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What’s one thing LeBron James enjoys just as much as basketball? Wine. The NBA superstar and long-time friend (and former brand ambassador) for Rimowa had a hand in creating the newest piece in the luxury luggage brand’s arsenal: the aluminum Twelve Bottle Case.
After James spotted a stackable archival case that stored wine bottles and glasses back in 2018, a conversation began between him and Rimowa’s engineers, kicking off the first phase of the project.
Four years later, James’ dream wine suitcase has finally materialized. The inside of the case comes with 12 padded cushions of varied thickness that keep bottles in place, securing any standard silhouette of wine bottles as well as wider Champagne bottles. The case can also be stabilized when opened by way of two retractable feet that lock at the bottom of each side; it's also equipped with two safety padded bars, so travelers don't have to fear a bottle falling out or moving around and breaking in transit.
“It was special for me to see an idea and a conversation we had turn into such an incredible product innovation for the brand,” James said in an email. “This combines two things I love—Rimowa and wine—to create something that adds value to the travel experience. And I travel a lot, so I’m excited about this piece being added to the collection.”
I was able to see the new wine case firsthand during a recent press trip Rimowa hosted in Napa Valley. Made with signature elements from Rimowa’s Classic line including the durable grooved aluminum shell, the sleek silver case weighs 27 pounds. Despite its weight, it's quite easy to glide; two TSA-approved locks add to its overall security. It is worth noting that the inserts can't be removed, so travelers aren't able to use this as a regular suitcase for non wine-centric trips.
In celebration of the wine case’s November 25 launch, Rimowa partnered with Wine Access on a 12-bottle set of rare Cabernets from Beckstoffer’s Heritage Vineyards, led by “Napa’s most powerful grape grower,” Andy Beckstoffer. Each of these rare bottles have a 95+ point rating by wine critics.
Beckstoffer’s Cabernet Sauvignon collection ranges from the light and airy Fait Main, a 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, to Tor Wines, a 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon. The St. Helena vineyard that the latter grew on is filled with espresso, dark chocolate, cloves, and juniper berries. Even as someone who prefers Sauvignon Blanc over Cabernet Sauvignon, there was no denying the quality that came from the production of these reds.
The limited-edition wine set is now available for $3,010 at Wine Access. Travelers looking to purchase the wine case can do so on November 25.
While the wine suitcase's $9,900 price tag might elicit some sticker shock, wine aficionados who frequent Napa, Lombardy, the Western Cape, or other wine-heavy regions will benefit from having this case in their collection—it'll make the trip home with precious bottles as smooth and worry-free as possible. And if you're interested in something more compact, there is a smaller single bottle case now available for $1,820.