Questions Uncorked

Aug 25, 2008

Hi Chris,
Thanks so much for stopping by. Yes, it is indeed really true that you should take boxed wines seriously these days. Many producers around the world have come to appreciate the advantages that boxed wine, or bag-in-box wine as it is also called, offer. For a long time it has been well understood that boxed wines were an efficient and economical way to package wine, but now, there are even more reasons to consider going this route. And here in the US (boxed wines are more popular abroad), we are starting to see better and better quality in the boxed wine category.

One of the big discussions going on these days in the wine industry is how to be more “green,” i.e., how to be more environmentally aware. One of the major problems that has developed recently has to do with the rise in fuel prices. Wines are shipped all around the world and that not only costs money, but there are environmental costs involved as well. When it comes to packaging, glass is a very heavy (and fragile) material – much more costly compared to aluminum, tetrapak or bag-in-box.

I think, too, that consumers have grown more adventurous when it comes to wine packaging. Perhaps what started as a closure revolution has blossomed into a packaging movement. There are so many high quality wines being packed in something other than a glass bottle sealed with a cork out there on the market. So, yes, more and more wine producers are using or considering using boxes for their wines. And if you wish you could see your favorite wine in a boxed format, consider dropping the winery an email. I’m sure they would love to hear your opinion on the matter.

So next time you see a new wine that is packaged not in a glass bottle, but in a box, take a closer look at it. Now is a great time to think (or drink) outside the bottle.