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!
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.
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
Imagine this…you’re planning a trip from your home in the city of Chicago to Washington DC, which would be roughly a two hour journey by flight. But, you’ve got to keep in mind that the security checks prior to the journey will waste two whole hours of your valuable time. No matter frequent of a traveler, there’s no way around the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) rules. You still have to stand in long lines and disrobe yourself multiple times. Doesn’t that become a pain? Of course, but proper planning always helps. Especially in travel nowadays, it really makes much more sense to plan with the increasing rules from the TSA. Let’s see what the travelers have on their mind about the security check…
Can I carry my favorite shampoo and toothpaste?
You can carry limited amounts (3 oz. gel or liquid) in your carry-on. Good news! There are several great products on the market that make packing your favorite shampoos, creams and makeup a breeze. GoToobs are a compact, reusable and inexpensive solution.
I need my prescription medication and how about food for my baby?
Thank goodness, they are exempt from the rules. However to expedite the process place these items in their original labeled containers.
I’m a photographer, is it safe to have my film rolls in carry-on?
X-Ray machines for carry-on are considered safe. It would be better to carry the rolls in clear plastic bag. Depending on the number of security check points during your travel and minimal exposure is better.
What can I expect in passenger screening?
Unlike your baggage, which undergoes X-Ray exposure, you, as a passenger, don’t have to do the same thing. However, it is mandatory to remove your shoes, place your cell phone and any other metal items like keys along to be screened as well.
I am going on a wine tour in the Fall, how can I bring home a few bottles of wine? Unfortunately, with the new TSA regulations, you must pack any liquids over 3 oz in your checked baggage. There are a few products on the market that make packing large, fragile bottles of liquid a breeze! The BottleWise Duo easily packs two bottles of wine or spirits in your luggage. This bag is reusable and lightweight!
Last but not least, it is always better not to argue with the TSA authorities if they confiscate something from you. Argument never makes the situation better, especially with the security authorities. If they feel that your nail clippers might be a potential danger, just say, “So be it!” and pass the security check. You don’t want to miss your flight with such expensive tickets for something that is worth less than a dollar.
What have you had confiscated by TSA in your journeys recently?
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)
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:
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
UPS
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:
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).
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.
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
