Many people assume shipping wine is as easy as mailing a package. However, U.S. alcohol laws, shipping carrier restrictions, and state regulations make it far more complicated.
So, can you ship wine yourself? The short answer is no—not unless you’re licensed. However, there are legal ways to send wine using the right services.
This guide breaks down who can legally ship wine, which states allow it, and how to get wine delivered safely.
Who Can Legally Ship Wine? (And Who Can’t?)
Wine shipping is heavily regulated in the U.S. Only licensed entities can legally ship alcohol—this includes wineries, retailers, and specialty wine shippers.
Who Can Ship Wine?
- Licensed wineries – Some wineries can ship directly to consumers, but only to states that allow it.
- Licensed wine retailers – Some wine shops have permits to ship within certain states.
- Licensed wine shipping services – Third-party businesses, like All American Mail Center, specialize in handling wine shipments legally.
Who Cannot Ship Wine?
- Individuals – You cannot walk into USPS, FedEx, or UPS and ship wine yourself. These carriers only accept alcohol shipments from licensed businesses.
- Most online marketplaces – Websites like eBay or Craigslist do not allow alcohol sales or shipments.
- Unlicensed retailers – Even if a local wine shop sells online, they may not be legally permitted to ship out of state.
If you want to send wine legally, you must use a licensed shipper that follows state regulations.
- RELATED: How To Ship Wine From Napa Valley
What Happens If You Try to Ship Wine Illegally?
If you attempt to ship wine without a license, you could face serious consequences.
- Package confiscation – Carriers like FedEx and UPS will seize and discard unauthorized alcohol shipments.
- Legal penalties – Some states impose fines on both the sender and recipient for violating alcohol shipping laws.
- Shipping account suspension – If FedEx or UPS detects an illegal wine shipment, they may ban your account.
Instead of taking the risk, work with a licensed wine shipping provider that handles compliance for you.
What Are the Wine Shipping Laws in the U.S.?
Each state has its own laws governing wine shipments. Some states allow direct-to-consumer (DTC) shipping, while others have strict bans or limits.
States That Allow vs. Restrict Wine Shipments
As of July 2025, Mississippi now allows direct wine shipments, but some states still prohibit it.
States that do not allow direct-to-consumer wine shipments:
- Arkansas, Delaware, Rhode Island, and Utah
States with restrictions:
- Some states limit how much wine can be shipped per year
- Others require special permits or taxes on out-of-state alcohol shipments
Can You Ship Wine Internationally?
International wine shipping is even more complex than shipping within the U.S. Each country has its own import laws for alcohol.
Challenges of Shipping Wine Internationally
- Customs regulations – Some countries prohibit alcohol imports entirely, while others require import licenses.
- High import taxes – Certain countries impose heavy duties on alcohol shipments, making it expensive.
- Delivery restrictions – Some carriers will not deliver alcohol internationally, even if it’s legal to ship.
If you’re traveling and want to take wine home, check out our guide to safely shipping wine for expert advice.
Alternatives for Sending Wine as a Gift
If you want to send wine to a friend or family member, but your state doesn’t allow it, consider these alternatives:
- Wine clubs and subscription services – Many licensed online wine clubs can legally deliver bottles to most states.
- Order from a licensed wine retailer – Some wine shops have permits to ship to states where individuals cannot.
- Gift cards for local wineries – Instead of shipping a bottle, let your recipient pick their own wine with a winery gift card.
For more details, see our cost to ship wine guide for pricing comparisons.
The Best Way to Ship Wine Legally
Since you cannot ship wine yourself, the best option is to work with a licensed local wine shipping service.
If you’re in Napa Valley, All American Mail Center, will handle everything for you:
- Fully licensed wine shipping – We ensure compliance with state and federal laws.
- Secure packaging – We use industry-grade wine shippers to prevent breakage.
- Carrier coordination – We work with FedEx, UPS, and specialty wine shippers to find the best rates.
- Temperature-controlled shipping – Protect your wine from heat or cold damage.
Instead of worrying about state laws and carrier restrictions, let us handle your wine shipping safely and legally.
Call for a quote today and ship your Napa Valley wine with confidence.
Final Thoughts: Can You Ship Wine? Only If You Do It the Right Way
The short answer: You can’t legally ship wine yourself—but a licensed shipper can do it for you.
Instead of dealing with state restrictions, carrier bans, and potential legal penalties, work with a trusted wine shipping service that ensures your wine arrives safely and legally.
Learn more about our wine shipping services and let us handle everything for you.
