countries." Given the hassle now involved -- and the risk of breakage -- I'll have to reassess my practice. From a cost-standpoint, it probably is no longer worth the trouble, but it's always fun to break open a bottle of wine you bought at some obscure vineyard or small shop. Like others, I have occassionally packed wine in my checked luggage and have never lost a bottle. Indeed, I've had more trouble with the wine in my carry-on. My experience is that the bottles made in Europe are stronger than the bottles from South America.

One option would be to buy wine at the duty free shop at your foreign airport. That would be a lot less fun, however.