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Bota Box and Arbor Day Foundation Team up to Plant 10,000 Trees for Earth Day 2010

news — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 19:53:29 +0000

NAPA, Calif., Feb. 18 /PRNewswire/ — Bota Box, a portfolio of premium California bag-in-box wines, will team up with the Arbor Day Foundation for the second consecutive year to support U.S. reforestation. This April, Bota Box will reinforce its environmental stewardship by helping the Arbor Day Foundation plant 10,000 trees nationwide. Bota Box will fund the Earth Day reforestation program by donating a portion of its April sales proceeds to the Arbor Day Foundation. In addition, Bota Box will donate $2.00 for each new Facebook user who becomes a Bota Box Fan during the month of April.

“We are honored to partner with one of the world’s largest nonprofit conservation organizations dedicated to planting trees,” said John Garaventa, Senior Brand Manager for Bota Box. “We take great care to package our wines using environmentally friendly materials to protect the nation’s forests. In working with the Arbor Day Foundation, we now have the opportunity to rally consumer support for the vitally important cause of reforestation.”

Bota Box is already the green choice for wine enthusiasts. The packaging in printed on recycled paper containing 100% post-consumer fiber and the box itself is 100% recyclable. Soy-based inks and coatings are printed directly on non-bleached Kraft paper, which is bonded together with cornstarch instead of glue. The bag does not contain phthalate plasticizers or Bisphenol-A (BPA).

According to recent studies, bag-in-box wines, like Bota Box, have a smaller carbon footprint than traditional glass bottles. Bag-in-box wines create 85% less landfill waste than glass wine bottles. The transport of Bota Box reduces greenhouse gas emissions because the packaging is 35% lighter on average than glass as well as 44% smaller in size.

About Bota Box

Bota Box is crafted by DFV Wines, a family-owned winery with 85 years of experience in California winemaking and winegrowing. Bota Box, launched in 2003, produces premium California wine in 3-liter boxes made from 100% recyclable, unbleached, post-consumer fiber. Using state of the art FlexTap™ technology, Bota Box wines are kept fresh for up to six weeks after opening, allowing consumers to enjoy a glass of wine without worrying about waste or spoilage. Bota Box offers six popular California varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Grigio, Shiraz and Old Vine Zinfandel. For more information about Bota Box, visit www.botabox.com or find Bota Box on Facebook at www.facebook.com/botabox.

About the Arbor Day Foundation

The Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit conservation and education organization of more than one million members, with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. More information on the Foundation and its programs can be found at www.arborday.org.

The Arguement For Boxed Wine – NY Times Article

news — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 23:07:49 +0000

The New York Times author Eric Asimov wrote a fantastic article about boxed wine. He credits the success of boxed wine to the inherit packaging benefits of bag-in-box (i.e. wine stays fresh for six weeks) and wineries putting good wines into bag-in-box. We couldn’t agree with him more!

Check out the article: http://thepour.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/02/24/the-argument-for-boxed-wine

Wineries Across The U.S. Expand Business With Bag-In-Box Packaging

news — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 20:57:22 +0000

Wineries across the United States are boxing wine for many sound business and environmental reasons, including increasing wine sales, reducing costs, delivering better value to consumers and even to package sulfite-free, organic wine so that it stays fresh after being opened!

The first step for wineries choosing bag-in-box packaging is to reach out to Scholle Packaging for assistance. Scholle Packaging provides detailed and hands-on practical advice on finding and collaborating with qualified bag-in-box co-packers, corrugate box producers, graphic arts, and marketing firms.

Leon Pierce and LeCask Continue to Grow

The attraction for Leon Pierce to start packaging bag-in-boxes was affordability. In materials costs alone, producing a 9-liter case of three 3-liter Le Cask bag-in-boxes is 75% less expensive than a case of twelve 750-ml glass bottles. Leon Pierce, the owner of Le Cask, uses Scholle Packaging’s hand-filler to fill up approximately 1,500 bags a day. Production of Le Cask is currently at the 12,000-box level, but Pierce expects that sales will keep pace with the 49% retail sales growth of the category shown in 2008.

Visit LeCask’s Official Website

Boxed Wine Strategy for Growth

Affordability and technical winemaking expertise brought Lancaster, Pennsylvania, L & R Wine Company and Tamanend Winery owners Richard Carey and Linda Jones McKee to making bag-in-box part of their business. Tamanend Winery produces eight different fine wines that retail from $13 to $25 per 750-ml bottle. 75% of their wine is sold direct to consumers from their offsite tasting room and winery in 750-ml glass bottles and 25 percent in 3-liter and 1.5-liter bag-in-boxes. Tamanend plans to expand distribution for their Wild Wines boxed wines in 2009, and anticipates that their sales of boxed wines will become a larger percentage of production. Carey uses Scholle’s TrueFill 900 filler and invested in a Velcorin® dosing machine, which assures that all wines boxed by L & R are completely free of contaminates. Velcorin is used in low dosages against a broad range of yeast, bacteria, and mold, and does not affect wine taste, bouquet, or color. Carey estimates that the cost of packaging for a case of three 3-liter bag-in-boxes is half that of a traditional case of twelve 750-ml glass bottles. He notes that there are additional savings through economies of shipping as production grows.

