Wine Fulfillment

WineCare Logistics (WineCare) is a 3PL company providing services to Wineries to fulfill wine orders. WineCare Logistics has been providing customized direct-to-consumer wine shipping services since 2009.

If you are looking for cost-efficient shipment of daily orders for Wine Clubs, Tasting Room & eCommerce, you will find WineCare Logistics to be the best among wine fulfillment companies. Wine order fulfillment includes full e-commerce integration with order shipment and inventory tracking.

WineCare Logistics provides Wine Fulfillment, DTC Wine Shipping & Wine Club Services since 2009 with 99.87% reliability.

Why Choose WineCare Logistics for Wine Fulfillment?

On-Time Delivery

In 2022, WineCare Logistics served over 100+ wineries. More than 230,000 wine fulfillment orders were delivered on time. Our Wine Storage Facility in Napa County is close to your winery.

WineCare Logistics is a Wine shipping company with a 100% focus on timely delivery for Wineries and their customers. We will work with you to ensure that your orders are processed the same day, picked, packed, and shipped without incident. Orders entered online by 9:00 am leave the same day.

WineCare Logistics does not do annual or bi-annual inventory counts but instead, they do cycle counts. Cycle counts are performed weekly and monthly for accurate inventory counts. Everything is web-based for easy online access.

Temperature Controlled Shipping

WineCare Logistics offers Temperature controlled shipping for summer and winter months. WineCare Logistics’ wine fulfillment center warehouse is temperature controlled.

Customized Private Labeling

Private Label Wine Fulfillment provides custom winery branding, tissue wrapping, packaging for large formats, stickering, and bottle ID-proof tag tracking.

3-Tier Network

WineCare Logistics offers an expansive 3-Tier network through WorldShipNet.

Carbon Neutral Shipping

Each shipment that leaves our facility is a Carbon Neutral Shipping offered directly from UPS. You don’t pay anything extra for this service. We have also teamed up with Arbor Day Foundation so that each shipment that leaves contributes to growing trees. Ecologically friendly practices are integral to our paperless facility, thereby increasing energy efficiency and reducing our carbon footprint.

Let’s take a look at a few details of what Wine Fulfillment entails.

What is Wine Fulfillment?

Wine Fulfillment is the administration of the logistics associated with the shipment of wine. It includes the storing, handling, packing, picking, and delivery of the wine to clients.

Just like in other industries, logistics is a major concern in the wine industry. Logistics for wine is both a business and a cost-element challenge. It requires a well-planned organization, fleet solutions, cutting-edge technology, and complicated IT systems at every level.

The transport of wine is a component of the supply chain, along with the vineyard, distribution, and storage. The emergence of wine shipping services allows wineries to benefit from resources that are not available in-house.

What is a Wine 3PL Company?

A Wine 3PL Company is a third-party wine order fulfillment provider that offers contract-out logistics services, which include managing one or more procurement and fulfillment-related features. The term 3PL refers to any service agreement, including the storage or shipment of goods. A 3PL service may consist of a single provider, such as warehouse storage or transportation, or it may be a system-wide collection of services capable of managing the supply chain.

Do Wine Order Fulfillment include complete E-commerce Integration with Order Shipment Tracking?

Yes, wine order fulfillment includes full e-commerce integration with order shipment tracking. Wine order fulfillment accepts customers’ orders via an automated method. Upon receiving an automated notification, they will ship the wine to your customer immediately.

What is White Glove Fulfillment Services for Wine?

White Glove Fulfillment Services for Wine is the method of wine delivery, ensuring the wine arrives safely and securely at the customer’s door in excellent condition.

Can shipments be customized at Wine Fulfillment?

Yes, shipments can be customized for winery branding, tissue wrapping, packaging for large formats, stickering, bottle ID proof tag tracking, etc.

Are Wine Fulfillment Centers Temperature Controlled?

Yes, wine fulfillment centers are temperature controlled. Liquid is sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Heat is a big concern for most wine transportation companies. If the right temperature is not maintained, the wine’s quality might be severely compromised, especially on long journeys. Generally, temperature-controlled vehicles are used to transport wine.

What is DTC Fulfillment?

Direct-to-consumer fulfillment for Wine, also known as DTC fulfillment, is a coordinated procedure that delivers consumers’ goods in a timely manner. With the advances in e-commerce technologies and the rise of social media, direct-to-consumer firms rose to fame.

What is DTC in Wine Shipping?

DTC, or Direct to Consumer, refers to the sale of wine directly from the wine producer to the end user, or consumer. Generally, there are three phases of wine sales in the United States before reaching the consumer. In this traditional system, the process starts with the wine going from the winery to the distributor or wholesaler, and then to the retailers who sell the wine to consumers.

The DTC process omits the first two processes, allowing wine sales from the winery to the consumer.

What winery DTC software can integrate and be supported by WineCare Logistics?

WineCare Logistics integrates with Shopify, WineDirect, Ship Compliant, Woo Commerce, Commerce 7, VineSpring, Complete DTC and Advanced Management Systems (AMS) software platforms.

