CalNaturale Cabernet Sauvignon

CalNaturale wines are easy-drinking California organic wines packaged in eco-friendly Tetra Paks, and claim to be the first to meet that three-part description. Only available in about a dozen states and not for sale online, CalNaturale wines are nonetheless available in some easy-to-find locations, like some Whole Foods markets.

We're still not completely sold on the Tetra Paks because they're "recyclable" in name only in many community recycling programs; still, manufacturers claim they can be created with half the energy of a typical bottle, and they do offer great shipping savings, in energy and cost. Just look at the 1-liter CalNaturale container next to a typical 750-milliliter bottle, and you appreciate how much more wine can be packed in an 18-wheeler and shipped cross country. Plus, they're super-simple to open, and the packaging is ideal for enjoying outdoors. Imagine splitting a liter carton ($13) over a picnic lunch, or carrying your own 500-ml beer can-sized wine carton ($7) on a camping trip, and you're halfway to a memorable summer excursion.

But who buys wine purely for the packaging? This wine is pleasing to the palate, so give it a try.