Ready to transport bottles of wine?

Welcome to WineTote.org, your resource for the best ways to carry wine bottles safely and easily.

The first thing you need to decide when purchasing a carrier for wine is do you want a single bottle tote that has space for one bottle or do you want room for multiple bottles and separate storage space. Some wines also require a controlled temperature tote to remain in peak condition, so the insulating properties can be important.

Almost everyone enjoys wine or knows someone who does, so something to tote wine bottles in is convenient and makes a great gift. Tote bags have come a long way from the simple canvas carryalls we tend to associate with going on a trip to the beach or park, or where Grandma keeps her knitting needles and yarn.

Many new totes and other containers are made with Neoprene, which makes for lightweight and durable totes. If need be, it can keep bottles cold for hours and comes in the most popular one-bottle and two-bottle sizes. Lately there has been a trend toward stylish and colorful designs, so you should be able to find a bag to fit any occasion.

If maintaining the temperature isn’t a problem, there are canvas totes that are easy to store and carry up to six bottles, or you could use a couple of the sections for accessories or other groceries.

Going on picnics and hikes doesn’t seem to be as popular as it used to be, but if you are so inclined there is a wide variety of all-in-one  totes that include everything you will need in one convenient carrier. Take the wine, cheese, glasses, corkscrew and utensils to a romantic location and relax, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Classic materials like wicker and leather can add a whimsical or elegant touch to any outing.

When you get your wine choices home, be sure to take care of the bottles. If the wine is to be stored for long periods, you may find these tips helpful:

• Store wine bottles in a horizontal position. This keeps the liquid up against the cork, which slows any air getting into the bottle. A  wine rack is the easiest method, and can be a decorative addition.
• Direct sunlight, or any ultra violet light source, can be detrimental to wine – even in dark bottles.  Store your wine away from windows and in rooms using incandescent light bulbs.
• Don’t keep your wine under the sink or where strong odor and mildew can affect the taste. Even a subtle smell can taint a wines flavor.

Wine is growing in popularity and has been identified as a healthy addition to many diets, when used in moderation. Whether you enjoy a full-bodied red Cabernet Sauvignon with a juicy steak, or a Chardonnay to complement a delicious Salmon dish, it is easy to acquire a taste for a good wine with a meal or on it’s own. Lately I have found a sweet Riesling to be a complementing taste with spicy food and Sauvignon Blanc a good stand alone wine.