More Affordable and Convenient Wine Has Hit the LCBO

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Published June 12, 2017 at 6:36 pm

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Although there hasn’t been much in the way of good news surrounding the LCBO lately, the provincially-run alcohol brand is still open and selling a variety of interesting products–including more affordable boxed wine.

The LCBO recently announced that the store’s bag-in-box wine selection is growing to include imported and premium products.

“We have maintained a consistent number of bag-in-box wines in our assortment for years and it’s still available for customers,” says Igor Ryjenkov, MW, category manager, European Wines. “However, based on feedback from our frontline employees, we know there is demand for imported and premium products in this packaging format and we’re pleased to offer an expanded assortment beginning in April.”

According to the LCBO, the new boxed offerings include the LCBO’s first four imported wines (two New World and two European), as well as four new VQA wines and the first new International Canadian Blend in several years:

  • Cupcake Red Velvet, 3L, $46.95 – an extension of a successful California brand

  • BotaBox Cabernet Sauvignon, 3L, $41.95 – a brand new, highly-successful U.S. product

  • Folonari Pinot Grigio delle Venezie, 3L, $44.95 – an addition to an already strong 750mL and 1.5L brand

  • Radio Boka Tempranillo (pictured above), 3L, $37.90 – a new format for this customer favourite previously only available in a 750mL bottle

You can grab a few other wines in the new format:

  • OPEN Riesling Gewurztraminer VQA, 3L, $39.95

  • OPEN Smooth Red VQA, 3L, $39.95

  • Monarch Vidal VQA, 3L, $39.95

  • Long Weekend Wine Co. Chardonnay Pinot Grigio VQA, 3L, $44.95

  • Pelee Island Rouge, 3L, $24.95

As for how it works, all box packaging consists of a plastic bag within the box. The bag has a special spout that prevents oxidation of the wine once opened, keeping the liquid fresh for a few weeks, whereas wine in an opened bottle only lasts a few days.

And although boxed wine might have a reputation, the boxes are typically easier to open, transport and store. You can return the bag for a 20 cent deposit and recycle the cardboard box.

A three-litre box has the equivalent of four bottles of wine, so you’re getting a little more bang for your buck.

“Using Folonari Pinot Grigio as an example, a customer would save $10.85 if they chose to buy the box instead of four single bottles,” the LCBO writes.

Perhaps you’ll want to grab a boxed wine for your upcoming Canada Day BBQ?

“We’re very excited that we can bring added selection of bag-in-box wines to our customers,” Igor adds. “As these are premium-priced wines, the new products address a different consumer segment and we believe we will attract a new customer to this format.”  

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