Military life means a lot of moving pieces—literally. And if you’re stationed in Germany (or anywhere in Europe), chances are you’ve built up a pretty impressive wine collection. But how do you handle PCS wine transport, make sure it arrives safely, and (most importantly) not lose those bottles you worked so hard to find?
The good news is that shipping wine from Europe to the U.S. during a PCS move is absolutely possible! However, the process varies depending on your state’s alcohol import laws, the number of bottles you’re bringing, and whether you include them in your Household Goods (HHG) shipment.
This guide will walk you through how to safely and legally transport your wine collection so you can bring your favorite bottles home without stress.
Step 1: Check Your Destination State’s Wine Import Laws
One of the biggest challenges with military PCS alcohol shipment is that every U.S. state has different alcohol import laws. Some states (like Virginia) allow wine shipments with minimal paperwork and no import taxes, while others (like Florida) require permits, fees, and inventory lists before you can bring in alcohol.
What You Need to Do First:
- Contact your state’s alcohol control board – Ask about their regulations for shipping wine from Germany to the U.S. during a PCS move.
- Find out if permits or taxes are required – Some states require one-time import permits, while others charge excise tax on shipments.
- Check if there’s a bottle limit – Certain states restrict the amount of alcohol that can be imported for personal consumption.
- Determine if wine can be included in your HHG shipment – Some states allow it, while others require a separate shipment.
- Understand how to pay taxes (if required) – In some states, having a family member or friend pay the tax in person speeds up the process.
🚛 Ship Tip: Want a cheat sheet to make this process easier? Download our PCS Wine Shipping Checklist to stay organized and ensure all your paperwork is in order!
Step 2: Work With Your Transportation Office
Once you know your state’s rules, it’s time to coordinate with your Transportation Office (TMO) or Personal Property Office (PPO). For overseas PCS moves, most military families will need to handle wine shipping through a PPO, rather than full TMO services.
How it Works:
- Visit or call TMO: They’ll calculate your estimated weight, mileage, and other factors.
- Get your reimbursement estimate: TMO enters your details into their system to determine how much you’ll be reimbursed for your move.
- Coordinate with PPO: Since overseas moves typically require a PPO, you’ll handle the shipping process directly.
Most military families include their wine collection in their Household Goods (HHG) shipment, but keep in mind:
- Weight Limit: Wine counts toward your total HHG weight, so if you’re close to the limit, consider a separate shipment.
- Separate Inventory: Movers must list wine separately on their inventory forms. You’ll likely need to create an itemized list (see step 3).
- Packing Requirements: Some movers will pack wine first and in separate crates, so let them know in advance to avoid issues.
Step 3: Create an Itemized Wine Inventory List
Most U.S. states require a detailed inventory of all alcohol being imported. This is also important for movers so they can track your wine collection separately in case of damage or loss.
Your wine inventory list should include:
- Wine Name & Vintage – Example: Château Margaux 2015
- Type of Wine – Red, white, sparkling, etc.
- Bottle Size – 750ml, magnum, etc.
- Alcohol Percentage – Required for many state forms
- Total Number of Bottles – Some states have a bottle limit, so double-check before finalizing.
🚛 Ship Tip: Download our PCS Wine Inventory Spreadsheet to make tracking your collection easier. Just fill in the details and send it to your state’s alcohol control board!
Step 4: Know the PCS Wine Transport Shipping Limits & Tax Implications
The amount of wine you can transport during a PCS depends on your destination state and whether it’s packed in your Household Goods (HHG) shipment or unaccompanied baggage (UAB). Each state sets its own alcohol import laws, so requirements can vary widely. Here’s what you need to know:
- Duty-Free Allowance – All service members and adults over 21 can bring one liter of alcohol duty-free in their personal luggage.
- Additional Wine? Some states allow more, but IRS excise tax may apply to anything over one liter.
- HHG vs. UAB – If allowed, your wine must be intended for personal consumption (not resale) and packed in either HHG or UAB.
- Taxes & Fees? Some states charge import taxes, while others allow duty-free PCS wine shipments.
🚛 Ship Tip: If your state charges taxes, check if a family member or friend can pay in person before your wine arrives. This has helped some families speed up the process.
Step 5: How to Pack Your Wine for a PCS Move
Moving companies don’t always specialize in handling fragile wine bottles, so proper packing is essential to prevent breakage.
Best Practices for Shipping Wine Safely:
- Use blow-up wine bottle protectors to prevent breakage.
- Keep bottles stored upright to avoid leaks.
- Pack wine in sturdy, padded boxes labeled “FRAGILE.”
- Avoid extreme temperatures and consider temp-controlled shipping if moving in summer or winter.
🚛 Ship Tip: Some moving companies don’t know the wine rules and may try to pack open bottles (which aren’t allowed!). Always double-check before they start packing!
Alternative Option: Private Wine Shipping Services for PCS Wine Transport
If you don’t want to deal with HHG weight limits or moving company restrictions, private wine shipping companies can help transport your bottles securely. These companies specialize in temperature-controlled storage and shipment.
Military families commonly use these reputable options:
- Expeditr – Specializes in cross-border and international wine shipments, offering door-to-door service and assistance with customs paperwork.
- MyGermany – Handles international alcohol shipments from Germany, including repackaging, customs documentation, and tracking.
- General Service – A trusted Germany-based logistics provider with expertise in military and personal household goods shipping, including wine collections.
🚛 Ship Tip: Contact these companies in advance for pricing and specific state restrictions before shipping.
What If Your PCS Wine Transport Gets Lost or Damaged?
Unfortunately, mistakes do happen during PCS moves. If wine is lost or damaged during PCS wine transport, here’s what to do:
- Check the inventory list – Confirm the wine was recorded properly by movers.
- Document damages immediately – Take photos of broken bottles and damaged boxes.
- File a claim with the moving company – Submit paperwork for lost/damaged bottles ASAP.
Bringing Your Wine Collection Home Without Stress
PCS wine transport doesn’t have to be complicated! With the right planning, permits, and packing, you can bring your wine collection home safely. Whether you’re off to an easy state or dealing with stricter regulations, having the correct paperwork, tracking your bottles, and working with your movers will ensure your collection arrives safely.
And the best part? You’ll have a taste of your time abroad waiting for you at home. 🍷 Cheers to a smooth PCS move and many amazing pours ahead!