January 1, 2006

Wine News: Wine drinkers are now thinking inside the box

"Forget corks and bottles.
The biggest buzz in the wine industry these days is plastic and cardboard.

The popularity of boxed wine — and the bags inside holding the wine — is surging, with sales overall rising 12 percent over last year and sales of 3-liter boxes increasing 77 percent, according to marketing and information firm ACNielsen.

It's not just the lower-priced blush in a box selling well. More companies are selling higher-end wines — such as syrah and pinot grigio — in boxes. Some wine lovers who once looked down their noses at wine with a spigot are giving up their bottles in favor of the boxed version for its price, convenience and longer shelf life.

At least two Madera wineries are taking advantage of the trend."

Full article here.