Insights to Help Your Business
Wineries: What’s the True Cost of Not Shipping All Year?
Wineries often avoid summer shipping because of fear of wine spoilage and cork seepage. But not shipping all year could cost you more than you think.
As temperatures climb, many wineries pause shipping to avoid spoilage and cork seepage. An understandable move, but it might be costing more than saving.
Skipping summer shipments can impact your revenue, hurt customer experience, and ultimately damage your brand’s reputation. And in an industry built on experience, loyalty, and trust, that’s a significant matter.
The good news? More wineries are proving it’s possible to ship with confidence year-round. Here's how:
Why Some Wineries Stop Shipping in Summer
Heat is a significant concern. About 90% of U.S. wine shipments travel by ground transportation, says the Wine Institute. This often means longer delivery times, more time in places without climate control, and a higher risk of spoilage from heat.
Top concerns include:
- Cork seepage from bottle expansion
- Wine spoilage, especially in white wines
- Carrier delays or packages left in hot facilities
- Customer complaints or refund demands
68% of consumers say they are more likely to buy from brands that protect perishable items. And 56% say that knowing a delivery is protected significantly boosts their confidence in placing an order. That means summer shipping done right could convert even more customers.
The Real Cost of Not Shipping
When you pause shipping, it’s not just wine that’s stuck in limbo. So are revenue opportunities.
- Lost sales: When inventory isn't going out, money can’t come in.
- Inconsistent customer experience: Today’s DTC buyers expect year-round availability. A “come back in the fall” message may drive them straight to a competitor.
- Risk to loyalty: A one-time problem can lead to a long-term loss. Customers may choose another brand that ships reliably, no matter the weather.
How Smart Wineries Keep Shipping All Year
The best wineries don’t stop when it gets hot. They adapt.
Here’s how they ship confidently, even in the summer:
- Cold packs and insulated packaging: Reduce risk with thermal materials and ice gel packs.
- Temperature-controlled route planning: Use carriers that support eco-friendly routes. Deliver early in the week to avoid weekend delays.
- Layered protection: From sturdy boxes to shock protection, every layer matters.
But even with the best precautions, things can go wrong. That’s where shipping protection comes in.
Build Smarter Shipping Strategies with the Right Partners
Shipping wine in the summer isn’t only about what’s in the box. Also, it’s about who’s helping you get it there.
Wineries that ship successfully all year long often invest in:
- Carrier partnerships: Some carriers offer services tailored to wine, including temperature-controlled routes or expedited shipping options.
- Early-week fulfillment: Shipping on Mondays and Tuesdays helps avoid weekend delays. It will prevent packages from sitting in hot warehouses or trucks.
- Inventory planning: Line up your fulfillment calendar with regional climate patterns and customer demand.
These strategies help reduce transit time, minimize risk, and create more reliable delivery experiences. And when combined with shipping protection, they create a more resilient supply chain for your business.
Protection for Every Pour: Why Shipping Insurance Matters for Wine Shipping
For wine businesses, shipping protection is more than just product coverage; it’s reputation insurance.
Damaged bottles or spoiled shipments can lead to poor reviews, refund requests, and customer churn. But with InsureShield® Shipping Insurance, wineries get more than a safety net, they get peace of mind.
Here’s what makes InsureShield Shipping Protection different:
- Covers wine spoilage, leakage, and damage from transit conditions
- Works with all major carriers. No waiting period
- 97% of claims are paid in days
- Average claims process takes just 5 minutes
Whether you're shipping across town or across the country, InsureShield Coverage helps ensure every bottle arrives as intended.
Don’t Let the Heat Pause Your Business
Summer doesn’t have to be your off-season. With the right tools and protection in place, your winery can ship confidently all year long, and boost revenue while doing it.
- Shipping all year keeps customers happy
- Smart packaging and smart carrier planning reduce spoilage risks
- InsureShield Shipping Insurance protects your brand, not just your bottles
Not shipping this summer is the bigger risk for wineries.
Are you ready to protect your wine, your customers, and your business?
