Skip to main content

41 replies

Best Wine Luggage

L latour67Member
Within the past year, there was a discussion on the Forums about the best wine luggage available. Gigond Ass suggested the model offered by Impact Case & Container and that it was the best. He also suggested calling and asking for a "blem", which would be priced much lower, but was an excellent value. Also, he mentioned that the blem was so small that once the luggage was checked on the Airline, you wouldn't even know it was a "blem"!

I tried several times to order one, but ICC never had a blem available when I called. However, I finally got one last month, and can verify it is the best wine luggage that I know of, by far! I left this unit in a parked car in 95+ degree heat and all of the wine was fully protected, and cool to the touch.

I believe there are some "blems" in stock today in the 6 bottle model, and you can save 30%. Again, this brand is really worth the price. Also, ask if they have the 12 bottle model available with the wheels & retractable handle for larger capacity. That is the model I purchased. Call Scott Nikkola at Impact Case & Container telephone 877-687-2452 or 208-687-2452. I'm sure he will be able to assist you. Thanks to Gigond Ass for the heads up! Good Luck!
Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

L latour67Member
AZVinoVeritas

I think you should call them to see what they have available, but I believe the 6 bottle unit is normally about $300, but that same unit in a blemished model is $199. If they have a 12 bottle model, it is normally about $400/$450, but the blemished model is about $240.

Again, my unit sat in a locked car with 95+ degree heat for hours, and the bottles were not affected.
L latour67Member
quote:
Originally posted by Stefania Wine:
Latour67

I was really considering getting one made from Anvil:

http://www.anvilcase.com/

Do you think yours could handle commercial use? How about heavy airline use, knowing it's going to get tossed around a fair bit?


Paul,

I don't see a wine case with the anvil product, but it sure looks like a great case.

The Impact Wine Case is made with an internal styro for 750ml bottles, that's really good for transporting wine. The bottles are protected from heat and breakage.
F futronicMember
quote:
Originally posted by mwagner7700:
Agreed. futronic turned me onto this company. I got one a few years back (the 12-bottle case), used it on our trip to SF and everything came back perfectly. The paper wrap on the Viader wasn't even wrinkled!!!


And I found about it from Winetex after seeing hers in New Orleans, who in turn also checked out the one from Gigond Ass.

It all comes full circle on the board! Big Grin

Several other people that I know have purchased one on my recommendation, and mine has been back and forth to Italy on several occasions, throughout the US, etc.

I love it.
L latour67Member
quote:
Originally posted by futronic:
quote:
Originally posted by mwagner7700:
Agreed. futronic turned me onto this company. I got one a few years back (the 12-bottle case), used it on our trip to SF and everything came back perfectly. The paper wrap on the Viader wasn't even wrinkled!!!


And I found about it from Winetex after seeing hers in New Orleans, who in turn also checked out the one from Gigond Ass.

It all comes full circle on the board! Big Grin

Several other people that I know have purchased one on my recommendation, and mine has been back and forth to Italy on several occasions, throughout the US, etc.

I love it.


futronic-----
You have had your case several years and are very pleased with your purchase. Have you ever had to replace the styro insert? Have you ever had any bad experience in any way?
F futronicMember
quote:
Originally posted by latour67:
futronic-----
You have had your case several years and are very pleased with your purchase. Have you ever had to replace the styro insert? Have you ever had any bad experience in any way?


One of the slots has a very small hole in the stop part of the styrofoam (where the top of the bottle would end up), which exposes the metal. I need to get a piece of styrofoam to fill it at some point, but since I individually wrap the bottles in bubble-wrap anyway (I've got single bottle sleeves that I get from the LCBO) in order to prevent the bottles from rattling around, I just have it as is.

