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Almaden makes it easy and uncomplicated for you to experience the popular wines you love, and that’s why we have always made it a priority to offer the best packaging in the wine industry.  The numerous packaging awards Almaden has received over the years should mean one thing to you — that you can count on Almaden to consistently produce the most conveniently packaged quality wines around. 

The following section includes answers to your specific packaging questions, from features of our Bag-in-the-Box packaging, to reading the label, to details about recycling.  

READING THE LABEL:

Q:        Where is the production date on Almaden’s packaging?

A:        On box wines, the production date is located on the bottom of the box.  For glass bottles, the date is located on the shoulder of the bottle, just below the neck where the bottle begins to widen. 


Q:        How do I read the production date?

A:        The production date begins with one, two or three letters (M, LM, SLM, or PLM) and is followed by seven numbers ending with military time.  Almaden employs the Julian Date in its production codes:

XXX = Location (where the product is produced)
 
XXX = Julian Date (the day of the year the product was produced)
 
XX = Year (the last two digits from the year in which the product was produced)
 
XX = Bottling Line (the bottling line # at the winery where the product was   produced)
 
XX:XX = Military Time (the exact time when the product was produced)

            Example:  If Almaden produced a box or bottle on February 1, 2002 at Mission Bell Winery’s bottling facility on bottling line #2 at 3:25 pm the production date would read as follows:  LM0320202 15:25

            LM = Location (The wine was produced Mission Bell Winery)

            032 = Julian Date (the 32nd day of the year, “February 1”)

            02 = Year (the last two digits in the year 2002)

            02 = Bottling Line (Bottling Line #2 at Mission Bell Winery)

            15:25 = Military Time (the wine was produced at 3:25 pm)    

Q:        Is alcohol content required to be included on the label?

A:        The alcohol content information is located on the top right corner of the side (spout) panel.  All label specifications are established by, and strictly adhered to under the direction of, the Alcohol, Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB).  Alcohol percentage is required information for each wine package, along with specific legal copy.  In fact, the information content, size, type face, and overall "readability" must be acceptable to the TTB in order to be approved for sale.  If any of this information is ever missing from your label, please contact us.

Q:        What does “California” indicate on the label?

A:        On Almaden’s wine labels, the word “California” refers to the appellation, or recognized wine-growing region, in which the grapes are grown.  Almaden wines are all produced from grapes grown in the highly regarded California Appellation. 

Q:        How can I find out more about technical details and dietary information?

A:        Please see the individual wine pages in the Our Wines section of this Web site. 

 

BAG-IN-THE-BOX FEATURES:

Q:        How does the EZ Open feature work?

A:        The following illustrations demonstrate how to use the EZ Open feature:

1.

2.

3.

4.

 

Stand carton on side with perforated opening panel facing up. Insert thumb and push open Tab 1.

 

Pull open Tab 2. Remove and discard Tab 3.

 

Reach in and pull the white plastic portion of the spout. Extend the white plastic portion and place the first groove over the cardboard opening.

 

Close Tab 2 over the first groove. To dispense wine: twist knob counterclockwise. To stop, turn knob clockwise until closed.

"Twist 'n Serve"™ spout.

(849KB,avi)

56k connection 5 mins

EZ Open instructions.

(2288KB,avi)

56k connection 15 mins

  Note: the download times indicated are approximate times.

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