Outside the box

Want the wine without the weight of the glass bottles, or the space they take up? Consider these alternative large-format packages:

1 L TETRA PAK Lined cardboard cartons make great lightweight, space-saving, re-closeable wine storage, especially for whites. (The lining helps keep it cold.) They’re recyclable in many places, too. Try the French Cross line from Peller Estates (including the Rosé, LCBO 68551, $10.45).

3 L BAG This soft bag-style package has a pouring spout like boxed wine, plus a handy carry handle. Try Girls’ Night Out Peach Raspberry Rumba (LCBO 513622, $24.95).

3 OR 4 L BAG-IN-BOX Oenophiles might snub boxed wine, but the ingenious bladder-bag inside keeps air out of the open package, preventing oxidation and allowing you to enjoy the wine for up to four weeks. Ontario VQA wines are new to this innovative packaging; try Long Weekend Wine Co. Chardonnay Pinot Grigio VQA (LCBO 492355, 3 L, $44.95).