Direct to Consumer (DTC) software is an essential tool for wine shipping services because it offers a consolidated basis for managing all aspects of a winery, from production, bottling, distributing, on-site and online sales, and payment processing.

What is a DTC Wine Club?

A direct-to-customer (DTC) Wine Club is a wine marketing organization designed to offer a succession of wine bottles on a monthly or quarterly basis and deliver wine directly to the customer’s door. White wines, red wines, or a combination of the two are frequently offered according to a specific theme.

Most DTC wine clubs nowadays provide customized services that adapt your wine selection to your preferences. Some even deliver smaller, glass-sized quantities, allowing you to taste the wine without purchasing a full bottle.

What are the Advantages of Using a Wine Fulfillment Center for a Wine Club?

Using a Wine Fulfillment Center for a wine club offers several advantages.

  • Same-day delivery.
  • Guaranteed timely shipment of orders.
  • Customized packing slips with the name, address, and phone number of the winery and shipper labels with the winery name, address, and phone number to boost customer confidence and promote goodwill.
  • Comprehensive nationwide distribution on both coasts.
  • Notification emails to customers with tracking details.

How is Direct-to-Consumer Wine Club Fulfillment Processed?

The direct-to-consumer (DTC) wine club fulfillment process is simple and easy.

The DTC wine club fulfillment process consists of picking, packing, and shipping with the assurance that customers receive your wine in good condition and unique taste.

Why Does a Delivery Network Matter in Wine Fulfillment?

The delivery network matters in wine fulfillment because it addresses the issue of maintaining the freshness of wine during shipment.

The benefits of wine shippers include:

  • Savings in cost: Provide speed and ease while expanding the geographical reach, minimizing the expenses and difficulties connected with the time, labor, and capital necessary.
  • Increased consumer reach: Facilitates a greater client base since it accelerates the rate at which items reach the final consumer and enables expansion into new geographies.
  • The other reasons why the distribution network matters in wine fulfillment are customer satisfaction and feedback, which lead to a better understanding of client and product preferences. Wine shippers also contribute to a more effective marketing strategy.

Wine fulfillment services guarantee the proper handling of wine and storage in a secure, temperature-controlled facility.

How is the Online Order Processing Handled for Wine Fulfillment?

Order fulfillment is the entire process from the time an order is placed or a sale is made until the customer receives their shipment. A successful order fulfillment process depends on a third-party logistics provider (3PL) or a fulfillment center to complete all necessary steps. These steps include receiving inventory, processing orders, selecting, packing, and shipping a customer’s online order.

Receive the product or inventory.

  • Inspection of the entire stock for potential damage and quantity
  • Sends a report of the inventory

Stockpiles Your Product

  • The new inventory will be stored in a safe, temperature-controlled, and sprinklered environment once it arrives. Storage can be either short-term or long-term.
  • Assigned staff on-duty ensures compliance with cleanliness, safety, and other protocols.

Order Management and Processing

  • After receiving orders, personnel will pick, pack, and ship the product to the customer.
  • An order shipment notification with tracking details will be sent to the customer.

Managing Returns

  • Personnel in charge of managing returns will handle any issues relating to order returns.

Current Inventory

  • Inventory technology provides you with inventory data.

Direct-to-consumer wine shopping becomes easier and more systematic with the assistance of wine fulfillment companies.

What Licenses Are Needed for Wine Shipping and Fulfillment Companies?

Wine shipping fulfillment companies in California are required to obtain a Public Warehouse License. A public warehouse is defined by the wine act of the US as “…any place licensed for the storage of, but not for sale of, alcohol, or alcoholic beverages, for the account of other licensees…” (Sections 23036 and 23375). A public warehouse is one of the types of locations from which a wholesaler of distilled spirits may make deliveries in the county where he or she is licensed (Section 23355.1). It is also a type of facility where imports may be stored (Section 23661).

Apart from the other licenses, a direct shipper’s permit is required in the states of North Dakota, New Hampshire, and Tennessee. In Kansas, a special order shipping license is required on top of the other licenses.

How is Wine Stored in the Fulfillment Warehouse?

Wine in the fulfillment warehouse is stored in a large temperature-controlled warehouse. The area is also monitored securely 24/7. During hot temperatures, nearly all wine shipping companies offer cold packs to keep the wine cool (which entails an extra cost).

What is the Best Way to Store Wine?

Storage is a primary concern if you are a casual wine drinker. Here are a few tips for proper wine storage.

