Expert: Susie Rano - 10/27/2009

Question
Hi Susie,

We are getting married next May in Tortola (but will be flying through St. Thomas and taking the ferry over).  We would like to serve Veuve Clicquot champagne at our wedding, and since it's about $45/bottle + a standard case discount in the US (usually around 10%, so it works out to about $35), and our hotel would only charge $15 corkage vs. $85/bottle to get directly it from them, it seems worth it to buy ourselves!  

Is there anywhere on St. Thomas that we could get this kind of pricing?  If we do buy a case on St. Thomas, are we going to have a problem/tax issues taking it on the ferry to Tortola?  Can we ship from the US to St. Thomas and pick it up at the Post Office?  It's a small wedding, so we only need a case.

We could also have each of our attendants/parents pick up a couple of bottles at duty-free shops on their way in, but again I don't know if it will be a problem taking alcohol on the ferry to Tortola.  Maybe we should just give up and pay the hotel.  :)  Looking forward to your advice, and thanks in advance!

-Marie


Answer
Hi Marie-  Don't give up yet!  The largest and most trusted liquor store on the island is A.H. Riise with 4 locations.  I suggest you call them as I would think they should be able to answer your questions.  The main number is 340-776-2303.  The only other thing I can think of would be for you to check out www.vimovingcenter.com.  They have a very active message board where you might also want to pose your questions.  Good luck.

Regards,
Susie