Decent box wine?

[Elliot]

I would like to bring some inexpensive white wine. Maybe I should say cheap white wine -- which is all I can afford. The plastic-bag-lined boxes fit my budget and eliminates the risk of broken glass. But several that I have tried tasted awful. Is there such a thing as a decent cheap white wine? I can go to Sacramento where there is BevMo, Trader Joe's and other big stores. Of course, I could by bottles. "Two Buck Chuck"?

[stew]

Don't remember the brand, but last year we had red wine from BevMo, unbleached brown box with purple printing on it. Wasn't as cheap as two buck chuck, but more than worth its money.

[Zona_the_stona]

When the box is removed it turns into "Space Bag".

I've also seen wine in a carton. The people drinking it said it wasn't bad.

[BBadger]

Oxymoron Brand decent box wine.

Actually I don't know. I don't like wine or know good wine (though I could detect bad wine). Good luck!

[DustHand]

I have had this...it's actually very good:
http://www.opendoorcellars.com/

Full disclosure, an acquaintance of mine is part owner, but not why I liked it, and I am not involved, etc.

No idea if it's available in your area, or if you can order online.

[Lonesomebri]

The taste of cheap wine increase in direct correlation with the distance from stemware.
Not sure the exact formula, but I think I saw Carl Sagan give a talk on this once.

The key is using the box wine as an in, a "gift", as you sit down at the more generously stocked playa bar, and accept a pour from the fancy gallon wine JUG !!!

[Drawingablank]

I don't care much for wine personally, but several friends I used to camp with used to bring Peter Vella boxed wines and thought they were pretty good. I have no idea how the price is on them.

[FlyingMonkey]

I would like to bring some inexpensive white wine. Maybe I should say cheap white wine -- which is all I can afford. The plastic-bag-lined boxes fit my budget and eliminates the risk of broken glass. But several that I have tried tasted awful. Is there such a thing as a decent cheap white wine? I can go to Sacramento where there is BevMo, Trader Joe's and other big stores. Of course, I could by bottles. "Two Buck Chuck"?

Elliot, after the first box no one really seems to care anymore

Either you need to increase your wine budget or lower your expectations.

Seriously there are a few good brands but the names escape me. You have about 8 days to try as many different boxes as you can. I suggest packing an extra liver.

[junglesmacks]

Look for this stuff. It's pretty damn not bad and usually under $10/box..

[Elliot]

This is not for guzzling. I want to be able to serve a glass of wine for ladies to enjoy while I repair their bicycle.

Keep the suggestions coming, please!

[Lonesomebri]

This is not for guzzling. I want to be able to serve a glass of wine for ladies to enjoy while I repair their bicycle.

Keep the suggestions coming, please!

You sly old dog, I need to be asking you for advice....

The name of the Bevmo offering is Bota Box.....Perhaps some Bota Box Pinot Grigio '11 in the 3 liter box with a lite dusting....

[DrYes]

This is not for guzzling. I want to be able to serve a glass of wine for ladies to enjoy while I repair their bicycle.

Keep the suggestions coming, please!

You sly old dog, I need to be asking you for advice....

The name of the Bevmo offering is Bota Box.....Perhaps some Bota Box Pinot Grigio '11 in the 3 liter box with a lite dusting....

I'll second that. I've been sampling the higher end offerings of boxed wine lately as I didn't like hauling all the bottles back last year. The 'higher end' offerings seem to be about the equivalent of 4 bottles, and go for $16-$20. I'd be thrilled to find better wines in boxes, but these are the best I've found in the local stores (bay area) without looking too hard.

Best boxed white I've found in that price range: Bota Box Chardonnay. Didn't try the Pinot Grigio as I don't care for that grape. Got it at Bevmo.

Am still looking for a nice boxed sauv blanc, as I'd prefer that to chard, but the only one I've tasted - Silver Birch, from the kiwis, is cloying and terrible.

