Check out all these cool wine gadgets reviewed and featured on NBC NY – Behind the Burner.  You can also win any of these items…especially the BottleWise Duo!

One key item left out on the BottleWise Duo is that you use it to transport wine when you fly!  No Breaks! No Leaks! No Worries!

Watch segment of must have wine products.

Heard the rumors lately? I’ve been hearing through the grape vine (no pun intended!) various concerns about wine transportation in air travel. These are mostly due to the new regulations of various airlines and the TSA (Transportation Security Administration).  These regulations can lead to hassles and delays for both leisure and business travelers.  Some organizations need specialty wine at conferences for whatever reason and need wine shipped to these conference locations. So these businesses have to create an entire plan just to ship wine! Below are a few points that may be helpful if you’re caught in this situation:

What is your state law?
There are three major categories that any wine lover should consider before shipping wine to or from their travel location.  Make sure you are aware of your state’s law before you book your next wine trip or plan to send a wine gift.

1. Reciprocal states: Reciprocity requires the legislative cooperation of other states to recognize a two-way shipment privilege.  This means that only wineries in another reciprocal state can ship into the reciprocal states: Iowa and New Mexico.

2. States wine can be shipped to on a limited basis: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington D.C., West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

3. States where wine shipping from direct to consumer is prohibited: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Utah

So with all of these restrictions and hassles, would a consumer still want to ship wine?  The TSA regulations do not allow travelers to carry wine or liquor on board these days, so you need to be able to safely pack these liquids in your checked luggage.  Socks and dirty clothes may have done the job in the past, but TSA can still confiscate your valuable liquids if they are not properly packed.  To ease the burden of TSA inspecting your luggage or worrying about shipping wine to your home state, what you need is a wine travel case! BottleWise Duo – The Ultimate Multipurpose Wine Travel System is your perfect solution to your wine travel needs by eliminating wine shipping hassles. It’s much more economical since it is a onetime investment for long-term enjoyment. Benefits of having a wine travel case like BottleWise Duo is that you have your favorite wine with you whenever you travel, and you don’t have to worry about state regulations for wine shipping. Free the grapes by giving your vino the freedom to travel safely and comfortably in the BottleWise Duo wine travel case!

BottleWise is committed to manufacturing high-quality bags that make life easier for the discriminating culinary traveler and is founded by Amy Dias  – adias@bottlewise.com.

Smart strategies for stowing your belongings, from accessories to sleepwear.

Accessories (Earrings, Necklaces, Scarves)

• Keep necklaces protected and kink-free “by threading them through drinking straws, then putting the filled straws in toothbrush holders,” says Anne McAlpin, author of Pack It Up.
• Store earrings in a day-of-the-week pill container, or cut out a small cardboard square and punch them through.
• Put all the jewelry you intend to wear with a certain outfit in a sandwich bag and pin it to one of the clothing items.
• Toss silk scarves near the top of your bag to prevent them from getting crushed.

Belts

• For narrow belts: Wind them into coils and place each one in a zipper-sealed bag. Put every bag in a shoe.
• For larger versions: Fit them around the edges of your bag. Their size and width make them less likely to snake about.

Blouses, Shirts, Tees

• Layer tissue paper or plastic dry-cleaning bags between garments to keep them smooth. (Clothes wrinkle when they rub against one another.)
• Put nice items on top to keep weight off them.
• Shirts and blouses will lose their shape if they’re rolled up, but rolling works well for T-shirts, which should go near the bottom of the bag.

Books

• Because of their weight, books tend to shift to the bottom of a suitcase, near the wheels. To prevent them from dragging other items down, start by placing them there.

Bras

• To help preserve their shape, stuff rolled underwear and socks in the cups and seal in a plastic bag. Tuck into the corners of the suitcase.

Dresses

• If a dress is long enough, you can place it directly on top of your pants and “interfold” it (see Pants). Otherwise, keep it near the top―above heavier shirts and sweaters―and fold it as few times as possible.
• Either way, slip it into a dry-cleaning or garment bag to prevent it from wrinkling.

Jeans

• Because these are heavy, position them near the wheels, well below any delicate clothing.
• Fold them at the waist, then in half, lengthwise. Or roll them, folding at the waist, then rolling upward from the bottom, stopping just below the belt line (because of the zipper and the pockets at the top, rolling jeans all the way adds unnecessary volume).

Medicines

• Put all daily medications, as well as things like contact lenses and glasses, in your hand luggage. Keep prescription drugs in the original containers; the Transportation Security Administration requires you to have proof that they’re yours.

Liquids

• Traveling with your favorite bottle of vino.  Pack safely with the BottleWise Rollup.  Its compact and take up little space in your luggage.  Best of all it protects from breaking or leaking.
• You never leave home without your favorite lotion or makeup.  Be sure to protect your liquids with a Pitotube cosmetic case.

