In the ever-evolving world of direct-to-consumer (DTC) wine logistics, customer experience isn’t just a priority but the foundation. Our enhanced wine shipping capabilities ensure that your products reach customers with the utmost care and efficiency. By streamlining the logistics process, we not only optimize operational workflows but also enhance the overall customer experience. At Copper Peak Logistics, we are committed to supporting wineries and wine brands in their growth journey, providing tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of the wine industry. Trust us to handle your wine shipping needs, allowing you to focus on what you do best: creating exceptional wines. ing world of direct-to-consumer (DTC) wine logistics, customer experience isn’t just a priority but the foundation. That’s why Copper Peak Logistics has reimagined its CopperLink wine warehouse management system (WMS) to deliver a smarter, more intuitive solution for wineries and wine brands looking to scale with confidence.

A WMS Built for the Modern Wine Brand

CPL’s wine WMS is more than just a logistics tool. It’s a strategic asset designed to empower DTC wine businesses with:

• Total access and control over data, orders, and inventory
• Seamless integrations with major technology partners
• Proactive tools to create alerts, manage exceptions, and generate intelligent customer notifications

Whether you’re managing seasonal surges or nurturing loyal club members, CPL’s platform ensures that every bottle reaches its destination with precision and transparency.

A Major Upgrade for a Smarter Future

Summer of 2025 marked the roll out of a significant upgrade to our wine logistics software, reinforcing its commitment to operational excellence and customer-centric innovation. The newest version of the CopperLink portal continues to leverage the robust Infoplus Commerce WMS as its backbone, while introducing a suite of enhancements tailored for DTC wine fulfillment.

Key Improvements Include:

• ? Real-time analytics for order and inventory data, enabling faster, smarter decisions
• ? Dynamic dashboards that turn operational data into actionable business intelligence
• ? Extensive reporting capabilities for compliance, performance, and customer insights
• ? Self-directed order modifications and collaboration tools for greater flexibility
• ? Modern APIs for seamless connectivity across platforms
• ? Email and SMS messaging to keep customers informed at every step
• ? User-specific alerts and messaging for personalized engagement and proactive issue resolution

Designed for DTC Success

CPL’s upgrade isn’t just about logistics but about creating memorable customer experiences, reducing friction, and giving wine brands the tools they need to thrive in a competitive market. From small boutique wineries to national DTC programs, this platform is built to scale, adapt, and deliver.

Ready to transform your fulfillment strategy? Copper Peak Logistics is the partner you’ve been waiting for.

In the ever-evolving world of direct-to-consumer (DTC) wine logistics, customer experience isn’t just a priority but the foundation. Our enhanced wine shipping capabilities ensure that your products reach customers with the utmost care and efficiency. By streamlining the logistics process, we not only optimize operational workflows but also enhance the overall customer experience. At Copper Peak Logistics, we are committed to supporting wineries and wine brands in their growth journey, providing tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of the wine industry. Trust us to handle your wine shipping needs, allowing you to focus on what you do best: creating exceptional wines. ing world of direct-to-consumer (DTC) wine logistics, customer experience isn’t just a priority but the foundation. That’s why Copper Peak Logistics has reimagined its CopperLink wine warehouse management system (WMS) to deliver a smarter, more intuitive solution for wineries and wine brands looking to scale with confidence.

A WMS Built for the Modern Wine Brand

CPL’s wine WMS is more than just a logistics tool. It’s a strategic asset designed to empower DTC wine businesses with:

• Total access and control over data, orders, and inventory
• Seamless integrations with major technology partners
• Proactive tools to create alerts, manage exceptions, and generate intelligent customer notifications

Whether you’re managing seasonal surges or nurturing loyal club members, CPL’s platform ensures that every bottle reaches its destination with precision and transparency.

A Major Upgrade for a Smarter Future

Summer of 2025 marked the roll out of a significant upgrade to our wine logistics software, reinforcing its commitment to operational excellence and customer-centric innovation. The newest version of the CopperLink portal continues to leverage the robust Infoplus Commerce WMS as its backbone, while introducing a suite of enhancements tailored for DTC wine fulfillment.

Key Improvements Include:

•  Real-time analytics for order and inventory data, enabling faster, smarter decisions
•  Dynamic dashboards that turn operational data into actionable business intelligence
•  Extensive reporting capabilities for compliance, performance, and customer insights
•  Self-directed order modifications and collaboration tools for greater flexibility
•  Modern APIs for seamless connectivity across platforms
•  Email and SMS messaging to keep customers informed at every step
•  User-specific alerts and messaging for personalized engagement and proactive issue resolution

Designed for DTC Success

CPL’s upgrade isn’t just about logistics but about creating memorable customer experiences, reducing friction, and giving wine brands the tools they need to thrive in a competitive market. From small boutique wineries to national DTC programs, this platform is built to scale, adapt, and deliver.

Ready to transform your fulfillment strategy? Copper Peak Logistics is the partner you’ve been waiting for.

by Stacey HeuerAs we approach Thanksgiving, it’s a time to pause and reflect on the past year—the lessons we’ve learned, the challenges we’ve navigated, and the many things we have to be grateful for. For those of us in the wine industry, this reflection feels especially meaningful. The past year has asked us to adapt, to rethink long-standing traditions, and to find new ways to connect with customers and one another. We’ve witnessed shifting consumer preferences, evolving markets, and the uncertainty that naturally comes with change. Yet through it all, I’ve seen incredible determination, creativity, and collaboration across our community. These qualities remind me that, while the landscape may shift, what truly endures is our shared passion for the craft, our resilience in the face of challenge, and the strong sense of camaraderie that binds us together. In that spirit, I’d like to share what I’m especially thankful for within our wine industry family.

Grateful for Resilience and Passion in the Wine Industry

First and foremost, I’m grateful for the resilience and passion of the people who make up this industry. From growers to winemakers, distributors to tasting room teams, vendors to marketers—the love for wine and the craft of sharing it with others remains unwavering. Despite the downturn, I see individuals pushing forward with creativity and determination, keeping alive the spirit that first drew us all to this world.

Grateful for Connection and Collaboration

I’m also thankful for the spirit of connection and collaboration that binds our industry together. Organizations like Wine Women and BANG (By Appointment Networking Group) remind us that we don’t have to navigate these times alone. These groups create space for dialogue, encouragement, and shared solutions. They bring professionals together, helping us not only to strengthen our networks, but also to lift one another up through collaboration.

Spotlight on Wine Women

Wine Women champions the professional advancement of women in the wine industry through education, mentorship, and networking opportunities. The group hosts events that connect people across all facets of the industry, from production to marketing to logistics, helping foster career growth while strengthening the industry as a whole.

For Copper Peak Logistics, being a corporate member of Wine Women has been an invaluable opportunity. It allows us to support and invest in the leadership and success of women within the industry—something we care deeply about. Our team participates in events, expands professional networks, and engages with individuals throughout all aspects of the industry in meaningful ways, building relationships that go beyond business.

