Single-serve wine packaging stacks up

Television personality Giuliana Rancic will be launching her own wine brand, XO, G Wine, which will be available in approximately 1,200 Walmart stores starting fall 2014. Based on the StackTek package design, the wines have been created for by-the-glass consumption and will be offered in three varietals: a South of France Rose, Italian Pinot Grigio, and French Pinot Noir. Additionally, a mixed pack will be available for the holidays, featuring two glasses of Pinot Grigio and two glasses of Pinot Noir.

The idea for XO, G was conceived in October 2013, when Rancic discovered the StackTek, which consists of four prefilled, individually sealed, shatterproof, stemless wine glasses that snap together to form the equivalent of a 750-mL bottle. As a follower of wine trends, Rancic shared her discovery on various social media channels and was overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response by her fans.

"After seeing the massive reaction and organic interaction with my fans from just a simple photo of me opening up a StackTek bottle, I couldn't wait to get on the phone with the team at Stack to explore opportunities to bring this convenient package to women everywhere," Rancic explains.

Rancic says she developed her multi-country wine brand, XO, G to be an extension of her persona, with a design that looks like a personal gift from Rancic to her fans, and imported wines from her favorite global appellations. The name derives from her signature sendoff, "XO, G," which she regularly uses in her social media posts. The clear outer sleeve of the packaging is decorated in white and silver Xs and Os, while a vibrant ribbon illustration wraps around the neck, adding a fun pop of color.

Making the wine accessible to women who appreciate style, quality and convenience was always Rancic's goal. "I wanted to offer quality wines to consumers at an affordable price," explains Rancic. "Having my wines available at Walmart, and for less than $10, is the ideal opportunity to bring XO, G to women throughout the US."

XO, G will hit shelves at 1,200 Walmart locations beginning Nov. 11, 2014. Each bottle carry a suggested retail price of $9.97.

Editor’s Note: In August 2012, Packaging World reported on the launch of a similar wine package, the STACKED wine concept.