Visit Tamanend Winery’s Official Website

Badger Mountain and Powers Produce Organic Boxed Wine

In Kennewick, Washington, Badger Mountain Winery owner Bill Powers wanted to produce Washington State’s first organically certified wines. That quest led to the bag-in-box as a unique format to supplement traditional 750 ml business. Always a leader in his field, Powers realized that the bag-in-box packaging offered a great way to assure that his wines stayed as fresh as possible.The collapsible bag allows wines with no added sulfites to stay fresher longer than a bottle once opened. Badger Mountain’s 3-L boxed wines are distributed in Washington and by 22 distributors throughout the U.S.

Badger Mountain Winery’s National Sales Director, Mickey Dunn, attributes the relatively quick success of their boxed wines to the fact that they are certified organic, offer great quality for the price, and are packaged in a unique way. On-premise sales of a by-the-glass pour from the Powers Cabernet Sauvignon box have been positive in Seattle. To ensure the freshest wine, Badger Mountain/Powers Winery fills their boxes for just-in-time delivery. They are very proactive in rotating product in the market. They use a unique code on each box, which includes a filling date, and willingly share this information with their distribution partners to assure that all of their boxed wines are sold at their best.

Rate and Review Badger Mountain and Powers Boxed Wines!

Tefft Cellars Saves Packaging Costs With Bag-In-Box

Joel Tefft, of Tefft Cellars in Outlook, Washington, was one of the first Washington wineries to jump into the bag-in-box business in 2000. He believed that the packaging would mean more wine sales. Wine lovers would be able to drink a good glass of wine each night instead of saving a bottle for special occasions. The winery currently bags about 2,500 to 3,000 gallons a month, and up to 300 boxes an hour with their Scholle equipment. Tefft is well-equipped to handle new projects as a co-packer, and has invested in a box erector and several fillers. Bag-in-box wines make up half of Tefft’s current 20,000-case business. This successful winery does no traditional advertising. Tefft Cellar wines are sold up and down the WA I-5 corridor and in nearby Idaho as well as through their busy tasting room.

Visit Tefft Cellars’ Official Website

Boxed Wine Is Good For the Environment!

2009 promises to have more boxed wines available across the U.S. Wineries from boutique to global are recognizing the aforementioned benefits as well as the green attributes of bag-in-box packaging, which includes up to 91% less materials going into landfills as waste and a up to a 76% reduction in greenhouse gases as compared to an equivalent amount of wine packaged in glass bottles with corks. Consumers typically enjoy a savings in price with wine casks, are concerned about the environmental impact of their purchases, and appreciate boxed wines’ singularly-unique benefit of keeping the wine fresh for weeks after opening. New brands are in development and will be launching throughout 2009.

Bag-in-Barrel? Red Truck Wine!

news — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 19:52:08 +0000

Bag-in-Box Gets a Radical Facelift

The good folks over at Red Truck Wines have just announced the release of their “Mini-Barrel.” This innovative new package uses bag-in-box technology (the bag and FlexTap) but places them in a fun plastic barrel.

“It’s time consumers had the option of a premium quality wine in a format larger than 750ml,” said Carol Reber, Vice President of Marketing at 585 Wine Partners which owns Red Truck Wines. “For anyone who’s ever visited a winery or wished they could, the Mini-Barrel by Red Truck makes the experience come alive in their own home.”

“The Mini-Barrel by Red Truck represents a real breakthrough in both concept and execution,” said Dex McCreary, Senior Merchandise Director, Wine and Spirits, Sam’s Club. “It is just the kind of quality and value proposition we like to offer our members and it brings an innovative and authentic new design to wine enthusiasts.”

Sam’s Club is the first outlet for this new product, so if you’re a member and love wine, be sure to check it out! Not a member? Then head over to www.redtruckwine.com to purchase the new mini-barrel and have it shipped directly to your house. Red Truck plans to release the Mini-Barrel nationally later in 2009.

Here are some more links for additional info on Red Truck Wines:
Red Truck Wines

Write Your Own Review of Red Truck Mini Barrel!