Spotlight on BANG (By Appointment Networking Group)

BANG is another cornerstone of the wine industry’s collaborative spirit. This networking organization is designed to bring industry professionals together. By connecting winery owners, sales teams, distributors, and service providers, BANG accelerates relationships, encourages knowledge sharing, and creates opportunities for collaboration that might not happen otherwise. I have the privilege of serving as a BANG Ambassador, a role I truly love. I’m especially thankful for the opportunity to support the host location and to welcome each participant as they arrive, helping to set the tone for the connections and collaborations that follow.

As a Platinum member, Copper Peak Logistics enjoys the full suite of BANG benefits, including priority access to events, the ability to host and participate in events, which leads to visibility among industry leaders. This membership strengthens our network, keeps us informed about industry trends, and allows us to share our expertise with a broader community—all while fostering mutually beneficial partnerships that help our clients and the wine industry thrive.

Grateful for the Shared Table

Lastly, I’m thankful for the simple truth that wine continues to bring people together. No matter the market conditions, a bottle of wine opened around a table has the power to create conversation, celebration, and connection. This enduring gift of wine—the ability to unite us—remains unchanged and is perhaps more important than ever.

As we gather this Thanksgiving, I encourage all of us in the wine industry to take a moment of gratitude. Let’s honor the resilience, the collaboration, and the shared joy that sustains us. Because even in challenging times, there is so much to be thankful for.

Here’s to a season of connection, and to the bright future we continue to build—together.

In the world of logistics and fulfillment, stagnant wine inventory is more than just a space hog—it’s a problem! Whether you’re dealing with seasonal overstock, slow-moving vintages, or excess promotional items, finding creative and effective ways to move inventory is essential. At Copper Peak Logistics, we specialize in helping brands streamline their fulfillment operations, and that includes smart inventory management. Here are some proven strategies to help you clear the shelves and make room for growth.

Effective Management of Your Wine Inventory

1. Segment and Analyze Your Wine Inventory

Before you act, get clear on what you’re dealing with:

• ABC Analysis: Categorize inventory by value and velocity—A (high value, fast-moving), B (moderate), C (low value, slow-moving).
• Seasonal Trends: Flag items tied to specific seasons or events.

This data-driven approach helps prioritize which items need to move first.

2. Bundle Products for Value

Create product bundles that combine slow movers with popular items:

• Mystery Case: Turn excess wine inventory into an adventure. A curated box of surprised items offered at a great rate to help spark curiosity, move varied vintages, and delight with unexpected finds.
• Cellar Sale: Offer a rare opportunity to score hidden gems at unbeatable prices.
• Gift Sets: Pair bestsellers with underperformers for holiday or promotional bundles.
• BOGO Offers: “Buy One, Get One” deals can incentivize customers to try new products.
• Tiered Discounts: Offer increasing discounts as customers add more items to their cart.

3. Leverage Flash Sales and Limited-Time Offers

Urgency drives action. Use time-sensitive promotions to create buzz:

• Flash Sales: Promote via email and social media for quick hits.
• Countdown Timers: Add urgency to your e-commerce site.
• Exclusive Offers: Reward loyal customers (both club and non-club) with early access or deeper discounts.

4. Use Predictive Analytics for Future Planning

Avoid overstock in the first place:

• Forecasting Tools: Use historical data and AI to predict demand.
• Inventory Alerts: Set thresholds to trigger reordering or promotional action.
• Collaborate with Fulfillment Partners: Work with experts (like Copper Peak!) to align inventory with marketing and sales cycles.

Proactive planning reduces the need for reactive inventory moves.

At Copper Peak Logistics, we know that moving inventory isn’t just about clearing space—it’s about protecting margins, delighting customers, and staying agile in a competitive market. Whether you’re a growing brand or an established player, our team is here to help you optimize your fulfillment strategy from warehouse to doorstep.

Ready to rethink your inventory game? Let’s talk.

By the Copper Peak TeamThe OND (holiday) season is fast approaching, and now is the time to lay the groundwork for a smooth, successful holiday shipping experience. At Copper Peak Logistics, our shipping experts have shared their top strategies to help wineries and DTC brands get ahead—before the rush begins.

Amanda Castorena and Mike Galvan have pulled together some tips and a checklist to help you stay on track!

1. Finalize Gifting and Kitting Plans Early Corporate gifting and seasonal kits are high-impact, but they require extra components like branded packaging, glassware, and printed collateral. Ordering these items now ensures you won’t face delays later when demand spikes.

2. Lock in Your Shipping Calendar Submit club setup forms and finalize ship dates for the rest of the year. Mondays are already filling up, and blackout dates are creeping in. Build in extra transit time to account for seasonal delays and avoid last-minute surprises.

3. Refresh Your Marketing Materials Update your website, brochures, and social media with accurate contact info and promotional messaging. Stock up on printed materials now so they’re ready to go when orders start rolling in.

4. Coordinate Closely with Your Fulfillment Partner Share your expected volumes, drop dates, and inventory needs early. The more visibility your fulfillment team has, the better they can support you—especially when it comes to weather holds and large releases.

5. Use a Checklist to Stay Organized Copper Peak Logistics offers a printable OND prep checklist to help you track tasks and deadlines. It’s a simple way to stay on top of everything from marketing updates to inventory planning. See our checklist below to help guide you!

The bottom line? Start your OND prep now to avoid bottlenecks, missed opportunities, and holiday headaches. Reach out to your Client Services team today to begin planning!

OND Shipping Season Checklist

Our proactive guide to ensure your wine shipments deliver on your brand promise during peak season.

At Copper Peak Logistics, we believe fulfillment is more than just shipping—it’s an extension of your brand. This checklist is designed to help you prepare thoughtfully and execute confidently, so your customers receive your product with the care it deserves.

Build in Transit Flexibility

• Extend carrier transit expectations by a few days to accommodate seasonal volume and weather variability.

Communicate Holiday Cutoffs Clearly

Ensure your customers know when to order by posting deadlines across:

• Your website
• Social media platforms
• Email communications to club members and customers

Align Your Internal Teams

• Share holiday shipping schedules with tasting room, wine club, and telesales staff.
• Provide training or refreshers on order flow and fulfillment protocols.

Finalize Your Marketing Calendar

• Lock in promotional timelines and campaigns.
• Update and distribute marketing collateral to reflect seasonal messaging.

Prepare Fulfillment Resources

Partner with your fulfillment team to ensure readiness:

• Confirm inventory of branded materials and non-wine merchandise.
• Align on capabilities, production schedules, volume expectations, and receiving guidelines.

Strategize Weather Holds

• Collaborate with your fulfillment partner to plan and release weather holds with minimal disruption.

Streamline Order Processing

• Submit orders promptly as they’re received to maintain momentum and avoid bottlenecks.

Copper Peak Logistics, a leading provider of alcohol-compliant fulfillment and logistics services, is proud to announce a new direct integration with OrderPort, a premier DTC software platform designed specifically for wineries. This powerful new connection marks a major step forward in streamlining operations and elevating the customer experience for wine businesses across the country.

