If there was any doubt that beer is the new wine, it can now be put to rest with the introduction of this new wine packaging: wine in a beer bottle. That’s right, we’re talking about a Swartland Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend out of South Africa cheekily disguised within a kitschy brown beer bottle with an equally cheeky title, Bob’s Your Uncle.

The concept comes from South Africa’s unique Boer & Brit winery and is the product of design team Fanakalo. Their goal is to see wine enter the realm of the after-work brewski where people can kickback with it around the campfire and drink it straight from the bottle. The old-school gold and brown colour scheme and amusing iconography of the packaging hint at humour, encouraging drinkers to take it all a little less seriously.

And don’t worry about the unconventional stopper – the beer top seal is touted to be more effective than the cork and screw caps. So to enjoy wine without all the pretence, grab a bowl of pretzels, crack one of these bottles, and Bob’s your uncle.

So maybe you’re a sucker for design and you just can’t get over the aesthetic flaw of wine in plastic bottles, or perhaps you adhere to the school of thought that believes plastic tampers with a wine’s quality? But did you ever consider the carbon emissions involved in carting around such heavy cargo as glass bottles full of wine? The winemakers at Yealands have which is why they now offer a carbon-saving wine series known as Full Circle bottled in lightweight eco-friendly recycled plastic. The range generates over 50 percent less greenhouse gas emissions and almost 20 percent less energy, which is complemented by Yealands’ other sustainable practices as a solar and wind powered winery. The first wine launched in the series is a 2009 Sauvignon Blanc that has already garnered two awards thus putting to rest any reservations about its quality. Full Circle actually implements a special technology that keeps oxygen out of the wine and so insures it stays fresh and pure. And while it may not have the sleek appeal of a thick glass bottle, it is ecologically attractive, not to mention it makes for easy toting for your own personal wine escapades.

The Blonde Bombshell is right. With its inspired pulp-movie-esc look and feel this new California white is sure to seduce. The brainchild of wine maker Jeff Booth, The Blonde Bombshell was the result of combining two Californian favorites – Hollywood and wine – into one badass sexy bottle. Designed by South Carolina-based Hook, the labels were created not only to pop on the shelves, but to match the wine’s own fun, fruity taste as well. And if you’re super keen on these saucy vineyard vixens, The Blonde Bombshell is sister to The Big Red Monster – another old-Hollywood chic classic. Hot cha cha, baby.

For those that dream of spending their days on their own vineyard somewhere, Algodon Wine Estates helps to make that fantasy real – sort of. Set in Argentina’s wine producing region of Mendoza, where the snow-capped Andes irrigate the vineyards, Algodon Wine Estates offers vintner wannabes a chance to create, tend to, visit, taste, brand, and then take home, their own barrel of Argentinean wine.

Here’s how it works: first, choose your preferred flavor oak barrel (doesn’t everyone have one?) and then select the grape varieties you fancy, from Malbec to Merlot and many in between. Wait a year before heading down to Argentina to visit the vineyard, taste your own creation, and make plans for your 290 bottles to make it home – all while staying on the estate or a nearby resort. From vine to barrel, every step is included in the price and while it’s undoubtedly cheaper than purchasing your own vineyard, at costs upwards from $5,500, it’s definitely pricier than that duty-free wine you’re used to.

[Photo via Paco_MUC]

From rhubarb mimicking that infamous Marilyn Monroe pose, to cherries sweetly kissing, the quirky illustrations that adorn these bottles are brilliant and bold. Good thing too since Food Story, the Norwegian brand behind this new line of organic juices, is a concept café, boutique, and restaurant that aims to inspire through food. This series of ecological drinks does just that, having been developed in conjunction with local and organic farmers to produce a range of tasty fruity, all-natural flavors.

Designed by Norwegian creative agency Vju, the bottles feature a strong packaging concept paired with bright, striking colors and unpredictable graphics strewn across the swanky labels. So whether it’s the rhubarb or apple you’re after, the whole line of Food Story’s lovely, thirst-quenching delights are available at their cafes around the country. Great excuse to hop a plane to Norway; not that you needed one.

Wild imagination and fearless innovation have been fueling the masters over at BrewDog to engage in what they like to call ‘extreme brewing’ for some time now. They’ve pumped out such off-the-wall creations as ultra bitter, ‘hopped to hell’ India Pale Ales, and a 32% imperial stout known as the Tactical Nuclear Penguin. And, in the ultimate spirit of extreme brewing, they’ve pushed the boundaries, culminating in the creation of their limited series The End of History 55% ale – also known as, the strongest — and most expensive – beer ever.

Only 12 bottles of this potent blond Belgian brew were produced and in case it wasn’t ostentatious enough, they conceived to encase them in the former bodies of little, furry creatures. All road kill, of course. Why, you might ask? Well besides the obvious link between craft brewing and taxidermy (right…), they wanted to jar your notions of design aesthetic and traditional brewing. Unfortunately, your out of luck if you thought this would make the perfect hostess gift for your next dinner party: the bottles are sold out, not to mention they went for £500-700 a piece. Now that’s some extreme dedication to beer.

Once upon a time there was a brew house in Colorado that concocted fairytale drafts in bewitching bottles. Known as the Grimm Brothers Brewhouse, this craft brewery honors two great German traditions: beer making and folklore. Three German-style beers cleverly embody some of the Grimm Brothers’ famous tales in both flavor and hue, coupled with enchanting labels by The Tenfold Collective. Check out the Snow White-inspired Snow Drop that suggests purity and sweetness, or the darksome Fearless Youth made with toasted malt. There’s also the copper-colored Little Red Cap that promises to surprise. Best of all, with these bottles you get a universal user-friendly guide on what to expect inside, without needing to be an expert decoder of German-style beer-speak. Now that’s a happily ever after.

It’s a sweltering summer day. The air is sticky, the streets are hot, and the only thing you want is to throw back in a lounge chair, cooled drink in hand. Thankfully, there’s Bella Lula. From France, this all natural, organic lemonade rocks a taste reminiscent of your grandmother’s own summer time blend. The subtle tartness of Andalusia lemon is well balanced with water, a touch of sugar, and a sprig of Moroccan mint for an authentic, refreshing mix. And, of course, who couldn’t get down with the bottle too? The vintage-esc design boasts an old-school, subtly sexy vibe that makes hipsters swoon. So join the cool kids in town this summer, sporting an artisanal popsicle in one hand and a Bella Lula in the other. It’s tres chic.

‘Lemon sorbet, cracked wheat, fresh green apple’ read Lois Sparkling Blanc de Blancs’ tasting notes, evoking a sense of citrusy, crisp, refreshing flavors that burst on the tongue. A fantastic accompaniment to a warm mid-summer’s evening, this sparkling beauty is the latest incarnation from South Australia’s The Lane Vineyard. Fabulous too are the labels. The work of Public Creative, the unabashedly retro design evokes that same sense of whimsy and romanticism, perfect for a fresh sparkling wine such as this. Better yet, match the bottle with an earthy, creamy truffle risotto as the vineyard suggests. Um, yes please.

Café Blond is beer reinvented. It combines a blond bitter brew with the vigour of coffee and the zing of lemon for a fresh take on the increasingly popular mixed beer drinks. If the flavour combinations don’t already intrigue you, you’ll have trouble turning down the stylishly simplistic bottles packaged in old-fashioned wooden crates. So if you’re looking for a new refreshment to while away the summer months keep your eyes open for the funky Café Blond, scheduled to hit the bars of Germany (and hopefully elsewhere!) in the near future. Better call a cab, you won’t be having just one of these beauties.