Best boxed red in that price range I've found: Big House Red. This is an $8/bottle wine that we've occasionally enjoyed in a bottle. Were pleased to find it in a box, and it's about half the price this way. And a whole lot more convenient. Got it at Mollie Stone's (Bay Area). Review of the wine here: http://blogs.sfweekly.com/foodie/2010/1 ... n_sink.php

The other red I'm hopeful about, but haven't tasted yet, is the Bota Box Shiraz. Got a box of it in the fridge, but we haven't opened it yet.

[mudpuppy000]

I saw clif (clif bar) started selling wine in backpack friendly packaging (pouches). No idea if it's any good though, or cheap.

I just bring bottles. I'm a home brewer, so I go out of my way to make sure none of them wander off and break so I can reuse them.

[Elliot]

We already have two votes for Bota Box! But keep'em coming. I sure appreciate it.

[FIGJAM]

Playaing lady's with wine?

Tsk tsk.

[Elliot]

No, but ladies.

Tsk, tsk.

[Daun]

Black Box wines.
http://www.blackboxwines.com/the_wine.html

Saw some at BevMo

[MacGlenver]

I was not a fan of Black Box boxed wines. I havent tried any others, so maybe its the cream of the crop.... I'm also searching for boxed wine for my camp (romans needs wines). We're hunting for about 4-5 boxes of some red.

Thanks for all suggestions. Please do keep them coming

[theCryptofishist]

I'm looking for an indecent boxed wine.

[stew]

The name of the Bevmo offering is Bota Box.....Perhaps some Bota Box Pinot Grigio '11 in the 3 liter box with a lite dusting....

That's the one, thanks.

[FIGJAM]

No, but ladies.

Tsk, tsk.

Damn it!

I spelled it that way the first time and changed it.

I knew you would pick on me if I got it "different".

[Madgirl]

Here's another vote for Bota Box. FishEye is pretty good too. And while I certainly hope I don't need any bike repair, I'll be headed your way if I do!

[Elliot]

Then I'll definitely look for Bota Box when I go to Sacramento this weekend. BevMo and Walmart are supposed to have it down there.
Meanwhile I found Black Box Chardonnay in a local Ray's grocery. $21,49 for 3 Liters, as opposed to ten bucks for the 5 Liter Franzia and Peter Vella. I know Franzia is awful. I'll try the Black Box after it chills.

[Elliot]

I've now tasted the Black Box Chardonnay and I find it agreeable.

I'll be out of town a couple of days -- hopefully returning with some Bota Box.

Still welcoming suggestions, and I sure appreciate it.

[Bob]

This is not for guzzling. I want to be able to serve a glass of wine for ladies to enjoy while I repair their bicycle.

Well, aren't you fancy. Cowboy Carl never had a problem serving Carlo Rossi "Paisano" to the ladies.

[Bob]

http://www.vintageadbrowser.com/drinks-ads-1970s/3

[Ugly Dougly]

When the box is removed it turns into "Space Bag".

Doubles as a pillow.

[FlyingMonkey]

OK, for the sake of research I went out & bought a Bota Box 2010 Chardonnay. It’s OK. Better than what I am used to out of a box but I like a dry oaky chardonnay & this is not. I’m drinking it right now & the second glass seems better than the first (go figure). It didn’t knock my socks off but I can see drinking a chilled glass on the Playa. Let’s say 6 out of 10 (10 being best of course). I will continue my research tomorrow with a different brand. I read that Target has their own brand & it’s supposed to be pretty good. I had planned on bringing a case (or more) of wine to share, but after thinking it over box wine make such good sense. It packs efficiently, resists oxidation, & is easier to haul out than bottles. Now if they can only perfect champagne in a box……That would be something.

[FlyingMonkey]

When the box is removed it turns into "Space Bag".

Doubles as a pillow.

Or an emergency couch protector for LABatman.

[maladroit]

He can use my stiff leather boot as a couch protector, permanently.

I like how we all know he's a complete troll but are humoring him because it's moderately funny and we all like some good forum drama.