Mini-Barrel Press Release on BusinessWire.com

Red Truck on Facebook

Corbett Canyon Wins Best of Class

admin — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 19:44:29 +0000

In America’s largest wine judging, Corbett Canyon 3L Premium Cask Merlot (non-vintage) won Best of Class for Merlots below $15, according to the 2009 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Over 4,700 wines were entered from 26 states a gain of nearly 1,000 entries since 2008.

Livermore, CA (Vocus/PRWEB ) January 27, 2009–In America’s largest wine judging, Corbett Canyon 3L Premium Cask Merlot (non-vintage) won Best of Class for Merlots below $15, according to the 2009 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Over 4,700 wines were entered from 26 states a gain of nearly 1,000 entries since 2008.

“This result mirrors what we have heard from consumers and the wine trade,” said Laurie Jones, CMO of The Wine Group, parent of Corbett Canyon vineyard wines. “We are so pleased that Corbett Canyon 3L premium cask which contains 4 bottles of wine for a modest $10 SRP beat Merlots priced at up to $15 for just one bottle. To say this is extreme value, is an understatement,” she added.

“Consumers are looking for quality in box wines and it’s finally here,” said G.M. Pooch Pucilowski, prominent wine judge and co-founder, Lodi International Wine Awards. “It’s a great day for consumers when the best category wine is also the best value in the market,” continued Pucilowski, who was one of the judges of the 2009 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

Corbett Canyon Merlot is medium-bodied with deep blackberry aromas and a soft, satisfying finish. Its smooth flavors are a great complement to grilled pork chops, braised lamb and roast chicken.

Corbett Canyon official website

Better Wines Better World.com

Boxed Wine on National Public Radio!

news — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 21:44:02 +0000

Back in August 2008, Ray Isle, deputy editor for Food and Wine Magazine commented on Italy’s acceptance of boxed wine to National Public Radio’s All Things Considered. It’s a great radio spot for boxed wine! Ray provides a fantastic overview of boxed wine benefits and mentions the increased popularity and global acceptance of this package format.

Listen to NPR’s interview with Ray Isle about boxed wine.

Bota Box Supports 2009 Arbor Day Foundation Efforts!

news — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 22:37:51 +0000

Bota Box is an environmental conscious wine brand. In this spirit, they are supporting the Arbor Day Foundation efforts. During the month of April, a portion of all sales will be donated to the Arbor Day Foundation’s reforestation efforts. These efforts included restoring forests devastated by fires, disease and insects.

Supporting the Arbor Day Foundation only furthers Bota Box’s environmental position. They currently utilize bag-in-box packaging for their wine varietals.

Here are some links to check out:
Bota Box Helps Restore National Forests

Bota Box: Official Website

Arbor Day Foundation: Official Website

Sales of Premium Wine Casks Take Off

news — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 21:01:35 +0000

February 12, 2009 – Nielsen.com

Despite the fact that many Americans have cut back discretionary spending, sales of 3 liter (3L) premium wine casks – better known to some as “boxed wine” – showed double digit growth in the fourth quarter of 2008, according to a new Nielsen study.

With a growth rate of 32 percent in the last 13 weeks of 2008, premium wine casks outpaced all other wine categories, and there remains room for significant growth going forward.

On a full year basis, premium wine casks grew 31 percent, compared to 4.4 growth for table wine, the dominant wine sector. Total table wine sales for the year were $9.6 billion, while premium wine cask sales racked up $110 million.

Among the factors leading to this explosive growth is the value offered by premium wine casks: one cask holds the equivalent of four bottles, and on an equivalized basis, are approximately 40 percent less expensive than the average table wine.

“In today’s economy, consumers are seeking value with necessarily compromising quality, and this has contributed to premium wine cask success,” said Danny Brager, vice president, Beverage Alcohol at Nielsen.

Read the full press release here.

ABW.com Launch at Unified!

news — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 22:59:57 +0000

Hey Everyone,

Launch day for AboutBoxedWine.com is coming near! We’re excited to be a part of the Unified Wine and Grape Symposium this year (January 27, 28, 29)

Check out what Unified is all about, here: www.unifiedsymposium.org

This year, there are some great events around sustainability and “green” management of the wine industry. Hopefully Bag-In-Box gets a few friendly mentions.

Keep an eye on this news post as we’ll be updating each day with a recap of things we see and hear at the show. You might even see a few of us modeling snazzy “I Love Boxed Wine” t-shirts. If you like them, let us know and maybe we’ll put one in the mail just for you!

In the meantime, be sure to look around the site and join in the discussion boards!

Cheers!
–The ABW.com Team

WEDNESDAY JAN. 28

The launch is underway here in sunny Sacramento! We’ve been giving tours all morning and afternoon to wine makers, wine drinkers and everyone in between!