Through the direct integration, wineries can now enjoy real-time order flow, automated tracking updates, and synchronized inventory across platforms. This eliminates manual data entry, reduces errors, and enables faster, more reliable delivery—all while keeping inventory levels accurate and up to date.

“We’re thrilled to partner with OrderPort to offer wineries a smarter, more connected way to manage their fulfillment,” said Merilee Anderson, Senior Vice President of Client Services at Copper Peak Logistics. “This integration reflects our continued commitment to innovation and supporting our clients with best-in-class tools.”

The integration is available now, and wineries leveraging both platforms can begin taking advantage of its benefits immediately.

“OrderPort is excited to integrate with Copper Peak Logistics to offer wineries a powerful, streamlined fulfillment solution,” said OrderPort CEO Jim Agger. “This partnership supports our goal of giving wineries flexibility and choice in how they manage and grow their DTC operations.”

For more information, visit www.copperpeaklogistics.com or orderport.net.

By Silvino CarrerasWhen people think about wine, their minds often go straight to the rolling vineyards, the artistry of winemakers, and the joy of sharing a glass with friends and family. While all of that is central to the magic of wine, there’s another side to the story—one that quietly works behind the scenes. It’s the story of how each bottle gets from the vineyard to your table.

This is the world of wine logistics, where dedicated professionals work tirelessly to ensure that every bottle reaches its destination in perfect condition. As a vendor to the wine industry, I know firsthand the immense effort that goes into this process.  I would love to shine a spotlight on the hard work and dedication of all the individuals in wine logistics.

The Invisible Link: Connecting Vineyards to Consumers

Once the winemaker has crafted the perfect vintage, the journey is far from over. That is where Copper Peak Logistics comes in. Delivering wine to the consumer is not as simple as moving boxes from point A to point B—it’s an intricate process that requires precision, expertise, and care, what we like to call Craftsmanship Fulfillment.

At the core of this process is our team here at CPL. From the moment each bottle is destined for CPL, it is placed in the hands of people who understand the delicate nature of what they are handling. Our team coordinates transportation, manages storage conditions, and oversees every step in between. Without our team’s work, the final connection between winemaker and consumer wouldn’t happen.

Wine’s Delicate Nature: A Challenge for Logistics

Unlike most products, wine is exceptionally sensitive to its environment. Exposure to extreme temperatures or extended transit time can compromise its quality before it ever reaches its destination.  That’s why CPL offers tailored solutions like temperature-controlled shipping, advanced weather hold features, and specialized packaging. Our team of logistics professionals are constantly thinking ahead and solving problems in real time to protect the integrity of the product.

Navigating the Unexpected

On the surface, the wine distribution process might seem straightforward. But every shipment comes with its own set of challenges. Weather conditions, regulatory hurdles, customs requirements for international shipping, and even natural disasters can threaten the safe delivery of a shipment. But our team is skilled in navigating these challenges.

At CPL, we don’t panic when obstacles arise – we plan. Our team’s deep expertise allows us to quickly pivot: planning alternative routes, expediting shipments, or securing specialized storage to protect the wine. This ability to adapt is what sets us apart, and it’s a reflection of the professionalism and passion that drives our work.

Delivering More Than a Bottle

One of the most rewarding parts of working in wine logistics is knowing that what we’re delivering is more than just a product—it’s an experience. Every bottle of wine has the potential to create a special moment, whether it’s part of a family celebration, a gift to a loved one, or simply enjoyed at the end of a long day.

For those of us in logistics, there’s a sense of pride that comes from knowing we played a role in delivering that experience. Every time a bottle of wine arrives at its destination in perfect condition, it’s a win for the entire logistics team. The joy and satisfaction of knowing that someone is about to uncork a bottle that traveled safely thanks to our efforts—that’s what makes all the hard work worthwhile.

Appreciate the Process

Wine logistics isn’t glamorous. It’s a world of warehouses, deadlines, and constant problem-solving. But it’s also an essential part of the wine industry. Without logistics partners like CPL, the incredible wines crafted in vineyards around the world would never make it to the tables of wine lovers. Our job is to ensure that the essence of the vineyard—the passion, care, and craftsmanship that went into each bottle—remains intact as it travels to the consumer.

So the next time you open a bottle of wine, take a moment to appreciate not just the vineyard, but also the people behind the scenes. The ones who kept that bottle with care, navigated every obstacle, and ensured that when you took that first sip, the wine tasted exactly as it was meant to.

Let’s raise a glass:

To the logistics teams behind every bottle, here’s to you—because without your hard work, the world wouldn’t experience the magic of wine the way we do. Cheers!

by Miguel SandovalWhen people think about Wine Fulfillment, they often imagine the final mile—packages arriving on doorsteps like shiny new pickups rolling off the lot. It’s the glamorous part. Cue client smiles, thank-you emails, corks popping, and the sweet smell of success.

But before we get to the harvest (aka delivery), there’s some serious groundwork that has to happen. And at the heart of that is receiving—the engine under the hood, the plow before the plant, the grease that keeps the gears turning.

Let me break it down.

Receiving: The Tractor That Starts the Season

Receiving is the first step in the lifecycle of a product here at Copper Peak Logistics, and just like in farming, if you don’t prep the soil right, you can forget about a good crop. In logistics terms, receiving is the moment your inventory rolls in and we say, “Alright, let’s get to work.”

We inspect it, sort it, scan it, and make sure everything is just as it should be—no missing foils, or damaged labels, no wrong SKUs, or broken wax, or low fill surprises to be found further downstream.

It’s not glamorous, but it’s essential. Like a farmer wouldn’t skip plowing and go straight to planting, we wouldn’t skip receiving and go straight to shipping. That’s how you end up with delayed deliveries and unhappy customers.

Inventory Accuracy: Calibrating the Tools

Once received, inventory has to be dialed in just right—like tuning a tractor or tightening the bolts on a classic engine rebuild. If your counts are off or your parts aren’t in the right place, the whole system misfires.  Detailed product descriptions ensure we match every vintage, varietal, appellation, and every fine detail from Estate, or Reserve, to Old Vine.  Our team quality checks every detail each time a bottle is touched in every process we do. And just like a mechanic knows when a wrench is out of place, our team knows when products need to be fine-tuned to ensure order accuracy. That attention to detail keeps operations humming and orders flowing like a well-oiled V8.

Delivery: The Harvest (or the Joyride)

Now for the big moment: delivery. This is what all that groundwork leads up to. For the farmer, it’s the full grain silo. For the mechanic, it’s the roar of the engine when the rebuild is complete. For Copper Peak? It’s the satisfied customer, singing our praises, when their consumer’s receive their packages in perfect condition.

But make no mistake—none of this happens without that solid start at receiving. You can’t harvest what you didn’t plant, and you can’t deliver what you didn’t properly receive.

