Report from the field: 14 April 2010
 

I transported a case of wine in a Gaucho100K-supplied shipping container on LAN (EZE-MIA) to the USA without any problems.

One way you don't want to transport wine out of EZE is by purchasing it Duty Free at EZE. We did so a little while ago; there are no bargains there and limited selection.

There are two duty free wine stores at EZE, it appears. Both are packed in the early evening as most int'l flts depart. We knew we wanted some bottles that are difficult to find in the US. We asked the salesman, who was actually quite nice. He directed us to a few labels, that I was unfamiliar with, though we drink a lot of ARG wine at home. He even ran in the back to get a last bottle of one label. In any event, we bought those, took them home (no problem). Though on this score one word of caution: apparently a certain amount of time before boarding of each particular flight, maybe 30 mins or so, they stop sales of liquids/wines. Not sure why. We were within that window and I had to beg the checkout guy to let us proceed, which he eventually did.

Of course, a few days later when I googled those labels to see if they were available in my area they were -- indeed found pretty easily. And at cheaper prices. The few dollars per bottle isn't such a big deal, though on one bottle was cheaper here by well more than only a few dollars, it was just that I didn't get what I hoped to be getting, wines I couldn't find here. Lesson learned for the next trip.

Interestingly, at a few restaurants when I explained I wanted a wine, usually a Malbec, that wasn't easy to find or or one that was produced in smaller batches, I was always directed to something excellent. I wrote down those names and, sure enough, when I google those here they can't be found at all.

I should have spent more time at Gaucho's incredible and beautiful store, which is well worth a visit. Cheers

Bill... sorry I missed you this trip, but it was great to catch up with you by phone....

Cheers,
Alex

Duty Free at EZE is known to be free of duty but full of Airport Mark-ups.... so in the end, its no bargain when compared to any regular wine retailer in town.

On the issue of wines that are available in the USA.... as is correctly pointed out above, if the label is exported to the USA chances are you will be paying more for the same bottle if sourced in Buenos Aires (duty free or retail store in town). For those that have a real interest in wine, it pays to do your homework and seek out someone that tries to keep on top of the wines that are exported out to the USA.... else you can end up with some nasty surprises...

A little OT: How are the rules for Brazil?

And one more: Where is the best place to buy cuban cigars. In town with VAT reimbursement or in the airport? Is there a place in town you recommend or is the airport the best?

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Beware of fake Cuban Cigars......

Big props for Gaucho and Dante
 

A couple of weeks late, but both Gaucho and Dante deserve huge props for providing exceptional service. We visited Gaucho's shop toward the beginning of our trip (a week in BsAs, a week in Patagonia), but didn't want to drag a case through the second half. Instead, Gaucho was willing to keep the wine, packed, at his store. We coordinated with Dante to have him pick up the case before he met us at AEP and transferred us to EZE. He charged an extra $15USD, certainly more than fair for the extra driving and coordinating he had to do.

Of course, our first two flights from Bariloche (scheduled 4M, then switched to Aerolineas) were both canceled, and LAN spent a good 90 minutes in BRC rebooking us on the later EZE-MIA nonstop (original award booking was EZE-SCL-MIA), since we were going to miss the international connection. It was a few very stressful hours for us, but everything worked out in the end -- Dante was still able to pick us up at AEP, three hours later than our original itinerary, and got us to EZE about 3 hours before departure, even in the midst of horrendous rush-hour traffic.

So, thank you to Gaucho for taking the time to help us with our purchase and being willing to hold on to the case for us. Thanks to Dante for picking up the wine first and being able to readjust your own schedule due to our cancelled flights.

No problem getting the VAT refund, either. Gaucho did a great job packing the box, complete with strap and handle to make it easier to lug. Of course, TSA cut all that off when they felt the need to rummage through the box on our last MIA-ORD flight. The customs guy at MIA asked what was in the box, I told him 12 bottles of wine, to which he replied, "Dessert!"

Thanks, guys.

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Glad it all worked out... thanks for your visit !!

Transporting Wine From Cordoba?
 

