Wine is more than just a drink—it’s a memory, a gift, a story in a bottle. But traveling with wine in your luggage can feel like a gamble unless you have the right tools. That’s why we asked a wine lover who’s certified by the WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) to share her best advice for flying with wine, with bottles intact.
Start with the Right Mindset The first thing to remember is that wine is fragile. It’s glass, it’s pressure-sensitive, and it’s irreplaceable if it breaks. If you care enough to buy or bring wine with you, it deserves to be protected like a valuable souvenir—not treated like a bottle of shampoo.
Don’t Rely on DIY Solutions Yes, you can wrap a bottle in your sweater. But no, that’s not enough. Pressure, turbulence, and sharp edges in a suitcase can all cause cracks or leaks. I learned that lesson the hard way after a bottle of Burgundy cracked inside my suitcase during a return flight from Europe. Never again.
What I Use Now: Jimmy the Fox Wine Protector Bags After testing multiple options over the years, my go-to is the Jimmy the Fox line. They’re reusable, impact-resistant, and made from eco-friendly, non-toxic materials that meet US and EU safety standards. I especially like the triple-layer design that combines bubble wrap cushioning with a leak-resistant interior and strong exterior seal.
Bonus: They’re Stylish Most travel protectors look like industrial packing gear. Jimmy the Fox bags come in clear or colored designs; some even feature wine-country themes or the signature Wine Jimmy character. I never thought I’d describe a wine bag as fun, but wine travel can’t get any more fun than this!