For The Love Of Port

I have never purchased Port over the internet or had it shipped. What do you look for from a vendor to ensure everything comes home safely?

And if I was to offer something for trade, how should I ship it.

8)

First, check into your state's shipping laws and make sure it is legal to have wine shipped in by an out-of-state retailer. If you use any of the well known CA retailers that are mentioned on the other threads here, you should not have to worry about provenance. Some older bottles ARE purchased on the "gray market though" although that is not really your concern.

Ask good questions like:

a. what kind of condition is the capsule, cork and label in?
b. are there any signs of current or previous seepage?
c. how long have you had the bottle and did it come from a temperature controlled cellar?

These are the most basic questions to ask, when purchasing Port with more than a decade of bottle age.


IF and when you make a trade, make sure you get to know the other individual before "trusting" them. Ask lots of polite questions. Make sure you have a phone number that works, for the other person unless you feel comforable from getting to know the person from their posts.

I guess I should not be concerned with temperature fluctuations during shipping?

I certainly would not ship any wine while temperatures are above 75-80 degrees. Put a hold on all shipments until Sept. when it cools down.