About Using Insulated Wine Bags

Neoprene is relatively simple to clean with water and soap , either dish soap or – if you have it – wet suit soap. Use a bucket of soapy water and a few rags to gently wash the material. If possible size-wise and the bag is made purely of neoprene, you can entirely submerge it. However, be careful of doing this when the bag is made of multiple materials, not all of which may respond well to soaking. Scrub the bag off, then rinse it well and allow it to air dry.

Leather

Cleaning leather is easier than one might think, but you have to be careful to remove all residues during the cleaning process, since leather is very sensitive to moisture. Start with a mild hand soap applied to a wet rag. Scrub the bag gently all over, paying especial attention to any grubby spots. When scrubbing, be gentle, as you can affect the appearance of the leather with a harsh scrub. Remove any soap residue with a clean wet cloth. Afterwards, apply a bit of olive oil to a different, clean rag and rub it all over the bag to make the leather smooth and supple. Wipe off any extra with the edge of the rag or a clean one. See our selection of great leather tote bags.

Polyester

Technically polyester can go through the wash . However, if your wine bag is printed with a label or logo that you want to keep intact, this may not be the best solution for you. Instead, you can approach it like leather and use a soapy cloth to rub dirt or smudges off of the outside of the bag. If it is truly grimy – say, from a beach picnic or a hard night at the park – you can submerge it in soapy water and scrub it off. Let it air dry completely before using it again. When possible, avoid drying in the dryer because this may contribute to shrinkage, potentially warping your bag.

Canvas

A well-loved material for its durability and classic good looks, canvas is easy to clean. Unfortunately, it is also easy to mess up, which you can avoid doing with a careful cleaning routine. For starters, never submerge canvas . It can ruin the shape that many bags come in, which can be disappointing. Additionally, the dyes run easily and can stain other parts of the bag if they are a different color, turning the whole bag into a muddled mess. (This means that unless the entire bag is un-dyed and floppy, keep it out of the wash.) Instead, use a sponge or cloth to scrub at spots with a little soap, then wash it off with water. See our great selection of canvas wine bags.

Polypropylene

A widely used plastic polymer, polypropylene is very easy to clean . You can take the traditional soap and water approach, if that works, submerging if necessary (again assuming there are no other materials used in the bag). If you need to, you can use a harsher substance for stubborn stains, such as glass or household cleaner, or even acetone if you really can’t get a mark off. Keep in mind that rubbing acetone against a logo or another printed design can ruin it, so use this step only for the undecorated part of the bag. See our selection of non-woven reusable tote bags.

Stocking the Perfect Wine Bag

A wine bag can’t do it’s job on its own. No, you need to get it stocked to ensure you’re ready to indulge when the time comes. In addition to your vintage of choice, you’ll also need a foil cutter and corkscrew to open it, charms to identify which glass if which, and napkins for minor (or major!) spills. If you enjoy full-bodied red wines with lots of tannin, you might want to throw in an aerator for good measure so that you don’t have to wait for your beverage to breathe when party time rolls around.

Wine at the Ready

Wine temperature is a confusing subject. Should you always chill whites? Is red always served at room temperature? Which camp does rosé fall into? (Answers: yes, no and white.) If you’re confused, you’re not alone, but the rules are actually fairly simple, according to Wine Spectator .

Serve white wines, sparkling wines and rosés between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit, cold enough to keep them crisp but not so cold you lose their flavor. For lighter red wines or fuller-bodies white wines, opt for a range between 50 and 60 degrees. This allows more of their flavor to come out, but avoids letting them fall flat at hotter temps. Rich reds and Ports are best at 60 to 65 degrees; much warmer and they become too strong.

So let’s see. Cleaning instructions: check. Picnic-perfect supply list: check. Serving instructions: check. That’s it, you’re ready to go! Now all you have to do is choose your bag, book your next relaxing event, and enjoy the full package.