I have been flying from ORD->COR recently (via PTY, CUN, etc) and I checked a 12 bottle wine box down with me last time. I fly Copa Airlines and when I flew back with 12 bottles, it was a huge hassle - as they indicated I was only allowed to check 6 bottles. I couldn't tell if this was government or airline policy, and I eventually talked them into letting me check the whole case, but I was wondering if anyone knew if the rules for transporting wine out of Cordoba are different than BsAs? (It seems from previous posts that checking a case at EZE is not a problem.)

I'm in Cordoba again, and I'd like to print out the policy or something to give to the airline employees when I check another case on my return trip. I've searched and even phoned Copa, but I can't seem to find a definitive answer. Any help is much appreciated.

It would seem to be airline policy. You might want to email Copa and see if you can get a reply, which you can have, in hand.

Just a caveat - with connections like you describe, depending on how long they are, and at what hours, you could end up with some cooked wine by the time you get to your destination.

If someone checks with Copa on the details, it would be great if you could come back to this thread and report the outcome.

Thanks!!
Gaucho100K

Funny Note: I just brought in 6 bottle into EZE this morning. The Customs Official said in Spanish ¨It like bringing wood to the forest¨ passed me with a smile :)

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Comment aside, Argentine Customs are not interested in wine... all they care about is electronics.

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Just to update this topic, I had a FTer visit the store last week and we packed 18 bottles in each of two suitcases...

He flew back on UA and had no issues. No comments from UA staff, no issue at US Customs after he followed my instructions to declare every single bottle he had... ^

Adding my $0.02 based on my experience checking wine in and out of various countries:

DL, AA and UA have no problems with checking wine in the proper wine shipper box. UA will place a special "blue" baggage tape to indicate that it's a baggage item and not cargo to make sure it ends up on the right flight. In addition, UA may ask you to sign a waiver for fragile item, as it's standard for boxes. However, do not let them tell you to sign for "unsuitably packed" if you are using a shipper box- that waives the liability for breakage. Obviously, this will take up your checked luggage allowance. Although, remember that AA premium cabin passengers can check up to 3 bags, and *G members can also check 3 bags on UA.

For USA customs, the rule is to declare the # of bottles and value. The number of bottles make a difference, since the volume of alcohol imported triggers whether the wine is dutiable or not. Duty is calculated based on the value of the items imported. Personal exemption is 1 liter of alcohol for US residents, which means pretty much 1 bottle. Any excess alcohol is dutied at 3% of value of wine in excess of personal exemption. For example, if you brought a case of wine, at a total value of US$600, you're be responsible for paying duties on $550 (approximately), regardless of the fact that you are allowed $800 exemption as a resident.

However, the CBP agents have been given some latitude of waiving duties. The general guideline seems to be the $800 per person exemption (even though the number of bottles overrides the value), so they can waive duties under $25 or so. You should have receipts supporting the overall value of wine you are declaring, in case they ask (which never happened to me, but you never know). Also, be aware that if you have Global Entry, also declare accordingly, and you'll be sent to an agent instead of instant-clear. Even though some CBP agents have told me that "the wine doesn't matter", if they caught you answering the questions incorrectly, you'll lose your Global Entry privileges.

Also, don't forget to declare all other goods brought into the US.

Just to clarify the above post... since the volume of alcohol is the trigger, and most red wines are on average 14% alcohol by volume... you actually have to bring in a large amount of wine to get your potential total customs bill to a figure that warrats the officers to want to write you up.

Its a different thing when you bring in spirits.... hard booze will have about 40% alcohol (some high octane stuff up to 50%) alcohol and its there that Uncle Sam starts to collect $$$ quickly.

In my experience with wines and US Customs, you can even bring in 3 cases (36 bottles) of red wine and as long as you declare it, chances of getting written up and charged duty is less than 5%.

Actually, to further clarify, for US customs, it's the volume of alcoholic beverage, not alcohol content. Unlike the UK, US customs does not distinguish between beer, wine, or spirits for duties purposes.

To further further clarify, it is the volume that triggers the duty. It is the alcohol % upon which the duty is calculated. So, 2 750ml bottles of wine triggers the declaration, but .5L overlimit @14% is going to be in the centavos of duty. A bottle of wine typically would have 1/3 the duty of a bottle of distilled spirits.

