Nothing caps a righteous day like a proper toast. But hauling vino into the wild has always been as practical as hiking in loafers—until now. Quality boxed wines—seriously—have arrived. These cardboard carriers deliver three liters in tough plastic wineskins. And the taste? We invited Mark Miller, godfather of modern southwestern cuisine, to swish and spit three varietals. Check out his notes, and ours, below.
box wines hiking
Thinking Inside the Box: Delicato Family’s Bota Box
2002 CHARDONNAY
DELICATO FAMILY VINEYARDS
($18; 888-599-4637, ) MILLER SAYS, “Sprightly, with top notes of acacia and a bit of peach and citrus peeking through.” SERVE WITH shellfish. TAKE IT sea-kayak touring, and chill it in the surf.
2002 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
HARDYS STAMP OF AUSTRALIA
($16; 866-626-9463, ) MILLER SAYS, “A bouquet of ripe berry. Hints of tobacco and smoke, with a Tuscany veneer, conceal a pervading steminess.” SERVE WITH barbecue. TAKE IT rafting, for post–Class IV nerve tonic.
2002 SHIRAZ
BANROCK STATION
($16; 866-626-9463, ) MILLER SAYS, “A light Shiraz with hints of plum, strawberry, and licorice.” SERVE WITH rotisserie chicken or lamb. TAKE IT to hot springs, where broken glass is the ultimate no-no.