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More and more wineries, specialist shops and online retailers are now offering wine shipping as part of their regular services. Whether it’s part of an expansion strategy or a response to growing international demand, this solution has become essential.
However, wine is a fragile product, with logistical and regulatory requirements that set it apart from other items. Breakages, customs errors or inadequate packaging can directly impact your brand’s reputation.
According to estimates from the OeMv in its latest reports, in 2023, 23% of the wine sold by Spanish wineries was marketed online, with a 14% increase in home deliveries compared to the previous year.
In this guide, we explain how to ship wine safely, legally and efficiently, both within Spain and internationally.
Yes, it is completely viable and legal. Wine can be shipped by courier within Spain and internationally, provided that the following requirements are met:
Not all courier companies allow wine shipments, and many impose restrictions. That’s why it’s essential to work with specialised operators who understand the complexity of the product and the applicable regulations.
Check the European Commission’s Market Access Database to find out the legal requirements by country (outside the EU).
Proper wine packaging is the first factor that guarantees a successful shipment. It not only protects the product, but also conveys professionalism and builds customer trust.
At MBE, we use certified packaging with:
Complying with technical packaging standards not only protects the contents, but also guarantees service professionalism and reduces the risk of incidents. Certified packaging is designed to withstand impacts, drops and vibrations during transport.
For example, the UNE-EN ISO 2248 standard, which regulates free-fall drop tests for complete packages, establishes the criteria packaging must meet to ensure product integrity. By applying these standards, the risk of breakage can be reduced by up to 85%, according to various technical tests.
In addition, using materials that comply with European regulations for fragile goods helps avoid customs issues, minimise returns and convey a careful, responsible brand image.
Exporting wine by courier is an effective way to access new markets without the need for a traditional distribution network. However, each country applies its own legal and fiscal requirements, so it’s essential to be well informed and to work with an operator that can advise you.
What requirements must be met?
When shipping wine abroad, you need to take into account:
These factors vary from country to country and can affect both delivery times and total shipping costs.
Some destinations such as Canada, the United States or Japan apply particularly strict regulations on the import of alcoholic beverages, sometimes even limiting shipments for personal consumption.
At MBE, we help you interpret and comply with these requirements through our documentation management and international advisory services.
If you’re planning to ship your wine by courier, here are some resources to consider before getting started:
Having the right logistics operator is just as important as the product you’re shipping. Not all courier companies accept wine shipments, and many impose restrictions or offer no guarantees in case of damage.
Working with a specialised provider like MBE ensures that every stage of the process is covered with security, efficiency and full traceability.
A reliable logistics partner for the wine sector should guarantee:
In addition, they must have experience in handling fragile goods and international regulations.
From each MBE Service Centre, we manage the entire logistics process, so you can focus solely on your product:
This allows us to offer tailored solutions for both one-off shipments and recurring operations or commercial campaigns.
One of the most delicate aspects of shipping wine by courier is documentation. Although it may seem complex, with the right support it can be handled simply and securely.
Documentation varies depending on the destination and type of shipment: domestic, within the EU or outside the EU. Below, we outline the main differences.
Domestic shipments are the simplest from a documentation perspective. In general, you’ll need:
Although there are no customs restrictions, wine is subject to regulations related to the transport of food products, so it’s advisable to work with operators that comply with these requirements.
Within the EU there are no customs controls, but specific regulations still apply, such as:
For B2B or recurring shipments, registration as an intra-EU operator may be required.
This is where documentation becomes especially important. To export wine outside the EU, you’ll need:
You can check country-specific customs requirements in the Market Access Database.
Working with a logistics operator like MBE allows you to outsource all documentation management, avoiding errors, delays or penalties. From our centres, we help you:
This way, paperwork stops being a barrier to selling in new markets.
Having a logistics solution tailored to wine is not just a technical matter—it’s a strategic advantage for any business looking to protect its product and reputation.
This type of service is particularly suitable for different profiles within the wine sector.
More and more wineries are selling directly to end customers, either online or through their own distribution channels. For them, shipping wine by courier with guarantees makes it possible to:
Whether in physical stores or gourmet e-commerce, wine is part of a high-value product catalogue. In these cases, a poorly managed shipment can mean losing a premium customer.
A specialised operator ensures a consistent purchasing experience: quality product + flawless delivery.
Wine e-commerce businesses need agile, scalable logistics with full control over the status of each shipment. Having dedicated packaging, traceability and centralised incident management is key to competing in the online market.
Many companies gift wine to clients or collaborators, especially during Christmas campaigns, events or promotions. For this type of shipment, it’s important that:
At Mail Boxes Etc., we know that shipping wine by courier is not the same as shipping any other product. That’s why we’ve designed an integrated logistics solution specifically for wineries, specialist retailers, online stores and companies that work with wine as a high-value product.
Our service combines technology, experience and personalised support to guarantee safe, legal and hassle-free shipments.
MBE offers a complete and flexible system that adapts to your needs, regardless of the volume or frequency of your shipments:
“For us, shipping wine with MBE isn’t just about logistics—it’s part of our value proposition,” a client from the sector recently told us.
Shipping wine by courier is no longer a barrier for wineries or specialist retailers looking to grow. With the right approach, proper materials and the support of a specialised operator, logistics can become a real competitive advantage.
At MBE, we help ensure that every shipment reflects the value, care and quality behind your product.
Want to ship wine safely, legally and hassle-free by courier?
Contact your nearest MBE Service Centre and find out how we can help.
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