Tip Your Cap to the Crew

So here’s to the folks on the docks and in the receiving bays—the ones checking pallets, logging SKUs, and setting the stage for every successful delivery. You’re the mechanics in the pit crew, the farmers behind the bounty, and the true foundation of greatness here at Copper Peak.

Because in this business, delivery might get the glory—but receiving is where the real work begins.

Some tips to Help Perfect the Receiving Process:

• Provide a BOL with every delivery. If you don’t have one, or lost it on the way, no problem. Just ask our receiving team for a bank BOL and we’ve got you covered!
• Keep SKUS in separate cartons when able. If you find yourself needing to mix SKUS in a carton, it is always appreciated if you note it on the outside of the carton or tell our team upon delivery.
• Enter your Inventory Transfer (ASN) prior to delivery….and if you can include the Inventory Transfer (ASN) number on the BOL, or outside of the carton, you might just become the receiving team’s favorite client.
• Anything interesting happening with the product you are dropping off in the future, just let us know! Is it going back out to be waxed, is it destined for a kitting project, are their orders on hold waiting for the product, whatever it maybe, the more information we have the better we can react. Additionally, we play wine trivia games at Copper Peak, so any interesting facts you can share may help us win in the future!

by Katiria RodriguezThere’s something magical about the moment a bottle of wine is opened. The gentle pop of the cork, the swirl of liquid in a glass, and the anticipation of the first sip — it’s an experience that transcends simply drinking a beverage. It’s a sensory journey, rich with history, craftsmanship, and passion. But behind that moment is an intricate process that begins long before the bottle reaches a customer’s hands. As a fulfillment partner to the wine industry, I’ve come to realize that we’re not just shipping wine — we’re delivering an experience.

Crafting the Perfect Delivery Experience

Our fulfillment approach goes beyond simply shipping packages—we focus on creating exceptional experiences. It all begins with our dedicated team, who take the time to understand each winery’s distinct expectations to deliver the perfect consumer experience. We provide thorough training, ensuring our staff is well-versed in the specific needs of our winery partners. From accurately reading wine labels to recognizing the importance of vintages and appellations, our team is equipped to handle every detail with precision. This commitment ensures that every shipment upholds the quality and integrity of the brand it represents.

Every bottle is meticulously inspected through multiple layers of quality control. We check labels, foils, and wax seals to ensure that each bottle arrives in pristine condition. These small details may seem minor, but they are crucial in preserving the integrity of the winemaker’s craft and the joy of the recipient.

The Anticipation of Unboxing

There’s a unique thrill in receiving a package of wine. Whether it’s a rare vintage a customer has been anticipating or a curated selection from a subscription box, the moment of unboxing is filled with excitement and discovery. Knowing that we play a part in that moment is deeply rewarding.

We collaborate with leading packaging vendors to provide high-quality, environmentally conscious materials. Our goal is to source packaging made in the USA with the highest possible post-consumer recycled paper content, ensuring sustainability without sacrificing quality. From beautifully branded gift boxes and custom tissue paper to personalized inserts and premium marketing top pads, every element is designed to enhance the unboxing experience. We take pride in crafting innovative packaging solutions that add to the excitement of receiving a shipment.

Transporting More Than Just a Bottle

Each bottle of wine carries with it the essence of the vineyard from which it came — the soil, the climate, and the hands that nurtured the grapes. As a logistics provider, our responsibility is to ensure that this story remains intact from the winery to the consumer’s doorstep. We’re not just moving products; we’re delivering a piece of the vineyard’s history and craftsmanship to someone’s home.

It’s easy to view logistics as a series of boxes and tracking numbers, but we see it differently. We see it as facilitating the connection between the winemaker and the wine lover. Every shipment represents years of dedication and artistry and ensuring that it arrives in perfect condition isn’t just a task — it’s a privilege.

Elevating Every Moment

At the end of the day, what brings us the most satisfaction is knowing that we’re not just managing inventory. We’re creating moments of joy. We’re delivering experiences that elevate celebrations, deepen connections, and honor the art of winemaking. From vineyard to doorstep, every delivery is a chapter in a larger story—and we are honored to play our part in bringing that story to life.

For wineries eager to serve customers nationwide, strategic fulfillment is key. With two robust fulfillment centers—one in Napa, California, and the other in St. Louis, Missouri—Copper Peak Logistics can efficiently reach customers from coast to coast, ensuring timely deliveries and exceptional customer satisfaction.

Located in the heart of the Midwest, St. Louis, Missouri, offers the perfect blend of accessibility, capacity, and history. Our 55,000-square-foot fulfillment center in St. Louis is a pivotal hub that connects wineries to a vast network of customers in the U.S., leveraging its proximity to transportation routes, population centers, and rich local culture.

Unmatched Location Advantage

St. Louis isn’t just a city—it’s a gateway. Located just 200 miles from the population center of the United States, the fulfillment center allows our clients to store and ship their wine closer to one of the most densely populated and commercially active regions. The strategic location reduces shipping times and in certain situations costs, making it easier for wineries to offer competitive pricing and meet growing customer expectations for swift delivery.

Moving products from California into the Midwest is facilitated by St. Louis being connected by major highways, railways, and air routes. Major transportation carrier service these routes with temperature-controlled solutions to protect product integrity all along the way. The state of Missouri is also a friendly state to do business in relative to alcohol regulations and licensing. Overall, it’s an ideal place for DTC wine shipping solutions.

Capacity for Growth

The St. Louis fulfillment center boasts a sprawling 55,000-square-foot space, designed to handle a significant volume of inventory and orders. This expansive capacity means wineries have the flexibility to scale up as demand grows. Whether you’re launching new products, expanding into new markets, or gearing up for the holiday rush, the CPL fulfillment center is equipped to meet your needs.

Modern facilities and efficient processes ensure seamless order fulfillment. This setup minimizes delays and maximizes accuracy, helping your business maintain trust and reliability with your customers. Most importantly, this location works in tandem with our Napa, CA fulfillment center, offering identical services for inventory management, order processing, kitting and special projects.

A Nod to Tradition: Winemaking Roots

While St. Louis is recognized for its industrial strengths, it also carries a lesser known but rich winemaking history. The first American Viticultural Area (AVA) was established in 1987, just outside St. Louis County. This designation underscores the area’s contributions to American winemaking, marking it as a region with unique terroir and cultural significance.

Reach Customers Coast to Coast

The addition of St. Louis to your fulfillment strategy creates a powerhouse partnership with the CPL Napa facility. Together, these centers cover the breadth of the United States, ensuring that your wines will be delivered efficiently and reliably from sea to shining sea.

Fast delivery times, reduced shipping costs, and expanded reach are no longer just goals—they’re realities with the strategically placed CPL hubs.

Amanda Castorena and Merilee AndersonLet Amanda Castorena and Merilee Anderson dive into why virtual tastings should still matter to you:

With travel costs on the rise, visiting wine country may feel less attainable for some customers. But that doesn’t mean wineries can’t still connect with their audience in meaningful ways. Virtual wine tastings—once a staple during pandemic restrictions—are still a powerful and cost-effective option that wineries should embrace once again.

