Bringing Argentine Wine to the US on a Plane?

[malandro]

I would suggest reading up on the TTB.

The fact is "There is no federal limit on the amount of alcohol a person may import into the U.S. for personal use." In my state: "A California resident or any other person crossing the international border via common carrier may bring in a reasonable quantity of alcoholic beverages (up to five cases or 60 liters) provided the beverages are for personal or household use." Not sure what you think you saw at TTB, but read it over again. If you have concerns, don't do it. It's that simple.
https://www.abc.ca.gov/importing-alcoholic-beverages-for-personal-or-household-use/

 

[wineguy999]

The fact is "There is no federal limit on the amount of alcohol a person may import into the U.S. for personal use." In my state: "A California resident or any other person crossing the international border via common carrier may bring in a reasonable quantity of alcoholic beverages (up to five cases or 60 liters) provided the beverages are for personal or household use." Not sure what you think you saw at TTB, but read it over again. If you have concerns, don't do it. It's that simple.
https://www.abc.ca.gov/importing-alcoholic-beverages-for-personal-or-household-use/

The fact is the TTB, not the state, is the final word on importation, and the CA ABC lets you know that on the very page you link to. It's not a good idea to let people think that they will face no scrutiny from the CBP agent when they arrive. I pity the person that faces down a grumpy jerk or an idiot with initiative, only to see their goodies disappear to some back room, never to be seen again.

FWIW, I hold a TTB Import Permit and state permits in CA and TX, and at one time or another have managed compliance reporting in seven different states.

 

[malandro]

I would suggest reading up on the TTB.

What part of TTB? It's directed by law to commercial activity. It oversees commercial importers of alcohol, not tourists/expats.

 

[malandro]

The fact is the TTB, not the state, is the final word on importation, and the CA ABC lets you know that on the very page you link to. It's not a good idea to let people think that they will face no scrutiny from the CBP agent when they arrive. I pity the person that faces down a grumpy jerk or an idiot with initiative, only to see their goodies disappear to some back room, never to be seen again.

FWIW, I hold a TTB Import Permit and state permits in CA and TX, and at one time or another have managed compliance reporting in seven different states.

Mazeltov. I tell people: the feds have alot more on their minds, and if 'apprehended' there's no criminal penalty, and in any case the agents aren't fools and when they see you show up with a case of vintage wine or artesanal gin they pretty much figure it's for home use., The state of California ABC states clearly: "Adults traveling into California from a foreign country by steamship or airplane may bring with them a reasonable amount of alcoholic beverages for personal or household use. A reasonable amount is not more than 60 liters (approximately five cases). (ABC agreement with U.S. Customs)" and makes no mention of TTB, which suggests this is the last word. BUT if it makes you nervous DON'T DO IT.