Clarifications aside.... the good news is that my experience with US based clients shows me that as long as you declare all the wine you bring in, even if you do carry enough to trigger the duty, it is very very difficult that you will find a customs officer that will care to write you up and collect whatever is due.

I know of a wine merchant that has a US tax & duty money back guarantee, and in the 5+ years since he has been offering it... he has been called upon to honor it only once.

I have never been dinged. I've never had as much as a case of anything, but I've had more than 6 bottles - including distilled spirits in the mix. I just write it on the form.

I just returned from another awesome trip to Argentina, with the usual visit to Gaucho100K's store. I brought back a case of his well recommended wines and breezed through customs at IAD with no problems at all. Now I wish I'd have bought more. Oh well, next trip... ;)

No Problem, no charge
 

Hi There,

1K UA member w/ 3 pcs of luggage allowed. I checked in two cases of wine in boxed styro shippers and added a couple of bottles from duty free. Declared 26 750ml bottles at over 2K USD in value. Was waved thru w/o paying any duty. God Bless America!!! :-)

Cheers,

-Cyborg

Ps. The wine arrived in fine condition and I'm enjoying a 2001 Vina Alicia Cab that was just replaced/replenished with new juice brought up fro BA...

Glad it all arrived well !!! :D ^

Really glad I found this thread. Even though I've brought wine back before, I still had questions and this thread seems to answer all of them.

I'm tempted to see if three six-bottle shippers will fit in my big Eagle Creek nylon duffel - then again, that might break the 50 lb limit.

See you in a week, Alex...

I suggest you look into the details of what your airline will charge for a little overweight, and also see what you are entitled to according to the class of service and/or ff status, etc.

It really depends on the bottles. I've found some Argentine bottles are extremely heavy, and some are normal. Perhaps Alex can put some of the heavy bottles on the famous Argentine bulimia diet prior to your arrival :p

I suppose it is heretical to ask....
but what would be a good 3L BOX wine brand
to look for in BA prior to return?

Those boxes and plastic liners are quite indestructable.
Of course, it won't be GOOD wine, but maybe good enough,
..maybe better than the ones here at COSTCO... :o.

Yes... but if you are packing these in styrofoam then you will still be OK, unless you are packing a case full of these oversized bottles it will work, as styrofoam has enough flexibility to make room for larger bottles but still keep the outer cardboard box in the same shape. As long as the styro carriers fit in the duffle bag the above poster will be OK.

Large format TetraPack wines are not common in Argentina... plenty of 1 liter boxes but thats the largest format Ive seen in the domestic market.

Mmmmm. Gato. Mmmmmm. Gatolicious!

♫
Don't box me in,
I told you not to
Don't box me in
Let go
♫

Gato...? Not quite. If you want boxed wine, the brands to look out for on the right side of the Andes are....

- Resero
- Termidor
- Toro

I see you are not easily humo(u)red when joking about boxed wine from the right side (flying southbound, of course) of the Andes.

I thought it might be a tough crowd
to get an answer from on this!
Those names will save me some time,
thanks ! :D

I may also grab some boxed wine at SCL,
maybe at SCL arrival duty free which I expectmight exist...
prior to heading out to IPC for 5 nights.

Although there is SCL arrival Duty Free, I don't think there is much if anything in the wine department. Few people would be arriving in Chile to pay airport (albeit w/o tax) prices on wine - especially boxed wine, which you can find very cheap in most stores. (This is different than imported spirits, which arriving passengers might be very eager to buy.)

The same stands for EZE arrival Duty Free.

The above is correct, there is no boxed wine at EZE Duty Free.

I don't even think there is any wine at the arrival duty free shop.

I will yield to your experience here.... I never even look at the on arrival duty free in EZE, I just want to escape the dump when I land... :eek: :rolleyes: :mad:

I do too, but sometimes waiting for the WWII-era baggage carousels to crank up (seriously, on one trip the mechanics were hammering on the thing), I end up walking the 10 seconds back and forth to the DFS. I just try and steer clear of getting shpritzed with the Eau du Stink du jour.