Why Virtual Tastings Still Matter

Even as in-person visits return, virtual tastings provide unique benefits that can elevate your winery’s customer engagement:

• Expanded Reach: By hosting virtual tastings, you can connect with customers across the country—or even globally—without the limits of travel costs or time zones.
• Cost-Effective Engagement: For wine enthusiasts who may be hesitant to commit to a full winery trip, a virtual tasting provides an accessible and affordable way to experience your wines.
• Personalized Experiences: Virtual tastings allow you to curate smaller, more intimate experiences. Whether it’s a deep dive into your newest vintage or a session themed around food pairings, these events create memorable connections.
• Boosting Sales: By combining your tastings with curated tasting kits or bundled wine shipments, you can turn these online experiences into a profitable revenue stream.

How to Build a Successful Virtual Tasting Program

Here are a few tips for wineries looking to create engaging virtual tastings:

• Curate a Thoughtful Kit: Send participants a well-packaged tasting kit that includes sample bottles, tasting notes, and even food pairing suggestions. Adding a personalized note or branded keepsake can enhance the experience.
• Leverage Technology: Platforms like Zoom, YouTube Live, or Instagram Live offer simple solutions for hosting tastings. Consider incorporating interactive elements such as polls, Q&A sessions, or behind-the-scenes winery tours.
• Add Value with Education: Use these tastings as an opportunity to educate participants about your winemaking process, vineyard history, or unique tasting techniques.
• Create Special Themes: Seasonal pairings, regional focus, or even collaborations with local chefs can make your tastings stand out.

Turning Virtual Tastings into a Fulfillment Opportunity

As a fulfillment partner, we can help wineries create seamless virtual tasting experiences by:

• Assembling and shipping custom tasting kits with curated wine selections.
• Including branded elements such as tasting guides, recipe cards, or promotional offers.
• Offering flexible kit sizes to cater to small groups or larger corporate events.

By embracing virtual tastings, wineries can maintain strong connections with their audience—even when they can’t visit in person. With thoughtful planning and creative packaging, these experiences can be memorable, profitable, and an excellent way to showcase your wines.

Are you ready to enhance your winery’s offerings with virtual tastings? Let us help you build a fulfillment plan that turns these experiences into a lasting success.

by Merilee AndersonIn logistics, just as in winemaking, excellence comes from a personal touch and an unwavering commitment to quality. At Copper Peak Logistics, we approach client services much like a tasting room experience—where relationships are cultivated, expertise is shared, and operations run seamlessly.

A Personal Approach

Walking into a tasting room, you’re welcomed with warmth and a genuine personal connection. At Copper Peak Logistics, we believe in the power of human touch. We cultivate long-term relationships with our clients, taking the time to understand their unique needs and preferences. This personalized approach builds trust and allows us to deliver tailored solutions that truly make a difference.

Relationship Building

Just as a sommelier or host shares the story behind each bottle of wine, we take pride in sharing our expertise, best practices, and industry insights with our clients. We believe strong relationships are the foundation of a successful partnership. By engaging with our clients on a deeper level, we deliver the most efficient and cost-effective solutions, creating an environment where value-added services can thrive.

Knowledge of the Product

Our team possesses a profound understanding of our services and the logistics landscape. This expertise allows us to provide legendary response times and efficient operations, ensuring that our clients’ needs are met with precision and care.

Efficiency and Proactivity

At Copper Peak Logistics, we understand that time is of the essence. Our efficient operations enable us to spend more time focusing on our clients needs. Unlike traditional ticketing systems and the frustration of having to wait for a response to an issue or obtain information, our clients enjoy direct access to knowledgeable experts who provide timely and effective solutions.

In the world of logistics, as in the art of winemaking, the key to excellence lies in a personal touch, deep knowledge, and seamless operations. At Copper Peak Logistics, we take pride in offering a client services experience that is as welcoming and enriching as a visit to a winery tasting room. By focusing on relationship building, legendary response times, and proactive solutions, we ensure that our clients receive the highest level of service and care.

In a move set to modernize DTC wine logistics and compliance, Vinoshipper has announced a partnership with Copper Peak Logistics, bringing together two of the industry’s most forward-thinking service providers. This collaboration merges Vinoshipper’s compliance and e-commerce platform with Copper Peak’s premium fulfillment services, creating a seamless solution for wineries.

The partnership addresses a critical need in the wine industry: connecting the most accurate compliance management software with high-touch fulfillment services. “Today, both producers and consumers are looking to ease checkout and shipping pains with high-touch automated services,” explains Steven Harrison, Vinoshipper’s CEO. “By partnering with Copper Peak Logistics, we’re delivering exactly that.”

Copper Peak Logistics, known for its boutique approach to wine fulfillment, brings its signature white-glove service to the partnership. “We’ve always believed that wine logistics requires a different level of attention,” says Milton Cornwell, COO & Co-Founder of Copper Peak Logistics. “This partnership with Vinoshipper allows us to expand services to more states for our producers by utilizing advanced compliance technology.”

Key features of the partnership:

• Smart integration of compliance and fulfillment workflows
• Real-time visibility across the supply chain
• Premium operating conditions with 24/7 temperature monitoring
• Multiple facility processing capabilities
• Custom packaging and kitting solutions

The integration launches with several innovative features designed specifically for premium and luxury wineries:

• Winery alerts and push notifications on shipment status
• Intelligent low stock notifications
• Priority stock allocation for future dated wine shipments
• Weather hold capabilities

“This partnership goes beyond typical integration,” adds Harrison. “It connects our compliance expertise with Copper Peak’s fulfillment capabilities, giving wineries something they’ve consistently asked for but couldn’t find until now.”

This integration is available now with existing clients of both companies receiving priority access to the integrated platform.

About Vinoshipper

Vinoshipper is the premier platform for alcohol producers seeking to expand their direct sales. Since 2006, its compliance engine has supported wineries, cideries, meaderies, and distilleries by offering a fully compliant online store, point-of-sale, club management, UPS integration, and comprehensive compliance management services. For more information, visit https://www.vinoshipper.com/

About Copper Peak Logistics

Copper Peak Logistics specializes in premium wine fulfillment services, offering temperature-controlled storage and white-glove shipping solutions. Known for its attention to detail and premium service levels, Copper Peak serves some of the most prestigious wineries in North America.

For more information, please visit https://copperpeaklogistics.com/

In the ever-evolving landscape of the wine industry, adaptability and innovation have never been more critical. With shifts in consumer demographics and broader economic factors at play, wineries are presented with both challenges and exciting opportunities. Engaging a younger, more diverse audience through creative marketing strategies is key to future growth. Despite current market fluctuations, the resilience of wine businesses showcases their ability to thrive and innovate. The future of the wine industry is bright, marked by the potential for renewed growth and broader accessibility to quality wines.

