A protective structure for protecting bottles, particularly wine bottles, comprises a first pair of elements (10) which are spaced apart horizontally. The elements have recesses (12, 14) in their upper surfaces for receiving bottles. There is a second pair of elements inverted with respect to the first pair and having recesses in their lower edges. The recesses of the second pair of elements register with the recesses of the first pair of elements so as to define circular bottle receiving openings. A ring of cushioning material lines each opening. The cushioning material is in the form of semi-circular strips, the strips of registering recesses forming a ring, or in the form of a complete ring. Each ring includes a web (24) which lies against the semi-circular faces (20, 22) of the recesses (12, 14) and flanges (26) which lie against the side faces of the elements (10).