For the on-the-go adventurer whose beverage of choice is wine, packaging can become an issue when headed to the beach, campground, potluck or tailgate. A glass bottle may not survive the bumps while shoved into a hiking pack (especially risky for red wine aficionados). And for those who find they’ve forgotten the corkscrew at home—unless you’re a MacGyver with a hairpin or paper clip— we wish you the best of luck. Those fortunate enough to survive the journey with bottle open and in tact are left taking swigs directly from the bottle, as stemware most definitely won’t hold up on the go.
Thankfully, vintners are beginning to jump on the mobility train and explore alternate and travel wine packaging. Here are four local producers whose products are making beloved Chardonnay, Pinot and Riesling (and more) accessible beyond the dining table:
1. Union Wine Co. Tasting Truck + Underwood Pinot In A Can: Where SE 33rd meets Division Street in Portland, the Union Wine Co. team parks a restored, vintage French van—the company’s new mobile wine tasting truck. Portlanders can stop by on most weekend afternoons and evenings to sample or take home bottles from any of Union’s three wine collections. For those unable to make an appearance at the truck, Union offers its Underwood Pinot In A Can. “Whether it’s wine in a can, keg, or at the tasting truck, we’re always looking for new and accessible ways to introduce people to wine,” says founder and winemaker Ryan Harms. Pinot In A Can is available in two on-the-go varieties (Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris) and can be purchased online or in select retail stores.
2. Copa Di Vino wine in a glass: Copa Di Vino mastermind James Martin turned down two business offers from panel members on the ABC show Shark Tank to fulfill his own brand vision in his hometown, The Dalles, Ore. Today, Copa Di Vino offers seven wine varieties, each in a specialized on-the-go glass featuring a replaceable splash cap, freshness seal and anti-breakage design—perfect for pool or beachside sipping.
3. Piccola Wine Co. Wine Tote: Woodinville, Wash.-based Piccola Wine Co. honors the on-the-go wine lover with its flexible, eco-friendly 1.5 liter wine tote (otherwise known as “La Bolsita.”) The tote is available in four varieties: Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Upright Red and Harvesters Rhone Style Blend. La Bolsita features a handle for easy transport, a spigot for easy pouring and stays fresh up to a month after opening.
4. Mt. Boucherie Box Wine: For your backyard dinner party, campfire or beach bonfire, BC’s Mt. Boucherie Family Estate Winery breaks any preconceptions about watered-down boxed wine by providing alternate packaging for three of its best-loved varieties. Okanagan Valley and West Kelowna grapes go into each box of Syrah, Chardonnay and Merlot—ideal for larger groups celebrating outdoors.
