Frequently Asked Questions
About Sustainable Wine & Eco-Friendly Packaging
What makes wine packaging sustainable?
Sustainable wine packaging reduces environmental impact through innovations like lightweight bottles (under 500g), boxed formats, cans, and bags that significantly decrease carbon emissions during production and shipping. These alternatives use fewer resources, produce less waste, and often keep wine fresher longer than traditional heavy bottles.
Do boxed wines and cans contain quality wine?
Absolutely! The quality of wine has nothing to do with its container. Many exceptional winemakers now choose alternative packaging for environmental reasons. Boxed wines stay fresh for up to 6 weeks after opening (compared to 2-3 days for bottles), while canned wines are perfect for freshness and portability. We personally taste and approve every selection, regardless of packaging.
How do alternative packaging formats reduce environmental impact?
The numbers speak for themselves:
- Boxed wine generates about 85% less packaging waste than bottled wine
- Canned wine produces about 40% less carbon emissions during transportation
- Lightweight bottles require significantly less energy to produce and ship
- Alternative formats often eliminate additional packaging waste like foil capsules
What does "low-intervention" winemaking mean?
Low-intervention winemaking minimizes additives and processing, allowing the natural characteristics of the grapes to shine through. These winemakers typically use native yeasts, minimal sulfites, and avoid fining and filtering when possible, resulting in wines that express their terroir more authentically.
About Our Wine Selection
How do you choose which wines to carry?
Our selection criteria focus on three main factors:
1. Sustainability: We prioritize wines with eco-friendly packaging and sustainable production practices
2. Diversity: We seek out wines from female, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and independent winemakers
3. Quality: Each wine must deliver excellent taste and value, regardless of its packaging or price point
Do you carry local San Diego wines?
Yes! We're proud to showcase wines from San Diego County's growing wine region and selections from our neighbors in Baja California's Valle de Guadalupe. These hyper-local options reduce transportation emissions while supporting our regional wine community.
What is the Good Good Wine Club?
Our wine subscription service delivers curated selections of sustainable wines from diverse winemakers monthly. Each shipment includes detailed tasting notes, winemaker stories, and perfect pairings. It's designed for curious wine lovers who want to discover new favorites while supporting environmental and social values.
Ordering, Pickup & Delivery
Where do you deliver wine in San Diego?
We offer delivery throughout San Diego County. During checkout, simply enter your address to confirm delivery availability for your location. We typically deliver within 1-2 business days of order placement.
Do you ship wine outside of San Diego?
Currently, we focus on serving our local San Diego community through delivery and pickup options. This allows us to maintain quality control and minimize the carbon footprint associated with long-distance shipping.
How does wine pickup work?
We offer free pickup from our San Diego locations with no minimum purchase required:
- Small Batch, La Mesa: 8332 La Mesa Blvd. (Tuesday-Saturday, 11am-6pm)
- Home Ec, Kensington: 4153 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116 (Tuesday-Saturday, 11am-4pm)
Simply select your preferred pickup location during checkout, and we'll notify you when your order is ready, typically the next business day.
What if I'm not satisfied with my wine?
We stand behind every wine we sell. If you're not completely satisfied with your purchase for any reason, please get in touch with us at info@esquinashopsd.com, and we'll make it right.
Environmental Impact
How does Esquina support sustainability beyond wine selection?
Beyond offering sustainable wine options, we:
- Partner with Tree San Diego to fund tree planting and canopy expansion with every purchase
- Use eco-friendly packaging materials for all deliveries
- Support local non-profit organizations through our "Tote Bags for a Good Cause" program
What is your partnership with Tree San Diego?
With every Esquina purchase, a portion goes toward supporting Tree San Diego, contributing to vital eco-benefits such as carbon sequestration, improved air quality, and mitigating stormwater runoff through tree planting and canopy expansion throughout our community.
How can I learn more about sustainable wine practices?
Visit our blog for articles about sustainable winemaking, eco-friendly packaging innovations, and profiles of environmentally conscious producers. You can also join our mailing list for information about upcoming virtual and in-person educational events focused on sustainability in wine.
Have a question that's not answered here? Contact us at info@esquinashopsd.com, and we'll be happy to help!