Brought to you by WCellar

With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing people to stay at home and, therefore, limiting their ability to go to restaurants, many consumers were looking for more affordable and convenient ways to enjoy wine at home. In an attempt to meet increasing consumer demand for convenient, high-quality and affordable wines in times that they needed it most, Woolies released an impressive range of four premium 2L boxed wines in 2020, which showcase exclusive collaborations with some leading South African wine brands. To date, Woolies has 10 premium 2L boxed wines, including new releases such as La Motte Merlot, Spier Cabernet Sauvignon, Ken Forrester Shiraz Grenache Mourvedre and Domaine Grier French Rosé.

While boxed wine may not have had the best reputation in the past, the quality has improved significantly and wine lovers are beginning to see it in a more positive light.

Wine packaging trends 

In recent years, wine packaging trends have evolved significantly as more and more consumers seek environmentally-friendly, minimalist label designs and convenient and innovative packaging. From boxes and cans to kegs, these are just a few of the many packaging trends in the wine industry. 

Boxed wines have been around for many years, but in recent years, they have experienced an increase in popularity among wine consumers. Boxed wines stay fresher for longer after being opened; they are lightweight and easy to store and transport; they come with a spout for easy pouring; they are convenient for large gatherings; and they are environmentally friendly since they require less packaging than traditional glass bottles.

Woolies being the first South African retailer to sell a premium range of boxed wines is testament to its continual commitment to providing consumers with a wide range of high-quality and innovative products.  

Misconceptions of boxed wine

Boxed wine, once typically associated with low quality and cheap varieties of wine, is now being embraced by consumers. Over and above convenience, value for money and eco-friendliness, many consumers are now recognising that boxed wine can provide high-quality taste at an affordable price.

Bongani Ngwenya, WCellar Nicolway Wine Consultant, says that the main differences between boxed wine and bottled wine are the types of packaging, costs involved and how the wine was produced. “If it’s a badly produced wine, whether it’s in the box or bottle, it will taste awful. Boxed wines are your cost-effective everyday drinking wines and they are not made for ageing, while your bottled wines have an ageing potential.”

Bongani Ngwenya’s favourite premium boxed wines

When asked what his favourite wine from the range is, Bongani says: “This is quite a tricky one because the whole range of Woolies boxed wines is amazing and over deliver, especially when you look at the price range versus the quality. My current favourite has to be the 2L Diemersdal Sauvignon Blanc. It is a fresh, crisp, refreshing and well-made wine – one of my everyday thirst quenchers. And, on top of that, I get almost 500ml extra at the cost of 2 bottles!” 

Overall, the Woolies premium 2L boxed wines have so many great qualities to them and are just as good as bottled wines, at least when it comes to everyday consumption. The premium range offers eco-friendly, high-quality, innovative, convenient and delicious options to suit all tastes and occasions. It is no surprise then that the range has become so popular among wine lovers in South Africa.