Aside from that, no problems. Definitely no problems with the contents. I've scared the heck out of people walking through the airport - or more to the point, those waiting at baggage claim as the metal case hit the end of the metal conveyor belt before I could catch it!
K ksc02Member
Thanks Latour, for a valuable thread. It's good to see recommended items like this. Very useful info. It's much appreciated. While not in the market for one just now this is the type of thread I bookmark for future referance Cool

Bumping slightly, however on a similar note:
I've used the neoprene carriers (single & double) to bring wine to BYOW restaurants. I finally gave the Reidel case a try (carrys two normal size bottles and two stems). Works great, looks nice and with the inevitable 'Riedel' logo being black-on-black, at least it's 'low profile' which is preferrable. I DO recommend it though. Works out very well (aprox. $70 w/ shipping incluced).
Q quesyrahsyrahMember
quote:
Originally posted by KSC02:
I finally gave the Reidel case a try (carrys two normal size bottles and two stems). Works great, looks nice and with the inevitable 'Riedel' logo being black-on-black, at least it's 'low profile' which is preferrable. I DO recommend it though. Works out very well (aprox. $70 w/ shipping incluced).


I have not seen this, only Riedel's stemware tote. Where did you order/ purchase it from?
K ksc02Member
quote:
Originally posted by Que Syrah, Syrah:
quote:
Originally posted by KSC02:
I finally gave the Reidel case a try (carrys two normal size bottles and two stems). Works great, looks nice and with the inevitable 'Riedel' logo being black-on-black, at least it's 'low profile' which is preferrable. I DO recommend it though. Works out very well (aprox. $70 w/ shipping incluced).

I have not seen this, only Riedel's stemware tote. Where did you order/ purchase it from?

Actually, I think it IS, technically, the stemware tote. However, it divided up (as you wish with the adjustable walls) and easily serves to bring two stems and two bottles.I purchased it from Wine Enthusiast. They had the same price as many places, but offered the free shipping. Token gift when it arrived (4 wine towels. Not SO bad).
G grossieMember
I've been pondering an ICC case for a while. The Blem tip is a great one, thanks guys.

I have one fear about using this type of case. Don't the airline employees know that this is a wine case? Doesn't that make this a bit of an easy target for theft? I owe my brother some 2003 Latour, which is sitting in my cellar. I need to take 3 bottles of that to England some time in the next decade or so. Any thoughts?
L latour67Member
quote:
Originally posted by grossie:
I've been pondering an ICC case for a while. The Blem tip is a great one, thanks guys.

I have one fear about using this type of case. Don't the airline employees know that this is a wine case? Doesn't that make this a bit of an easy target for theft? I owe my brother some 2003 Latour, which is sitting in my cellar. I need to take 3 bottles of that to England some time in the next decade or so. Any thoughts?


grossie

Actually, Gigond Ass mentioned, when asked, he replies it contains "human organs", and that reply seems to work just fine! However, there are 4 independent latches on the container, and they are quite substantial. You can buy a lock for each latch as a deterent. Of course that means the Airline employee may steal the entire unit, but at least they can't open the container and remove any of the wine.

Also, the Airlines insure your check luggage up to $1200 (it may even be more now), but if that's not enough to cover, you can always purchase additional insurance when checking your luggage.
purplehazepurplehazeMember
quote:
Originally posted by latour67:
However, there are 4 independent latches on the container, and they are quite substantial. You can buy a lock for each latch as a deterent.


In a different time, this would work. Unfortunately, any lock placed on checked luggage MUST be a TSA approved variety that can be easily opened by screeners. Clicky. The "keys" these folks use to open these locks are very easy to get your hands on. Placing unapproved locks on checked baggage could result in them just being cut off, or even worse having your baggage badly damaged. Frown

PH
F futronicMember
I don't lock my luggage since it needs to be inspected anyway. Haven't had any problems so far (*knock on wood*), even though I've received many friendly TSA pamphlets inside my wine case that note that they've performed a search.

Think about it - big metal case being checked on a plane. They *will* inspect it. X-Ray at the very least, but I still get pulled aside and asked to open it up at Pearson in Toronto, and I'm sure they open it up by the TSA in US airports.

