Box wines are catching on

Do you have a fresh box of wine in the fridge?

As we move into the sun-kissed days of summer, that's the question more people in Wine Country will be asking now that box wine has less of a negative stigma.

"I see box wine acceptance growing at a rate similar to that of the screw cap," said Erik Olsen, vice president and chief winemaker of Constellation Brands, Inc.

"Consumer awareness of the quality level of wines available in box wine is increasing."

Wine enthusiast Shannon Hartigan of Santa Rosa appreciates good value and is a fan of box wine.

"I get a lot of it during the summer for going to the pool or the river because it's so convenient ... with some you get great quality at a great price."

Kim Moore of Black Box Wines said, "The brand kicked off its initial launch in 2002 at the 40,000-case mark and is positioned to surpass the four million case milestone this year."

A three-liter box holds the equivalent of four bottles of wine and costs about $25, which is the equivalent of a $6.25 (750 ml) bottle of wine, and the brand offers 10 varietals.

Olsen said once a box is opened, it will stay fresh for about a month.

"It's interesting that in Sweden and Norway, box wine accounts for over 50 percent share of the wine market, so in the U.S. we really have tremendous potential for future growth," Olsen said.

Another popular brand is the Bota Box produced by Delicato Family Vineyards, headquartered in Manteca.

The three-liter Bota Box ranges in price from $13 to $22 and offers 10 different varietals.

"The attitude toward box wine is definitely more positive now," said Herb Galindo of Delicato, pointing out that its eco-friendly packaging and its portability have broad appeal.