As we crested the summit of Mt Judah, the expanse of summertime ski terrain folding out below us on the west and majestic Donner lake shimmering in the distance in the east, there was nothing more I wanted than a relaxing, delicious beverage. Being the “wino” I am, H2O or some electrolyte-laden concoction was not going to cut it. I needed antioxidants, and I needed them bad. The answer to my prayers swished around in my pack; a handy, single serve (187ml - slightly larger than a standard glass), corkless, glassless, screwcap, baggie of wine - Nuvino Malbec.

The radically different wine company, Nuvino, urges imbibers to: “Think of Nuvino as wine without all the excess baggage.” After our 5 mile uphill hike, I didn’t need convincing. The lightweight, resealable pouch is easy to carry and eco-friendly, and comes in four varietals, Sauvignon Blance from Chile, Chardonnay from South Africa, a Red Blend from Australia and a Malbec from Argentina. I had the latter unscrewed and trickling into my mouth before the rest of the party could make it to the peak.

I love this idea of premium wine in accessible and approachable packaging, gone are the days of lugging 6 bottles of wine over 8miles of rocky terrain to our campsite (yes I did that, yes voluntarily), and bring on the stress-free and cumbersome-less adventuring. The Malbec had a smooth medium body mouthfeel, not so heavy that I couldn’t enjoy on a summer’s afternoon, with lovely dark fruit notes, spicy vanilla, dark plums and a silky back note with a hint of fruity earth. Ideally, a lightweight plastic cup would make for the most appropriate vessel, but I’m not against going straight from the pouch. No shame, no waste.

If I’d been smart, and uber strong, I would have brought my BBQ up the mountain for a steak or braised beef meal with this delightful drop, but the granola bar I had would have to suffice. Not an idea pairing, but perhaps the new savory meat protein bars may have found a winning combo here, perfect for the discerning camper/hiker/adventurer. Great on its own, the Nuvino Malbec was a relaxing, fun and delicious way to complete a stunning hike and I’ll be certainly stuffing my pack full of their other varietals for future wanderings. Seriously, I’m not taking water, food, sunscreen, nothing. I now only have room for my wine in a pouch. Don’t judge.