Moving a “Cellar” Into a House

If your cellar full of wine is valuable to you historically and/or financially and you’re moving to another state, you’ll have to check with that state’s local alcohol beverage control authority. Unfortunately, there may be restrictions on how much wine you can bring in for personal use. This is especially important if you have a cellar full of wine because, sadly, some states have dry counties that prohibit alcohol. This means not only do these counties prevent the sale of alcohol, but they might even limit the amount you have in your home.

Also, don’t move your wine collection long distances “the piece meal way.” That is, one car or van load at a time.

As wine expert Maria Ross relates:

If you have a few cases (10 or less) and you will be moving it a short distance, you might be able to transport your wine in your personal vehicle. That way you can make sure you can maintain a constant cool temperature through the heating and air conditioning controls in your vehicle and by the way the wine is packed. If you stop for longer than a gas fill up, the temperature inside your vehicle can be compromised.

However, large collections should be moved by professional movers. Some may need a temperature controlled truck. Even then, you will need to make sure that the vehicle isn’t sitting for long periods without the refrigeration unit on.