Some of the forklifts used to load cargo ships are positively immense, as are the shipping containers. I think it quite possible that 500 cases of wine would fit in a single shipping container. It would probably only weigh about 15,000 lbs (assuming 12, 750 ml bottles to the case).
I agree with you that 500 cases would easily fit into one container. Normally, a container is loaded by the end user and a truck hauls it to the pier, where it’s loaded onto a ship.
Now, I KNOW, Mollydooker didn’t destroy their own wine.
Maybe one of those giant forklifts you’re talking about dropped the container at the pier?
Ah, forklift drops the container and it didn’t bounce. Contents scrambled. Makes sense now.