The State of the US Wine Industry Report 2025 by Silicon Valley Bank and the 2025 Direct-to-Consumer (DtC) Wine Shipping Report by Sovos and WineBusiness Analytics provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of the industry and its future prospects.

Dynamic Market and Opportunities

The wine industry is experiencing dynamic changes, presenting new opportunities for growth. While traditional metrics have flattened, this shift opens doors for innovative marketing strategies and fresh approaches to capturing new consumer segments. The decline in the wine market, including a 10% drop in DtC wine shipments, can be viewed as a call to action for wineries to adapt and evolve.

Embracing Younger Consumers

There’s a notable shift from older consumers (60+) to younger ones (30-45), who index lower for wine purchases. This demographic transition is an exciting opportunity for wineries to rebrand and connect with a more diverse audience. Engaging and creative marketing campaigns can attract younger consumers who bring new perspectives and enthusiasm to the wine culture.

Financial Resilience and Positive Trends

Despite softer sales and lower profitability, the majority of wine businesses report good financial health. This resilience showcases the industry’s ability to adapt and thrive even in challenging economic conditions. The ultra-premium segment ($80+ average bottle price) continues to show growth, reflecting consumers’ appreciation for high-quality wines.

Accessible Pricing and Broader Appeal

The current supply situation has led to more accessible bottle pricing, making quality wines more affordable for consumers. This broader accessibility can cultivate a larger and more loyal customer base. Additionally, wineries outside the West Coast have maintained stable pricing, ensuring consistent value for their customers.

Bright Future Outlook

The wine industry’s future is bright, with expectations of renewed growth. The decline in sales driven by Boomers is anticipated to stabilize, and premium business is predicted to return to growth between 2027 and 2029. By adapting to these shifts and harnessing the opportunities they present, the wine industry can continue to innovate, inspire, and prosper.

For more details, refer to the full articles: State of the US Wine Industry Report 2025 and 2025 Direct-to-Consumer Wine Shipping Report.

Cheers to the exciting journey ahead!

By Stacey HeuerIn both the world of winemaking and logistics, technology has made tremendous strides in efficiency and automation. Yet, there are times when the best results come from people who care deeply about their craft. Take, for example, wineries that harvest their grapes by hand. While machines can pick grapes faster, hand-harvesting provides a level of quality and care that often leads to superior wines. Similarly, in the world of third-party logistics (3PL), companies are beginning to question whether automation is always the best route, opting instead to reduce automation and invest in team members dedicated to providing high-quality service.

Hand-Harvested Grapes – Quality Over Quantity

For centuries, vineyards have been harvesting grapes by hand, especially for premium wines. Although mechanical harvesting can be faster and cheaper, hand-picking grapes offers several benefits that directly impact the quality of the wine.

1. Selective Harvesting: Vineyard workers can carefully collect only the best fruit, ensuring that the vineyard produces a more balanced and high-quality wine. Machines, on the other hand, are indiscriminate, gathering everything in their path.
2. Reduced Damage: Grapes are delicate, and mechanical harvesters can bruise or crush them, leading to unwanted oxidation or fermentation issues. Hand-harvested grapes are gently placed into containers, preserving their integrity and reducing spoilage.
3. Human Expertise: Workers harvesting grapes by hand bring a level of knowledge and experience that machines simply can’t replicate. They know the right time to pick, the subtle differences in grape clusters, and how weather conditions may impact the fruit. This human element ensures that the wine created is truly a product of passion and care.

Copper Peak Logistics Investing in People for Superior Results

Much like winemakers who choose hand-harvesting for quality, Copper Peak Logistics invests in skilled team members who understand the value of human touch in providing excellent service. While automated warehouses can speed up processes and lower internal costs, there are key advantages to focusing on a team of dedicated employees.

1. Attention to Detail: Much like selecting the perfect grape, experienced team members at CPL are more likely to notice small errors or quality issues that automation will miss. We provide quality control checks on outbound products, inspecting labels, foils, wax, and non-wine items for any imperfections that would negatively impact the customer experience.  All our team members know the impact they have on each and every package that leaves our facility.  Whether it’s packaging a delicate item or ensuring the accuracy of an order, human oversight can improve overall quality.
2. Customer Relationships: CPL is made up of individuals skilled in logistics and we encourage our team members to interact with our winery partners.  We take everyone on our team to various wineries throughout the year to experience firsthand the industry they serve.  It is important to us that all our team members know the passion, and dedication that goes into the products we handle.  Our team’s dedication comes from experiencing and understanding the entirety of the wine industry.  They know the importance of continuing to recreate the customer experience by preserving the brand image and story of the winery all the way to the customers door. This level of dedication and personalized service from the top down and the bottom up goes far beyond anything automated systems can provide.
3. Flexibility and Problem-Solving: In logistics, things can go wrong—whether it’s a delayed shipment or a sudden increase in orders. A well-trained team can quickly adapt, solve problems on the fly, and ensure that everything runs smoothly. Automation in fulfillment operations often forces all business to fit into a one-size-fits-all model, sacrificing flexibility for efficiency.  This approach overlooks the unique needs of individual clients, making it difficult to react to the unexpected, adapt to specific business requirements, and deliver personalized service.

The Common Thread: People Matter

In a world increasingly reliant on automation, there’s still immense value in human expertise. Hand-harvested grapes result in better wine, just as a logistics team dedicated to quality can provide superior service.  While automation has its place, it is just not in our warehouses where people are irreplaceable when it comes to delivering products and services that require care, attention, and a passion for quality.

Investing in team members who are committed to their craft—whether they’re harvesting grapes or packing and shipping orders—means investing in the long-term quality and success of an industry we can be proud of. In both cases, the decision to prioritize people over machines is a conscious choice to focus on excellence rather than speed, on relationships rather than transactions, and on the craft rather than the process.

For wineries and 3PL companies alike, the message is clear: automation may save time, but it’s the people behind the scenes who ultimately deliver quality.

by Stacey HeuerAs Thanksgiving approaches, I find myself reflecting on all that I have to be thankful for, both personally and professionally. One of the standout moments this year has been the completion of and move into our brand-new, custom-built Napa facility. This isn’t just a warehouse; it’s a place that feels like home—a space we’ve meticulously crafted with love, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to an industry we are so proud to support.

Creating this facility was truly a labor of love, but it wasn’t just about constructing a building. It was about giving our team members a voice and recognizing the value of everyone’s insights and experience. We involved our team in every step of the design, layout, and process flow, ensuring that the new space not only met but exceeded the needs of those who would be using it every day. The impact of so many people coming together to contribute their expertise has been profound. The outcome of this collaboration truly represents our passion for the work we do. The result is a warehouse that is not only smooth and efficient but also a place where every team member can take pride in having helped to craft our new home.

Our pride in what we’ve built was on full display at our recent Open House celebration, where we were thrilled to share our new space with all our partners—clients, vendors, and industry friends. This event was more than just an opportunity to show off our new facility; it was a chance for our team to showcase their hidden talents. From gorgeous floral arrangements to beautifully prepared and presented food, everything was done by our Copper Peak Logistics team. It was a wonderful way to demonstrate how much we care about our partners and how much we value the relationships we’ve built over the years. We were so grateful to raise a glass with everyone and will cherish those memories for many days to come.

