Move over boxed wine, bagged wine is in
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Photo: Courtesy of CJ Chandler
My Dear Friends is raising the bar on boxed wine by moving it to a bag.
The big picture: The Oak Park company packages its wines in portable "bagnums" and oversized bottles, aiming to make premium wine more shareable.
Flashback: A former beverage director and wine buyer, Dylan Melvin noticed during the pandemic that drinkers were buying more wine in bulk, usually boxed wine.
Between the lines: Anyone who has been teased for drinking Franzia knows that wine in a box usually appeals to a less-than-refined palate.
Yes, but: Boxed wine has positive qualities, too, Melvin tells Axios. It has a reduced carbon footprint compared to bottles, a longer shelf life and usually a lower price point.
- It is also a lot of wine. "Three liters is a major commitment of wine. That's like a different level," Melvin says.
Zoom in: Melvin wanted to create a product that had the positive characteristics of box wine but was a little less intimidating in size, and better tasting.
- He and his partners landed on a 1.5 liter bagnum (equivalent to two standard .75-liter bottles) and 1.5-liter bottles, about a glass and a half more than other bottles.
- The grapes come from a family-owned vineyard in South Africa's Western Cape, and My Dear Friends offers Sauvignon Blanc, red table and skin contact orange.
What they're saying: "It's a nice amount of wine for people hanging out. It's easy to take with you. It just feels convivial," Melvin explains.
- "Something about wine in general seems to kind of inspire conviviality. One-liter bottles weren't an accident ... we felt like that extra glass or two that's in that bottle still helps inspire this idea of generosity and conviviality that I think is really core to our brand," he adds.
Where to find it: Foxtrot, Dill Pickle Co, Beer Temple and Middle Brow are some of the Chicago-area locations selling bottles, bagnums and by the glass.
- My Dear Friends is also sold in Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio.
- It's coming soon to Minnesota, Melvin says.
- Bottles are $21.99 and bagnums are $29.99.
🗯️ My thought bubble: I love the convenience of the bag for the beach or camping (if I went camping), but also to bring to a party. The host is always pleasantly surprised by the concept. And, it tastes good! The white is refreshing and easy-drinking.