Pants

• Pack at the very bottom of the suitcase, just above the layer that fills the three indentations made by the suitcase pulley (that layer can consist of underwear, workout clothes, and pajamas).
• For the first pair, place the waistband against a narrow end of the suitcase and drape the legs over the opposite edge. Position the next pair’s waistband so that it touches the opposite short end of the suitcase. Continue alternating with all the pants, then put all the other items on top. Fold the pant legs over the pile of clothing. This “interfolding,” as packing experts call it, helps prevent trouser creases.

Outerwear

• In the winter, carry on an oversize jacket or parka and bulk up with long-sleeved T-shirts, sweaters, and scarves. Packing a light jacket and several layers is more space-efficient than packing a heavy coat.
• Place your jacket toward the bottom of the bag. Store gloves in your coat pockets.

Sleepwear

• Chances are your pajamas are among the things you’ll need first, so put a set in the top layer.
• Keep the rest at the bottom, filling in the indentations caused by the suitcase handle.

Article by Sara Reistad-Long, Real Simple

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Isn’t it intimidating walking into the wine section of your neighborhood grocery store and seeing hundreds upon hundreds of multicolored wine bottles staring you down? Where do you even begin looking for the best-tasting wine? There are countless brands and labels; you could get lost in Wine World forever.

So here are a few things you could do to prepare for the daunting trip to the wine section:

1. Start online. There are several wine connoisseurs out there who know everything and anything about wine. They make wine lists based on what types of wines are favorable.

2.  Keep a wine journal of the wine that you have tried in the past and have enjoyed.

3. Does your wine choice and evening’s menu mesh well together? Natalie Maclean has a terrific food and wine matcher that you an upload to your iphone or Blackberry.

4.  Remember your guests. Ask them what types of wines they prefer.

5.  Print out your list and take it with you to the store. Make sure you’re finding the right vintages and vineyards while matching your list to the wine on the shelves.

6.   Have your price range in mind and keep crosschecking between wines and your budget. The worse thing to do is to buy a bad, but expensive wine.

7.  Be prepared to have leftover wine, especially if you bought several wines. There’s always the risk that people may not like the wine you purchased or they just have a little bit of wine from each bottle.

8.  Purchase containers for leftover wine in advance. BottleWise.com has the Platy Wine Preserve and the Kleen Kanteen Wine Karafe just for this purpose. Both are specially made for wine preservation, especially wine taste. If you are more for the environmentally friendly, opt for the Kleen Kanteen Wine Karafe; if you prefer something that’s a space-saver, try out the collapsible Platy Wine Preserve.  Either choice keeps the wine in tip-top shape until your next wine-occasion!  Use Promo Code WINE20 and save 20% on your next BottleWise order.  Offer good through 10.29.10.

Sources: http://kenswineguide.com/wine.php?page=19

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Here’s the everlasting question that’s on the tip of everyone’s tongue: What’s the deal with shipping wine?

It’s not that easy (or inexpensive), you have to meet these conditions first:

• the wine was purchased while the purchaser was physically present at the winery
• the purchaser of the wine provided the winery verification of legal age
• the wine is for personal use only and not for resale
• the purchaser can lawfully and personally transport wine into the destination state
• the purchaser is the consignee

How do I pack three bottles of wine? Packing wine requires packaging suitable for numerous low intensity shocks, compressions and vibrations from any direction.  There are three types of containers typically used to ship wine: folded corrugated tray, molded fiber tray or an expanded polystyrene foam mold.  A winery or specialty shop will often offer to ship wine for you, but even at a discounted shipping rate, the costs can add up (especially over time).

Estimated Shipping Rates: To ship 3 bottles of wine (weighing approximately 5lbs) I have done a cost comparison between FedEx and UPS.  Please keep in mind that these are estimated and rates will vary for different zones.  These costs also do not include the cost associated with purchasing the appropriate packaging materials.

FedEx

1. Priority Overnight $94.39
2. Next Day Air $71.00
3. 2nd Day Air $43.54
4. Ground $16.07

UPS

1. Priority Overnight $85.00
2. Next Day Air $60.00
3. 2nd Day Air $30.00
4. Ground $15.00

As many already are aware that if you“are you planning to return to New York from California with your wines after a nice summer vacation, you can’t do that in the cabin anymore,” said an airline industry consultant, based in Port Washington, N.Y. “Instead, travelers will have to place bottles in checked luggage, a practice that is currently still permitted.  The only issue is whether you feel it’s sufficiently well protected – that it’s not going to break.”

Is there a way I can still carry the wine with me? Yes!  You’re in luck, there is the perfect solution on the market that not only will protect your bottles from breaking or leaking in your checked luggage, but over time it will save you money and the environment.    Pack wine, spirits and culinary oils in your checked luggage with the BottleWise Duo or the BottleWise Bot’lPak. In just one use you will recover all your cost for shipping Priority or Next Day Air with UPS or FedEx.  Not only that but other benefits include:

1. One time investment and no recurring charges (BottleWise offers a lifetime warranty!)
2. Your wine or spirits travel with you, safe and secure
3. No additional shipping and handling charges
4. No waste to the environment of collected boxes and polystyrene
5. And  most of all – Peace of Mind!

Learn more about the  BottleWise Duo.