On a personal note, I want to express my deep gratitude for the opportunity to work at Copper Peak Logistics and for the Lane Family. Over the past 18 years, I’ve been given endless opportunities to grow and develop. I began as a consultant to the Lane Family, evaluating the idea of opening a third-party logistics company dedicated to serving the wine industry. After spending eight months interviewing wineries to understand their direct-to-consumer needs, we opened our first warehouse in May 2007. Since that day, Copper Peak Logistics has been built from the ground up, with every decision influenced by the voices and needs of our team members, clients, vendors, and prospects. After 18 years of success, three facility moves, and an impressive list of partners, we are now rooted in our permanent home. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m thankful every day to be a part of it.

This Thanksgiving, as we reflect on our journey and the milestones we’ve achieved, I am filled with gratitude for our incredible team, clients, vendors, and industry friends. You are all truly a part of our Copper Peak Logistics family. Here’s to many more years of success and collaboration!

by: Stacey HeuerFor businesses in the wine industry, the holiday season, special events, and major wine releases often lead to sharp spikes in shipping demand. Meeting customer expectations during these busy times can be challenging, especially when it comes to maintaining both the quality and timely delivery of wine shipments. Partnering with Copper Peak Logistics (CPL) , a third-party logistics provider, offers a strategic solution. CPL  provides the strategies and resources necessary to handle seasonal wine shipping surges effectively, ensuring your customers receive their wine in perfect condition and on time.

Key Strategies Copper Peak Logistics Uses to Manage Seasonal Demand:

Scalable Infrastructure

Seasonal demand often brings a sudden influx of orders, putting a strain internal logistics and storage capacities. CPL’s new Napa facility features scalable infrastructure, customizable to meet the varying needs of our winery partners.  We have the additional storage space, workforce, and transportation solutions our partners needed. Whether it’s corporate gifting, custom club shipments, gift baskets, or large releases, CPL is equipped to scale operations without compromising service quality.

Example: During the holiday season, when orders surge, CPL has the capacity to drop in additional mobile shipping lines for clubs, daily orders, or kitting projects.  Our Napa facility was designed with electrical drops throughout to ensure flexibility with equipment and space, allowing us to handle any project efficiently.

Planning and Forecasting Support

One of CPL’s strengths is our ability to assist with demand forecasting. By analyzing historical shipping data and market trends, CPL can predict when and where demand will spike. This proactive approach ensures that we have the necessary resources in place for smooth operations during peak seasons. Our dedicated Client Services team works closely with our winery partners to schedule clubs, releases, and kitting projects.  This proactive coordination allows us to procure packaging, streamline process flows, and secure the staffing needed to manage high volumes.

Key Insight: Accurate forecasting and a deep understanding of industry trends enable CPL to stay ahead of demand, reducing the risk of delays or shortages during high-volume periods.

Inventory Management

Efficient inventory management is critical during high-demand periods. CPL uses advanced inventory systems to track stock in real time, giving you accurate visibility into your inventory across both our locations. This helps prevent orders being held for “ship complete,” ensuring that you can meet customer demand. We also have the ability to track inventory by production lot and expiration date for perishable items, ensuring expired products never reach a customer.

Benefit: Inventory alerts, such as low stock notices, ship-complete reports, and inventory status reports help ensure that you quickly replenish when demand spikes.

Flexible Shipping Solutions

Flexibility is essential during peak times. CPL offers multiple carrier options and access to various transportation methods, including expedited shipping and temperature-controlled options, to accommodate the diverse needs of wine shipments. We also have the ability to set priority levels on your orders, reroute shipments or switch carriers in case of delays, ensuring that deliveries stay on schedule. CPL stocks large inventory quantities of all our standard 750ml, large format, insulated shippers, and gift box packaging, ensuring that any unforeseen spikes in order volume can be handled without delay.

Why it Matters: During the busiest seasons, even a slight delay can lead to dissatisfied customers. CPL’s ability to adapt to changing conditions keeps shipments moving, even in high-demand periods.

Temperature-Controlled Logistics

Wine is a delicate product, and ensuring that it arrives in perfect condition requires careful handling, especially during extreme weather conditions. CPL offers temperature-controlled logistics to protect wine from heat or freezing temperatures.  Our interactive weather-hold feature allows our winery partners to place states on weather hold during extreme weather events.  Weather holds can be placed by carrier and service level. This is especially important during seasonal spikes, when shipping volumes are high, and the risk of delays is greater.

Pro Tip: Utilize CPL’s insulated packaging, Cold Chain solution, or discounted overnight pricing (summer months only) to protect wine quality from temperature fluctuations.  Leverage weather holds by service level to pause ground, 3Day, and 2Day shipments while still releasing overnight orders to take advantage of discounted pricing.

Surge Staffing

Managing a high volume of orders during seasonal peaks requires flexible manpower. Instead of overburdening your in-house team, CPL can provide surge staffing to handle increased demand. In addition to our full-time staff, our temporary workforce, trained in handling wine, ensures that we have the flexible personnel to keep operations running smoothly, and orders are processed without delays.

Benefit: By leveraging CPL’s staffing resources, you allow your team to focus on core business functions while avoiding the costs and administrative hassle of hiring seasonal employees internally.

Conclusion

Handling seasonal wine shipping spikes can be challenging, but partnering with Copper Peak Logistics makes it entirely manageable. With CPL’s scalable solutions, advanced technology, temperature control solutions, and expert planning, our winery partners can meet seasonal demand surges while maintaining the highest standards of quality and service. By leveraging the expertise of CPL, wineries and wine retailers can confidently navigate peak seasons, improve customer satisfaction, and focus on what they do best – producing and selling exceptional wine.

Now is the time to start planning for the busy holiday season (OND).

We’ve written about OND planning in the past, but this year we turned directly to our experts and asked: What are they seeing “on the ground” this year, and what advice do they have for wineries for the coming season?

Here are their top three tips.

Tip #1: Decide on Gifting/Kitting ASAP

Gifting, especially corporate gifting programs, can be great for wineries. Those gift packages and kits will likely need additional items, however. For example, a gift set might include:

• Special seasonal packaging
• Collateral (brochures, catalogs, etc.)
• Gift items(opener, glassware, etc.)
• Specialty bags
• Bellybands

“Anything special—packaging, bellybands, collateral, etc—should be ordered soon [in summer months] so as to not risk delays,” says Amanda Castorena, Account Executive here at Copper Peak. “If you order later when more wineries and companies are ordering as well, it might take longer than expected to receive what you need.”

Need some ideas for kitting and gifting? Talk with our team, or read about some of the cool ideas we’ve seen.

