Camp Wine
I fondly remember secretly lugging bottles of wine deep into the backcountry to impress the ladies during a freshly caught trout dinner. I not so fondly remember lugging the same damn bottle back out of the backcountry so as to somewhat adhere to LNT ethics. This was not all that convenient given the weight and size of the bottle alone.
Then shortly there after I wised up and started getting boxed wine. Which while it is a better idea because you can crush the box and it packs out much easier, or forgo the box altogether and simple back the bag of wine, however this can also lead to disaster unless you enjoy wine soaked everything…including your precious $400 down bag!!
Another down side is that I firmly believe that if you suffer to drag booze into the woods there is no way that I will suffer to haul it back out. Most boxed wines come in 3 liter bags which equals 4 bottles, do the math and you will realize that that is a ton of wine to drink!!!
And the goal is to enjoy the drink not get blitzed other wise we would be packing in whiskey.
So faced with this dilemma I stumbled upon these gems. I have now seen them in several different sizes and just about every type of wine imaginable. These little packs are outstanding as a means to enjoy a nice evening camp meal. I have found them in most liquor stores and they seem to average between $6 to $12. Great price for the value.
Sunset Magazine suggested these great boxed wines:
Black Box Chardonnay 2005 (Monterey County, CA; $18). Creamy, buttery nose (with hints of Golden Delicious apple) meets zippy citrus flavors on the palate.
Delicato Merlot Bota Box 2004 (California; $18). Earthy nose with dried cherries. Smooth tannins and a long finish make it pleasant.
Stonehaven Chardonnay 2005 (Southeastern Australia; $18). Minerals and acid keep it from being flabby, despite its buttery nose.
Wine Cube Pinot Grigio 2004 (California; $16). Who knew you could get good wine at Target? Crisp citrus with melon and stone fruit. Great food wine.
Wine Cube Shiraz 2004 (South Australia; $16). Bacony, leathery, earthy, with dark plums and berries.
These wines come in the full sized boxes, for the smaller sizes check your local shop. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
Cheers and Beers,
Yeti
3 comments
Is it bad that I fill a Nalgene with wine before I go? Seems to work, plus I have an extra water bottle once the wine is gone (usually within the first mile or two of day one).
Not at all my friend.
I do want to point out that any consumption of alcohol will adversely impact ones ability to perform basic rational thinking. Any alcohol consumption in the backcountry is something that should be avoided due to the increased chance of accidents/injuries!
On an early date with the man of my dreams and father of our grown child, I planned a romantic high altitude dinner. In the Sangre de Cristos is a breath taking hike up a mountain called Horn Peak. The altitude was killing him and at first he was irritated especially since I hid a bottle of champaign in his pack. I think those bottles feel as heavy being lugged out empty as carried in full. The new camping wines are a terrific product.
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