The Wine Check FAQ's

Q: How many bottles does it hold?

A: The Wine Check holds up to 12 standard (750ml) bottles of wine in almost any widely available wine shipper box (cardboard with Styrofoam or paper dividers), or 4 magnum bottles (1.5l) in their shippers with plenty of room on top for additional clothing or other travel gear.


Q: How do I transport it when I have no wine in it?

A: The Wine Check is fold-able, so it is easily packed inside a standard large suitcase.  When you arrive at your destination in wine country, you can unfold it, insert a shipper box, and fill it with grape goodness!


Q: Why don't I just ship my wine?

A: For nearly 6 months of the year, wine cannot be sent via ground shipping without heat damage.  From May - September, many wineries will not ship any wine to most parts of the country.  Shipper distribution centers are often positioned in very warm climates, such as Arizona and Atlanta, and the risk to ship your wines during this time is too great.  For about the cost of shipping ONE case of wine home, you can purchase The Wine Check, check your wine safely, have it arrive safely when you do, and use it again, and again, and again!


Q: Will my wine shipper box fit in The Wine Check?

A: The Wine Check now fits nearly ALL wine shipper boxes and inserts (we've yet to find one that doesn't fit it!).  The preferred, and most common, shipper box size we use is 18.5 x 14 x 16" While nearly all of the lay-down, pulp wine shippers will fit in The Wine Check, some airlines REQUIRE Styrofoam.


Q: Does the shipping box insert fit the larger sparkling wine and Champagne bottles?

A: Yes, our shipper/insert fits all but the oddest shaped bottles, and all of the large sparkling and Reserve bottle shapes.  The Wine Check is sized to fit these larger shippers so that you have more flexibility in what you are allowed to check on the plane.

Q: Why does it have a pull strap rather than a telescoping handle?

A: The Wine Check is designed to be both highly functional and portable.  Adding a telescoping handle adds weight - likely putting your full case of wine over the weight limit - and requires additional (valuable) storage space for the containment of the handle when collapsed.  It would also preclude one from being able to fold and easily pack the unit in a suitcase for travel. 


Q: Will someone steal the contents, because of the logo?

A: There is no greater chance of theft in a protective bag labeled 'The Wine Check' than in a wine shipper.  TSA-approved locks can be purchased and used on the zippers for additional security as well.


Q: What if I only have a few bottles of wine to bring home?

A: The slots in a standard wine shipper box can also be used to carry other travel needs (rolled up clothing, toiletries, etc.), or something that makes a significant difference in the enjoyment of your wines - glasses!


Q: Where do I put the pull strap when checking The Wine Check?

A: We suggest you use the pocket on the top of the unit to store the pull strap, so it does not get lost in transit.


Q: Why do you recommend Styrofoam inserts?

A: Styrofoam is imposed by many airlines. We have chosen the greenest of Styrofoams: reclaimed. We are working to provide our customers a 'green' foam alternative in the coming months.


Q: Is The Wine Check waterproof?

A: The Wine Check is water-resistant, as we use Cordura nylon as the primary material on the external walls of the bag.  We have found that a treatment of Scotchguard or similar waterproofing application provides a superior level of water and stain resistance, and has no ill effects to the material used on the bag's exterior.


Q: Do you insure or guarantee the wine will arrive safely and intact?

A: The Wine Check makes no guarantee about the condition of the wine upon its arrival and is not responsible for damaged or lost wine, as it is exposed to too many external forces and handling.  It is designed to help further protect your wine in a shipper box, and make it far easier for you and the baggage handlers to lift and transport your wine.


Q: What if TSA cuts off my zipper handles?

A: Unfortunately, the TSA reserves the right to cut off not only your locks (even TSA locks), but zippers and zipper handles to access the contents of a bag.  We have no control nor responsibility for the TSA's actions, nor can we guarantee against such actions.  http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/locks.shtm


Q: Do you have a warranty on The Wine Check?

A: Yes, The Wine Check is covered from damage due to faulty workmanship and materials for a period of 60 days from purchase.  Damage due to mishandling or improper use is not covered by this warranty.