  • Store wine at the appropriate temperature. The best temperature for short-term or long-term storage is approximately 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius), but this might vary from wine to wine. Read the manufacturer’s label to know the correct wine temperature requirements.
  • Keep wine bottles in a horizontal position. Store wine bottles with corks horizontally in a wine rack. This keeps the wine on its side and helps maintain the cork’s moisture, which is essential for long-term preservation. Dried-out cork can lead to premature aging and seepage. Horizontal storage is also an efficient technique to facilitate access and maximize space.
  • Maintain wine at the appropriate humidity. Extreme humidity in your storage area can affect the longevity of your wine. Corks dry out at lower humidity levels, exposing wine to the effects of oxygen. Higher humidity levels, on the other hand, cause the labels to peel off the bottles. This makes it harder to sell the wine or put it on display. In general, the relative humidity in your wine cellar should be between 60 and 68 percent.
  • Keep wine in a wine refrigerator or wine cooler, not a standard refrigerator. Store wine in a wine cooler if you do not have a wine storage area that is constantly dark, cool, and humid. A wine refrigerator maintains the appropriate humidity for wine at 50-60 °F (10–15 °C). A good wine cooler also features a champagne cooler setting.
  • Protect the wine from vibration and light. Exposure to the UV rays of direct sunlight reduces the flavors and fragrances of wine. Vibration caused by the washer, dryer, stereo system, and gym area destabilizes the sediments in the bottle that interfere with the delicate aging process of wine. Store wine in a dark area regardless if you are storing it for days, weeks, or months.
  • Properly store open bottles of wine. A properly stored opened bottle of wine can survive three to five days. Recork an open bottle of wine immediately to preserve its natural flavors and extend its shelf life. Wrap some wax paper around the cork and slip it back into its initial position. The wax will facilitate cork insertion and prevent cork fragments from falling into the bottle. If the cork is thrown or If it’s broken, use a rubber wine stopper to seal the wine. You can also use a wine vacuum pump to draw the air out of the open bottle and create an almost airtight seal.

Keep in mind that only a small proportion of great wines on the market are enhanced by extended maturation. The majority of wines should be consumed within a few years of release.

What temperature is best for wine storage?

The ideal temperature for wine storage depends on several factors, such as the percentage of alcohol, fruit, and tannin in the wine. Generally, DTC wine and spirits
are stored between 55 – 59 °F (12 – 15 °C).

However, if you intend to drink your wine within six months of purchase, this is the best temperature range to follow.

  • 60 – 65 F: Port wine and full-bodied red wines
  • 50 – 60 F: Light fruity red wines and full-bodied white wines
  • 40 – 50 F: Sparkling and light, dry white wines

The best conditions for storing wine are a dark, vibration-free setting with a relative humidity of less than 70 %. Wine freezers and cellars offer the best storage conditions for wine.

How Does Subscription Box Fulfillment of Wine Works?

A wine subscription box is the most convenient way to find wines that are not available at your local grocery store. Each bottle of wine you receive was most likely produced in small quantities by independent winemakers. Every wine subscription box promotes the growth of small wineries.

The following is the process of wine subscription box fulfillment.

  1. Phone conference or an in-person meeting: Surplus inventory management, API connectivity, delivery choices, and more will be discussed.
  2. Account creation: This process involves integrating your preferred shopping cart account. It also includes analyzing your desired packing techniques, materials, and boxes to ensure that the approach is tailored to your specifications.
  3. A run through the process: You will be given a run through the software’s capabilities and fulfillment processes to guarantee that you have a complete account management understanding.
  4. Set a receiving gateway in your account. This gives the arrival details of your wine at the warehouse so that packaging can start. You will be able to check how much inventory remains and formulate a plan for excess stock once your boxes have been dispatched.
  5. Verify if inventory levels are sufficient to fulfill the number of orders. Three photographs, namely: 1) a photo of all the items, 2) a photo of the items in the box; and 3) a photo of the sealed box, will be sent to you. Full assembly follows once approved to meet your desired ship date. You will be informed at every step, and you can also track the process in your account.

A wine subscription box would be an excellent monthly investment if you are a regular wine drinker or wine enthusiast.

Can Wine Producers Sell Directly to Consumers instead of Going Through a Wine Shipper?

Yes, wine producers can sell directly to consumers through direct-to-consumer (DTC) shipping. However, DTC shipping requires significant effort and understanding of the laws and regulations governing alcohol distribution. There are different regulations depending on where you are located and where you intend to sell your wine.

The best option, though, is to make use of wine fulfillment services. Wine fulfillment companies eliminate the worry that comes with wine distribution.

Why Should Wineries Ship Wine Internationally Through 3rd Party Wine Shipping?

Wineries should use 3rd party wine shipping to ship wine internationally because 3PL companies can handle your international shipping activities. They let you allocate more resources and time to these processes. 3PLs will guarantee that all trade compliance requirements are met while reducing process costs. A 3PL will guarantee that all operations are executed as planned.

  • They have a knowledgeable and dedicated staff who handle international wine shipping. They will guarantee that all trade compliance requirements are met while reducing process costs.
  • They offer dependability, ship faster, flawlessly deliver your wine, and a greater variety of service options.
  • They offer streamlined pricing. If you have the prices for 1, 2, 6, and 12 packs on hand, it will become easier to quote the international prices in your tasting room.
  • A 3PL will guarantee that all operations are executed as planned.

What is Carbon Neutral Shipping for Wine?

Carbon neutral shipping for wine is a United Parcel Services (UPS) shipping service that offsets the carbon dioxide emissions generated by the shipment’s transport.

Wine manufacturers who use DTC wine shipping have greater environmental control with carbon neutral shipping.