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After visiting Champagne, many travelers face the same question:
How can I safely bring these bottles home?
I receive this question almost every week.
The good news is that bringing Champagne back home is absolutely manageable — with the right preparation.
This guide explains the most practical options for packing, tax refunds, and customs limits.
Shipping vs. Packing: Which Option Makes Sense?
Some Champagne houses offer international shipping outside the EU. However, there are a few important realities to consider.
The Reality of Shipping
Shipping to countries such as the United States or Australia can be very expensive — sometimes costing nearly as much as the wine itself. Prices vary depending on the producer and courier.
For just a few bottles, most travelers find shipping impractical.
Why Packing Usually Wins
For visitors flying home, packing wine in checked luggage is usually the simplest and most cost-effective solution.
With proper protection, Champagne travels surprisingly well.
Two Smart Ways to Get a Wine Suitcase
Many travelers assume they can easily purchase a wine travel suitcase after arriving in Champagne.
In reality, they are surprisingly difficult to find locally.
Wine shops and producers do not typically sell full-sized protective wine suitcases, and regular luggage stores rarely carry them.
For this reason, I strongly recommend preparing your wine travel case in advance.
Planning ahead will save you time, stress, and last-minute compromises.
Option A: Have a Lazenne Suitcase Delivered to Your Hotel
You can order a professional wine travel suitcase and have it delivered directly to your hotel in France.
In Europe, Lazenne is one of the most trusted brands for wine travel cases. Its reinforced shell and precision foam inserts are specifically designed for wine transport.
If you are staying at a hotel in France, this is the most convenient option.
Prefer to order via Amazon?
Option B: Bring Your Own from Home
If you prefer to be fully prepared from the start, purchase a wine suitcase before your trip.
In the United States, VinGardeValise is a highly rated brand.
You can pack your clothes inside on the way to France, then use the foam inserts for your Champagne on the way home.
Packing Tips: Protecting Your Bottles Properly
Many travelers assume that every boutique will automatically wrap bottles in bubble wrap.
In reality, this is not a standard service. Regardless of the producer’s size, packaging materials are not always available.
For this reason, I recommend bringing a small roll of bubble wrap with you when traveling. It takes up very little space in your luggage and can be extremely useful if no packing materials are provided.
Regular bubble wrap is perfectly sufficient. When wrapped carefully and securely, it provides reliable protection for Champagne bottles.
Personally, I wrap each bottle thoroughly and make sure it does not sit directly against the hard outer shell of the suitcase. I also place clothing around the bottles to create cushioning.
I have transported Champagne this way many times and have never experienced a broken bottle.
The key is simple:
- Wrap securely.
- Avoid direct contact with the suitcase walls.
- Use clothing to fill empty spaces.
Wineskins（Bottle Protectors） are another option. In addition to cushioning the bottle, they are designed to contain liquid in case of breakage, offering extra peace of mind.
Saving Money with ZappTax
ZappTax is a practical solution for VAT refunds in France, as not all producers or shops offer traditional tax-free paperwork.
In France, VAT refunds apply when your total purchase exceeds €100.01.
With traditional tax-free forms, you must spend over €100 at a single shop to qualify.
One of the main advantages of ZappTax is flexibility.
You can combine invoices from multiple shops or producers to reach the €100.01 minimum threshold.
For example, if you spend €60 at one Champagne house and €50 at another, those purchases can be combined and still qualify for a refund.
With ZappTax, the refund typically comes to about 11.66% to 15.00% of your total spend (TTC) (assuming VAT is 20%), depending on your purchase amount and the refund tier.
How Long Does the Refund Take?
Refunds are not immediate. In practice, it often takes 2 to 3 months for the process to be completed.
The delay is usually due to administrative processing times by the French tax authorities, which can vary and are outside ZappTax’s control.
However, once your tax-free form has been electronically validated (or properly stamped and uploaded), your refund is fully guaranteed.
How to Use ZappTax in 4 Steps
- Download the App
Complete your profile (including passport details) before shopping. - Request a “Facture”
Ask the merchant for an invoice made out to ZappTax. - Upload the Invoice
Take a photo and submit it in the app. - Validate Before Leaving the EU
Scan your barcode at a PABLO kiosk at the airport or Eurotunnel.
After validation, ZappTax will update you on the status of your refund. You will receive a notification once the payment is processed.
Use referral code REFV5DV4 for an extra €5 bonus.
Customs & Allowances: USA and UK
Regulations change, so always verify official government websites before traveling.
🇺🇸 United States
Federal Rule:
1 liter is duty-free.
However, travelers may bring back more for personal use.
In practice, many visitors return with 6–12 bottles without major issues.
The key is simple:
Always declare your wine.
Duties on additional bottles are often modest.
Note that alcohol laws vary by state. Check your state’s ABC regulations before traveling.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Since Brexit, the duty-free allowance is:
9 liters of sparkling wine per person
(approximately 12 bottles)
Final Thoughts
Bringing Champagne home is easier than many travelers expect.
With a proper suitcase, protective sleeves, and a tax-refund app, you can travel confidently — and safely enjoy your bottles later.
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