Wine is traditionally sold in glass bottles but environmental factors are urging manufacturers to turn to different methods of packaging. Bag-in-boxes (BiB) is a format increasing in availability and in the volumes available.

The advantages are that the bag is airtight allowing the wine to have a much longer shelf life, especially after opening. Portability is easier reducing the risk of breakage or spillage. The manufacture of the bag and surrounding cardboard container has a much lower carbon footprint than glass bottles. And the process of opening the package does not require specialist equipment like a corkscrew. Tests have shown the quality and taste of the wine is indistinguishable from the same wine in bottles.

The disadvantages are that the wine in BiB is such that it needs consuming within a matter of months after packaging, so is not suitable for laying down. At the moment the choice of varieties and brands is very limited, as the cost of manufacturing and filling BiB packaging will prevent small producers from adopting this approach. The larger box container does limit its suitability in the domestic refrigerator and once opened there is a tendency to drink more!

The tasting involved four BiB varieties, one white, one rosé and two reds. The general consensus within the group attending was that the wine was perfectly acceptable and the format had some advantages over the use of bottles, especially for picnics and larger groups where the 2.5L boxes would be easier to transport and serve. Thanks to Peter and Jean Carter for an enjoyable and interesting presentation.