Box wines have come a long way since their creation in the ’60s. Once derided as a surefire sign of cheap plonk, these bag-in-box wines have made huge leaps in quality while providing affordable, enjoyable drinking options. Also, their eco-friendly packaging is compact, making them easy to pack for a long trip or to carry outside for camping, picnics or a braai.
My personal favourite box wine at the moment comes from Ben Wren Wine Co., who launched a series of premium quality bag-in-box wine, sourced from respected South Africa wine estates.
The brand was created by eponymous advertising and marketing expert, Ben Wren and consultant wine producer and sommelier, Ewan Mackenzie. Their goal? To make wine with the consumer in mind: here is a brand with no need to inflate its status with foiled labels or fancy high shoulder glass bottles. Instead, it was created in the belief that wine should stand its ground based on taste, and nothing else.
You would be excused for wondering why Ben Wren is one of the first companies in South Africa to disrupt the wine market this way.
“Truth be told, although bag-in-box wine has traditionally been synonymous with student days and swimming pools, consumers’ perceptions are changing, and it’s a fast-growing segment in global markets. Locally, consumers have not been exposed to premium bag-in-box wine which you can serve at any occasion, from a dinner table to a picnic,” says Ben, “but a single tasting of Ben Wren will change that.”
Reasons to try Ben Wren
Value: Economists call it The Law of Diminishing Returns. The more a glass bottle costs, the less profit there is to be made, so the wine drinker gets charged more. Ben Wren offers consumers premium-quality wine at less than R50 per bottle.
Eco-friendly: Ben Wren’s packaging has half the carbon footprint of the bottling process and is made from fully recycled board. The company will also be using a 100% recyclable inner bag from their next production run. “I believe this makes us the only 100% recyclable box wine in the country,” says Ben.
Adaptability: Ben Wren boxes are durable and make travelling a breeze. They stack well, are easy to carry, transport and store. It also has a perforated ice-hole, which allows you to slip an ice brick into the box to chill in a flash.
Double the saving: Not only do you get four times the value, but the Ben Wren box seals perfectly, allowing the wine to keep fresh in the fridge for longer, so there is no pressure to finish that bottle anymore.
The current range consists out of a Sauvignon Blanc and Red Blend, wit a Rose coming soon.
Where to buy Ben Wren
Orders can be placed on Ben Wren’s online shop where you can buy Ben Wren Sauvignon Blanc 3-Litre Bag-in-Box at R195 or Ben Wren Red Blend 3-Litre Bag-in-Box at R220. Online orders can also be placed on Yuppiechef or can be delivered in time for your braai tonight via Bar Keeper.
Ben Wren is also available in store at Ultra Liquors Green Point, Ultra Liquors Parow and Ultra Liquors Wynberg.
