Last week I wrote about using corks or screw caps as closures and which one was more environmentally sound. This week, my Monday musing is about buying very heavy wine bottles for making one’s own wine or buying wines that are sold in very heavy bottles.

When I made wine this year, I used bottles I had bought years ago. Some were very heavy and others less so. Like many people, I had fallen into the trap that heavy bottles made a more appealing wine package. In the years since I bought those bottles, my views have changed. I now am against very heavy bottles. I’m not talking about larger formats but normal 750s. I’ve seen and experienced many of these types of wines. I have often tasted wine from a very heavy bottle that looked quite attractive but  is often too hard to pour elegantly.  I also find it ridiculous when wineries convert to organic but don’t change their bottles. There should be consistency in their actions and messaging. Others have addressed this topic as well I found, including Decanter.

In sum, I think all wineries should consider using lighter bottles, for the environment, for cost control and for sommeliers and those who serve these beauties.