Tip #2: Get You Calendar Together

“Now is the time to submit all of your club setup forms, with ship dates, for the remainder of the year—if you have not already done so,” says Mike Galvan, our Senior Account Manager. Working daily with our clients, Mike has a good sense of how quickly schedules fill up.

For example: Because planning for OND is well underway, some ship dates have already been “blacked out” for the remainder of the year. (Mondays especially—these are typically the first to be blacked out.) And nothing is worse than creating a late-stage calendar, only to find out that your ship dates just aren’t possible.

Also, plan on adding a couple of days to your carrier’s normal time-in-transit commitments. That way, if there is a delay, you will still have some wiggle room.

Tip #3: Refresh and Schedule Your Marketing

When orders are rolling in, you might not have the  time to make sure your marketing materials are up-to-date and effective. So do that now, while in the planning phase.

For example:

• Is the contact information on your website and any collateral accurate? (That includes email, phone number, website, social media, etc.)
• Do you have enough printed material for your club orders and gifting? (See tip #1 above.)
• Do you have enough merchandise for your gift kitting?
• Is there a plan in place for publicizing your promotions? 

“You would be surprised how much frustration is created simply because a catalog or website lists an old customer service number or email,” says Mike. Correcting that is a quick fix, but one that is easily overlooked in the holiday rush.

Other Planning Tips

Looking for a way to track all of your “to-dos” that need to get done before the OND season hits? Check out this article and scroll down to find a checklist you can print.

We also recommend this recipe for holiday shipping success by our own Senior Vice President of Client Services, Merilee Anderson.

Need a little more “hands on” guidance in preparing for OND this year? Feel free to reach out to your Client Services Team.

Wine is sensitive to high temperatures, and that makes shipping it during the summer months extra tricky. Even if a bottle never passes through what we typically think of as the “hotter” states, the temperature in a carrier truck during the summer can be high enough to ruin a bottle for the end consumer.

We’ve written about the various options for summer shipping many times before. But we realize that, with so many options and strategies available, it might not be clear how to start thinking about the problem, let alone discovering what will work for your wine club or DTC channel.

So, we asked some of our experts: What do you think is the most important thing to remember when it comes to summer wine shipping?

Here are their top three tips.

Tip #1: Get a Weather Strategy in Place for Wine Shipping

We might not know exactly when a warm front is going to roll in, but we do know that one will come around eventually. So plan ahead and get your weather strategy in place.

“If a warm front is coming, decide early if you are going to want to use ice packs/express shipping or if you are going to place certain states on weather hold until it cools off,” suggests Amanda Castorena, Account Executive here at Copper Peak.

In other words, choose something—because having a plan in place, any plan, is better than no plan at all.

Tip #2: Consider FedEx Cold Chain for Summer Shipping Needs

The FedEx Cold Chain is a great option for wineries to ensure that their products are not compromised en-route because of heat.

Basically, packages are picked up by FedEx Supply Chain Transportation and delivered to their consolidation point. From there, packages are then placed on temperature-controlled line haul trucks and delivered to FedEx hub locations around the country. Cold chain can be used in conjunction with FedEx Delivery Manager or FedEx “Hold at Location” (HAL) services.

“[FedEx Cold Chain] is especially nice if any of our customers are concerned about weather,” says Mike Galvan, our Senior Account Manager. “It provides a great alternative to ice packs.”

Tip #3: Communicate with Customers

Communication with customers is always key, and that goes double when there might be shipping delays due to the weather.

“The sooner you have your plan in place, the easier it will be for your winery to communicate what is going on to your customers when there is a delay,” says Castorena. “They will likely be asking about lead times and delays anyway, so it’s better to have your message ready to go.”

It also helps to communicate to your customers about the potential risks associated with shipping during hot weather—and do so both before and after they have placed the order. When customers understand that you are safeguarding their product, they are often much more willing to tolerate a short delay. Wine enthusiasts care about wine safety!

Just Get Started

Again, there are many options for protecting your products, or at least holding them until the heat dies down. Which you choose will depend on how strict your shipping schedule is, and if your customers are okay with waiting out the summer heat.

But equally as important as which method you choose, is the fact that you plan ahead. Need help working through the options and contingencies? Talk to your Copper Peak partners today.

Napa, CA, May 29, 2024 - Copper Peak Logistics (CPL), a direct-to-consumer wine fulfillment, distribution, and logistics services company, has announced two promotions impacting its executive structure. 

Merilee Anderson, formerly Vice President of Client Services, will now serve as Senior Vice President of Client Services. Stacey Heuer, formerly Vice President of Operations, has been named Senior Vice President of Operations. 

Merilee Anderson and Stacey Heuer

“These promotions recognize the years of hard work and effort that Merilee and Stacey have contributed to CPL and the wine industry as a whole,” says Milton Cornwell, COO/Co-founder of CPL. “They’ve played a crucial role in creating a workplace where people can flourish, and they’re instrumental in providing our clients with white-glove fulfillment services.” 

Both Anderson and Heuer are pioneers in the wine fulfillment industry. Prior to joining CPL, they coordinated client services and operations for one of the country’s largest wine clubs and call centers. In their respective roles, they fostered and grew the firm’s direct-to-consumer (DTC) program and helped to develop an internal compliance program. 

Heuer left to join Copper Peak in 2006 and helped to plan the company’s launch. Anderson joined in 2008. As key members of CPL’s executive team, they have leveraged their institutional knowledge to introduce and refine the company’s personalized, client-centered vision to the Napa and Sonoma wine markets. 

“Early in my career, I worked at a winery that was fulfilling orders in-house, and we had full control over our product,” Anderson says. “When we decided to outsource to a fulfillment house, we lost that level of personalization and customization. At CPL, we’ve always had that in mind: Growth shouldn’t mean losing that personalized touch.” 

Heuer agrees. 

“The vision we started with was that we would operate as an extension of each winery’s business — not as just a vendor or a partner, but as a true part of their organization,” Heuer says. “We really wanted to extend ourselves to help them grow and accomplish their goals. That was always our number-one priority.” 

As Senior Vice Presidents, Anderson and Heuer will continue to coordinate their departments to serve each client effectively — and to manage CPL’s controlled growth as the company moves its operations to a new fulfillment center. 

“Part of why we’ve been successful, I think, is that our departments have the same dedication to our clients,” Anderson says. “That’s not always the case in the wine business. But early on, we learned who we really are as a company, and we’ve really stuck to that vision.” 

“Our company culture is absolutely essential for what we do.” Heuer says. “We want every member of our staff to understand what wine means from the client and the consumer’s point of view. This is actually somebody’s livelihood: It’s an art form, and we play an important part in it.” 

About Copper Peak Logistics 

CPL is a family-owned fulfillment company solely focused on the direct-to-consumer wine shipping industry. CPL provides craftsmanship fulfillment services to the wine industry and craft beverage producers. CPL’s proprietary software provides user-friendly functionality to improve transaction visibility, increase productivity and is seamlessly integrated with all of the most popular ecommerce engines and compliance resources. For more information, visit www.copperpeaklogistics.com.