The official “I Love Boxed Wine” t-shirts are a hit with everyone. Be sure to keep an eye on this site to learn how to get one of your own! We also managed to cause quite a traffic jam when we broke out some great boxed wines for everyone to taste.

Lewis Perdue, Editor and Publisher from Wine Industry Insight.com, came by to say hi. Lewis showed us a recent article he published that shows recent buying trends for boxed wine compared to traditional bottles. It’s interesting stuff. Check it out here.

The ABW.com team will be filming some short interviews soon and will post the results next week.

Remember to hit our discussion boards and say hey.

Cheers!
–The ABW.com Team

THURSDAY JAN. 29

Whoa…the response to our “I Love Boxed Wine” shirt giveaway has been great. The industry buzz around the tradeshow booth and the site has been fantastic.

Today we’ll be filming some industry insiders talking about trends, upcoming events and more about what roles they play in making the wine we all love to drink.

I’ll be posting some photos of the booth during our boxed wine tasting later today. Keep an eye out next week for the videos. And, as always, check out the discussion boards and chat it up!

Cheers!
–The ABW.com Team

Drink Outside the Box

news — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 16:57:17 +0000

By TYLER COLMAN (originally found in the NY Times)

Published: August 17, 2008

Waccabuc, N.Y.

ITALY’S Agriculture Ministry announced this month that some wines that receive the government’s quality assurance label may now be sold in boxes. That’s right, Italian wine is going green, and for some connoisseurs, the sky might as well be falling.

But the sky isn’t falling. Wine in a box makes sense environmentally and economically. Indeed, vintners in the United States would be wise to embrace the trend that is slowly gaining acceptance worldwide.

Wine in a box has been around for more than 30 years — though with varying quality. The Australians were among the first to popularize it. And hardly a fridge in the south of France, especially this time of year, is complete without a box of rosé. Here in America, by contrast, boxed wine has had trouble escaping a down-market image. But now that wine producers are talking about reducing their carbon footprint — that is, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted in the transportation of wine — selling the beverage in alternative, lighter packaging instead of heavier glass seems like the right thing to do.

More than 90 percent of American wine production occurs on the West Coast, but because the majority of consumers live east of the Mississippi, a large part of carbon-dioxide emissions associated with wine comes from simply trucking it from the vineyard to tables on the East Coast. A standard wine bottle holds 750 milliliters of wine and generates about 5.2 pounds of carbon-dioxide emissions when it travels from a vineyard in California to a store in New York. A 3-liter box generates about half the emissions per 750 milliliters. Switching to wine in a box for the 97 percent of wines that are made to be consumed within a year would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about two million tons, or the equivalent of retiring 400,000 cars.

But here’s another reason to sell wine in a box. America will soon become the largest wine market in the world. In recent years, we overtook Italy, and France is now in our sights. (This is total consumption, not per person; we are still well behind by the latter measure.) As Americans drink more wine, we will be drinking it not only on special occasions like dates and weddings, but also on Monday nights with pizza. That’s a lot of wine — and potentially a big carbon footprint.

Although some sommeliers may scoff at wine from a plastic spigot, boxes are perfect for table wines that don’t need to age, which is to say, all but a relative handful of the top wines from around the world. What’s more, boxed wine is superior to glass bottle storage in resolving that age-old problem of not being able to finish a bottle in one sitting. Once open, a box preserves wine for about four weeks compared with only a day or two for a bottle. Boxed wine may be short on charm, but it is long on practicality.

Which leads to a final reason for boxed wine: it’s so much more economical. Having an affordable glass of wine may be the best way to keep our 15-year bull market for wine consumption running. It also would help keep per-glass prices of wine from rising as the dollar falls.

The main obstacle to a smaller carbon footprint for wine is the frequently abysmal quality of wine put in boxes. But that’s an easy fix: raise the quality.

In the past few years, the boxed wine sold in America has shown some signs of improvement. There’s been wine in a stylish cardboard tube made by a top winemaker in Burgundy. There’s a good, old-vine grenache from the Pyrenees sold in a box. A succulent unoaked malbec from organically grown grapes in Argentina is now available in the United States thanks to the 1-liter TetraPak, which is also being used by three renegade Californians who have a line of wines that are sold in 250-milliliter packages — about the size of juice boxes, but without straws. And then, of course, there’s the news from Italy.

Producers everywhere need to deliver better wine in a box — and make it snappy. Perhaps they will if consumers start to demand that everyday wines that don’t need to age in a bottle be sold in a box. If you’re sorry about the change, squeeze off another well-preserved, affordable, low-carbon serving of boxed wine and mull it over.

Tyler Colman is the author of “Wine Politics: How Governments, Environmentalists, Mobsters and Critics Influence the Wines We Drink,” and he blogs at DrVino.com.