BTW - the "human organs" part is a bad comment when you're going cross-border, especially into the US. So are biohazard stickers.
L latour67Member
quote:
posted by futronic----BTW - the "human organs" part is a bad comment when you're going cross-border, especially into the US. So are biohazard stickers.



futronic--- I agree, but I think that was just a humorous reply that Gigond Ass would give inqusitive passengers standing next to him while retrieving the luggage. I'm sure he wouldn't give that answer to any TSA (Transportation Security Office) officer!
P purpleteethMember
quote:
Originally posted by KSC02:
quote:
Originally posted by Que Syrah, Syrah:
quote:
Originally posted by KSC02:
I finally gave the Reidel case a try (carrys two normal size bottles and two stems). Works great, looks nice and with the inevitable 'Riedel' logo being black-on-black, at least it's 'low profile' which is preferrable. I DO recommend it though. Works out very well (aprox. $70 w/ shipping incluced).

I have not seen this, only Riedel's stemware tote. Where did you order/ purchase it from?

Actually, I think it IS, technically, the stemware tote. However, it divided up (as you wish with the adjustable walls) and easily serves to bring two stems and two bottles.I purchased it from Wine Enthusiast. They had the same price as many places, but offered the free shipping. Token gift when it arrived (4 wine towels. Not SO bad).


I just ordered the cheapest one I could find here $59 after shipping.

I've been wanting one of these for a while, and this thread finally gave me the motivation to seek it out.
O offnotesMember
quote:
Originally posted by Que Syrah, Syrah:
http://www.winecruzer.com/index.html

These guys make a seriously sturdy case. I have the eight bottle. Holds temps well too.


According to their web site:

"in response to the new TSA regulations limiting alcoholic beverages to only 5 LITERS as check on luggage."

Is this true? Egad! Not only can you not carry on any wine whatsoever*, now you can't even check more than 6 full-sized bottles?

Mad Mad Mad

- Jeff

*Unless, I suppose, you're willing to give up some space in your Zip-Loc toiletries bag for little 3 oz. wine bottles. Roll Eyes
G gigondassMember
quote:
Originally posted by latour67:
quote:
posted by futronic----BTW - the "human organs" part is a bad comment when you're going cross-border, especially into the US. So are biohazard stickers.



futronic--- I agree, but I think that was just a humorous reply that Gigond Ass would give inqusitive passengers standing next to him while retrieving the luggage. I'm sure he wouldn't give that answer to any TSA (Transportation Security Office) officer!
Of course Latour is correct. I tell TSA employees it contains radioactive isotopes. Cool
S sprnplrMember
quote:
Originally posted by Gigond Ass:
quote:
Originally posted by latour67:
quote:
posted by futronic----BTW - the "human organs" part is a bad comment when you're going cross-border, especially into the US. So are biohazard stickers.



futronic--- I agree, but I think that was just a humorous reply that Gigond Ass would give inqusitive passengers standing next to him while retrieving the luggage. I'm sure he wouldn't give that answer to any TSA (Transportation Security Office) officer!
Of course Latour is correct. I tell TSA employees it contains radioactive isotopes. Cool

Most of them, however, cannot even understand what he means.
purplehazepurplehazeMember
quote:
Originally posted by OffNotes:
[Is this true? Egad! Not only can you not carry on any wine whatsoever*, now you can't even check more than 6 full-sized bottles?

Mad Mad Mad

- Jeff



Wow, you had me scared there for a minute! This "hazardous material" restriction only applies to beverages with 24% alcohol content and above! Another Clicky! Since I very rarely transport Aussie Shiraz or Cali Zinfandels, I'm in the clear!! Razz

PH
vinolevinoleMember
quote:
Originally posted by latour67:
Also, the Airlines insure your check luggage up to $1200 (it may even be more now), but if that's not enough to cover, you can always purchase additional insurance when checking your luggage.