BottleWise is committed to manufacturing high-quality bags that make life easier for the discriminating culinary traveler and is founded by Amy Dias (adias@bottlewise.com).

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Madison, WI – Oct. 25,  2010 – BottleWise®,  creator of innovative travel gear for food and wine enthusiasts, today announced the availability of BottleWise Rollup™, a compact wine travel bag that safely transports up to 1 L bottle inside checked luggage. Rollup, the latest addition to the BottleWise lineup, offers a new class of lightweight, yet durable protection for your best bottles. Think beyond the vino-this bag isn’t just for wine.

Rollup Features

Designed with the sophisticated culinary traveler in mind, BottleWise Rollup features a padded, insulated sleeve, plus one interior liquid-tight liner to protect your bottle from breakage. The versatile wine travel case allows foodies to safely transport a variety of gourmet liquids and is reusable, so it’s environmentally friendly.  When not in use, Rollup simply lays flat; when needed, just roll that bottle up for safe travels!  No breaks. No leaks. No worries.

TSA Friendly

Developed in response to the U.S. Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) restrictions on liquids in carry-on bags, the BottleWise Rollup is so much more than a wine bottle carrier. Travelers can once again, safely bring home that special bottle of wine, spirits, olive oil and more from their culinary adventure. Baggage handlers are no match for the durability of BottleWise products-you can rest assured your best bottles will arrive safely intact!

Rollup Pricing and Availability

Pricing for BottleWise Rollup is $19.99. It’s made in the USA of durable, yet lightweight fabric and comes with a lifetime guarantee. Rollup comes in a variety of colors: Onyx, Bordeaux, Vine and Azure. The multi-purpose wine bottle bag is available just in time for the holidays.

Rollup your best bottle and Go!

About BottleWise

Since it’s inception in 2007, BottleWise has become the trusted name in gourmet travel gear, specializing in bottle protection for your liquid lifestyle™. Whether you like wine or whiskey, champagne or a micro brew; we’ve got you covered!  We’ve sold thousands of our wine totes worldwide, and haven’t lost a bottle yet. BottleWise has received rave reviews by travel enthusiasts, and has been featured in numerous media outlets, including; Wine Spectator, NBC Weekend New York, The Wall Street Journal, United Hemispheres, CruiseReport.com, DailyCandy.com and Real Simple to name a few. When your best bottles matter, BottleWise is the only choice.   Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.  Visit us online at www.bottlewise.com.

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Whoever said California doesn’t have a fall season was sadly mistaken!  Imagine rolling hills of vibrant red, russet, amber and gold grape leave shimmering in the sun.  Liquid amber trees dot the valleys in all their splendid fall glory.  Days are warm, skies are crystal blue and fallen leaves crunch underfoot.  Mix this beauty in with a wine tour and all seems perfect!  Wine touring is a fun way to get the best-tasting and most carefully selected wines.  The Pacific Northwest (a.k.a. Wine Country) has all the choices, waiting for you!

Here’s how to get a jumpstart on planning your trip:

1.  Choose your wine region- Seattle, Woodinville, Yakima, Rattlesnake Valley, Zillah, Leavenworth, Prosser, Grandview, Sunnyside, Red Mountain, Walla Walla Valley, and more…check out some Wine Country maps. http://www.inetours.com/PagesWT/Wine_Tours.html

2.  Choose which wineries to visit and determine the sequence and daily schedule. It helps to do a little research on wines and prices. Also, check out reviews and the atmosphere of these wineries to ensure they fit your expectations.  If you are traveling to a new location this Fall, look up to see if there are any local wineries in the area.  There are several growing niche wineries all across the country, so you don’t need to limit your self to the Pacific NW.

3.   You may want to call some wineries ahead of time to see if an appointment is necessary and if there are any charges.  Be sure to ask them about their wine-tasting hours as well and if there are any special winery events or festivals that you may want to take part in (ie. Grape Stomping!)

4.   Don’t forget the food! All the wine touring will make you hungry, so plan where you’ll be dining. Seattle, Woodinville, Walla Walla, Leavenworth, Tri-Cities, and Lake Chelan have some great selections. Many wineries also have private areas where you can bring in your own picnic and pair it up with one of their wines.

5.  Plan lodging and transportation accommodations if you’re traveling from afar.  Many hotels may offer wine tour packages that can offer you added savings.  Another option is to check with  your local travel agent. They have great insights on what areas to visit from past clients and can even plan a complete tour for you at no additional cost.

6.    Don’t forget the most important thing: plan to have something to bring back your wine in! The BottleWise Bot’lPak or the BottleWise Duo are the safest way to transport you wine in your checked luggage. They’re reusable and keep your wine safe from breaks or leaks. No need to waste money on shipping your wine back home, not to mention all the Styrofoam that goes to waste in that process! You can be cost-effective and environmentally effective at the same time this way.  SAVE $10 (now through October  10th), promo code  DUO10 at www.BottleWise.com.

Sources: http://www.winesnw.com/news_reviews/newsandreviews4.htm, http://www.washingtonwinetours.com/plan-wine-tour.html

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