It’s safe to say then that innovations in wine packaging have been few and far between – but stepping into the ring from their Bristol base for 2009 is the team behind FreshCase. Their claim: ‘The case is so good that the wine will keep for 6 weeks. The wine is so good that it won’t.’

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FreshCase aims to provide fresh wine in stylish, functional cases. They’ve certainly achieved the functionality – one case stores the equivalent of 3 bottles of wine but is a whopping 70% lighter. It also takes up 30% less space once you get it home and is easily recyclable.

Is it stylish? It’s not uncool, but it’s not as glossily beautiful as the curve of a glass wine bottle. However its plain monochrome design is fairly easy on the eye and will sit nicely on your kitchen surface without screaming ‘look at me!’

Ease of use is the key here and it succeeds – going from 0 to pour in about 5 seconds. You simply flip open the bottom, click the spout into place and you’re ready to go. For white wines, lay them in the fridge and the handle converts into a stand - there’s even a video guide at www.freshcasewine.com if you’re having trouble.

The company have already impressed the big players enough for Hardys Nottage Hill and Banrock Station Reserve to sign up with them – though currently only Hardys are available in the UK, through Sainsburys Stores.

However I’d wager it won’t be long before these slick, snappily designed and easy-to-use eco packages are all over British supermarkets. Set to be priced at £19.99, look out for them in your local store or follow developments at www.freshcasewine.com