How to Select a Wine & Spirits Storage Facility: Questions to Ask Your 3PL

Storing and distributing wine and spirits requires more than just warehouse space. From regulatory compliance to climate control and secure handling, choosing the right third-party logistics provider (3PL) is critical to protecting your product, your brand, and your bottom line.

Whether you’re a winery, distillery, importer, or distributor, asking the right questions before selecting a wine and spirits storage facility can help you avoid costly mistakes. Below are the most important questions to ask your 3PL—and why they matter.

1. Is the Facility Properly Licensed and Certified?

Wine and spirits storage is highly regulated. Your 3PL should hold all required certifications and comply with federal, state, and local regulations.

Ask your provider:

• Are you licensed to store alcoholic beverages?

• Do you meet TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) requirements?

• Are you registered with applicable regulatory agencies?

• Can you support bonded and non-bonded storage if needed?

Working with a compliant warehouse protects your inventory and ensures uninterrupted distribution.

2. Does the Facility Offer Climate-Controlled Storage?

Temperature fluctuations can damage wine and spirits, affecting taste, shelf life, and product integrity.

Ask:

• What temperature and humidity ranges are maintained?

• Are climate controls monitored 24/7?

• What safeguards exist in the event of power loss?

Consistent environmental conditions are essential, especially for long-term storage or premium products.

3. How Is Inventory Tracked and Secured?

High-value inventory requires advanced tracking and security.

Important questions include:

• How is inventory scanned and tracked within your system?

• Do you offer real-time inventory visibility?

• What security measures are in place (cameras, access controls, alarms)?

• How do you prevent loss, theft, or misplacement?

A strong inventory management system ensures accuracy and accountability at all times.

4. Can You Support Distribution and Transportation?

Storage is only one piece of the supply chain. A capable 3PL should also support efficient distribution.

Ask:

• Do you offer integrated transportation and distribution services?

• Can you ship to wholesalers, retailers, or direct-to-consumer (where permitted)?

• Do you work with multiple carriers?

• Can you scale distribution during peak seasons?

Having storage and transportation under one roof improves speed, accuracy, and cost control.

5. What Value-Added Services Are Available?

Many wine and spirits brands require additional services beyond storage.

Ask if your 3PL provides:

• Kitting and gift-set assembly

• Custom labeling or re-labeling

• Promotional packaging

• Case picking and palletizing

• Compliance labeling and documentation support

Value-added services help streamline operations and reduce the need for multiple vendors.

6. How Do You Handle Compliance and Audits?

Regulatory audits are a reality in the alcohol industry.

Ask:

• How do you prepare for audits?

• What documentation is maintained?

• How do you handle recalls or compliance issues?

• Can you support traceability and reporting requirements?

A knowledgeable 3PL helps you stay compliant and prepared at all times.

7. What Experience Do You Have With Wine & Spirits Brands?

Not all warehouses understand the nuances of alcohol storage and distribution.

Ask:

• How long have you worked with wine and spirits clients?

• What types of alcohol products do you store?

• Can you share examples or use cases?

Industry-specific experience reduces risk and improves operational efficiency.

8. Is the Facility Strategically Located?

Location impacts delivery speed and shipping costs.

Consider:

• Proximity to ports, distributors, and major markets

• Access to regional and national transportation routes

• Ability to serve key geographic areas efficiently

A centrally located facility can significantly improve supply-chain performance.

Why Choose 3G Warehouse for Wine & Spirits Storage?

At 3G Warehouse, we specialize in certified wine and spirits storage with the infrastructure, compliance expertise, and security required for high-value alcohol products.

Our services include:

• Licensed, compliant storage facilities

• Climate-controlled environments

• Advanced inventory tracking

• Secure warehousing

• Integrated transportation and distribution

• Kitting, labeling, and value-added services

We help wine and spirits brands protect product quality while scaling distribution with confidence.

Final Thoughts

Selecting the right wine and spirits storage facility is a strategic decision that impacts quality, compliance, and customer satisfaction. By asking the right questions and partnering with an experienced 3PL, you can ensure your products are stored and distributed safely and efficiently.

3G Warehouse is built to support wine and spirits brands with secure, compliant, and scalable storage solutions.