I just came back from Napa with a 12 pack in a styro shipper just fine. However, Jet Blue made us sign a waiver for damage as they knew it was wine, though they would be liable if they lost it. We went out on Delta, and I don't recall my wife saying (I always am parking the car after Skycab check-in) she had to sign a waiver with them. A month ago I flew a six pack on Southwest with no problems or waivers. Just wanted everyone to know that damage may not be covered by the airline.
L latour67Member
vinole I think the Airlines would pay a claim if the wine is packed in the Impact Case, and the Impact Case was lost or stolen. Perhaps you couldn't insure it for more than the maximum allowed, $1200., but the Airlines would have to deliver the Case, or pay the claim.

Also, breakage is highly unlikely. Inorder to break a bottle of wine packed in an Impact Wine Case, you would have to crush unit, so your only real exposure would be lost or theft.
K ksc02Member
quote:
Originally posted by Purple Teeth:
I just ordered the cheapest one I could find here $59 after shipping.
I've been wanting one of these for a while, and this thread finally gave me the motivation to seek it out.

I tip my hat to you PT. I thought I really searched the net for better pricing and found none. You ARE the consumate consumer Wink
S sprnplrMember
quote:
Originally posted by OffNotes:
quote:
Originally posted by Que Syrah, Syrah:
http://www.winecruzer.com/index.html

These guys make a seriously sturdy case. I have the eight bottle. Holds temps well too.


According to their web site:

"in response to the new TSA regulations limiting alcoholic beverages to only 5 LITERS as check on luggage."

Is this true? Egad! Not only can you not carry on any wine whatsoever*, now you can't even check more than 6 full-sized bottles?

Mad Mad Mad

- Jeff

*Unless, I suppose, you're willing to give up some space in your Zip-Loc toiletries bag for little 3 oz. wine bottles. Roll Eyes

Link? I did a search for 'alcohol' on their web site and came across the same article that PH linked to.
M mlbfamMember
quote:
Originally posted by JEB:
Do the inserts on the winecruzer handle the odd bottle sizes ok?


JEB and others on this thread,
My name is Mike and I work with the WineCruzer wine carrier. I would be more than happy to handle any questions you might have on our WineCruzer product and prvide you with as much information as you need. We take great pride in what we believe to be the best travel wine carrier out there. Its Pelican case and closed cell foam insulation protects the wine and will give you confidence during your travel. Feel free to reply to me via a PM so as not to abuse this thread with business marketing. Cool
P pinothoMember
Would someone mind emailing me some interior pics of this IIC case? The description (per website) mentions foam inserts. The picture, on the other hand, looks like an aluminum shell, with a styrofoam insert that is cut out to hold x number of bottles.

Hence, I get the insulation part (styrofoam), but not sure about the "bump" resistance, aside from the aluminum shell and the styrofoam. Seems like a bump, would be more like a dent in the shell, and a crack in the styrofoam. Where's the foam part?

Please don't spam. My login at yahoo.
L latour67Member
jmch75

It is a styro insert, but that case is very sturdy and insulated. The unit is not hinged, and comes in two pieces which fit together. The wheels and a retractable handle are on the bottom part of the case. When the case is latched with its four quality latches, a rubber gasket ensures an airtight seal,....

Again, these are very sturdy cases, and fully protects your wines against heat or cold. I think you would be very satisfied.
L latour67Member
quote:
Originally posted by jmch75:
Thanks. I may consider it in the near future. Such opportune timing as I'm in the process of closing in on some valuable grape juice.

It's such coincidental you are replying as I'm looking at some Latours.


As long as you're just looking, you will still have money for dinner, otherwise be very careful when considering buying Chateau Latour!


Also, did anyone buy this wine carrier, if so, have you recieved it???
Next

Add Reply

Post

Membership Required

We're sorry. You must be signed in to continue. Sign In or Register
×
Are you sure you want to remove from your Block List?
×
Loading...
×
When you block a person, they can no longer invite you to a private message or post to your profile wall. Replies and comments they make will be collapsed/hidden by default. Finally, you'll never receive email notifications about content they create or likes they designate for your content.
Note: if you proceed, you will no longer be following .
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×