Whether you are a wine collector and connoisseur or you own a vineyard and produce different varieties of wines, you are all too familiar with how long-term exposure to summer temperatures can be extremely detrimental to the quality of the product. Although this primarily applies to a wine’s ability to age properly or its sensory characteristics (i.e. aroma, taste, etc.), prolonged exposure to heat can alter the chemical stability and physical appearance of the product. Whether you are the consumer or the vintner (wine maker or manufacturer), a primary concern is the protection of the product during shipping.
For the Consumer
As a consumer, manufacturer, or retailer of wine, the heat of summertime is a wine’s eternal enemy, hence the necessity of shipping and storing it at an optimum temperature of 55ºF to 57ºF (13ºC to 14ºC). In so doing, the aesthetic value of the product and its characteristics will not be diminished. In order to prevent any temperature damage to the product so that it reaches its destination in acceptable condition, you have a couple of options:
A better solution for shipping
You can have the wine shipped in a refrigerated trailer or container – Although this is usually the first choice for shipping and storing wine and preserving its pristine state, it is certainly not the most cost-effective method to pursue. Plus, there are other obstacles to be aware of, such as the availability of refrigerated units and the waiting period involved, increased shipping costs during peak seasons, and the high cost of diesel fuel. All of these further complicate the issue.
Insulation that works
You can protect the product by insulating it prior to shipment – This is one the most affordable alternatives to refrigerated shipping. Protek Cargo offers a variety of insulated shipping products that will help you protect your wine products from any prolonged exposure to damaging summertime temperatures. As the temperature-sensitive freight specialists in the shipping industry, we can offer you access to our endless inventory of insulated shipping products at a set price throughout the year.
Quality
Most importantly, Protek Cargo understands how your reputation relies on the quality of your wines. Our cost-effective, temperature-sensitive shipping products are made from the highest-quality materials possible which enables us to create passive temperature control programs that can be tailored to the needs of your business. Finally, we offer one of the broadest assortments of protective insulated shipping products, thereby ensuring that your wines are not degraded by heat prior to reaching their destination.
