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I have reviewed a couple products before which are designed to protect your valuable wine bottles while traveling. One was a hard case protector called the BottleBully and the other was an inflatable air chamber product called the WineCradle. The VinniBag I received to review is also an inflatable product, but with only one pocket. How would it perform? Let’s find out.
The VinniBag comes in a box which can still be used to hold the VinniBag after use. The first thing was to figure out how it worked. Since I wanted to make sure that I used the product properly and wouldn’t damage my test wine bottle, I read the instructions very carefully. It took a few times reading through the instructions to make sure I knew what to do, but once it was clear, it was easily understood for the next time. If you get stuck, there are videos on their website to help you along. I did not watch the videos until after I had tried the product, but if I had, the process would have been easier to understand.
After inserting the wine bottle in the bag from the bottom and partially inflating it, the next step was to fold up the bottom of the bag. Once folded tightly, a strap holds the bottom closed. Inflating fully then completes the process and the VinniBag and product inside is ready for transport.
One problem I had during the process was inflating the bag. Sometimes you need to hold together the blow tube on some inflatables to allow you to blow into the bag. Even doing this, it was still a little difficult to inflate.
Now it was time for my test to see how the product held up. Because of my previous experience with an inflatable bag, I took it easy on my first drop on a couch from two feet. Okay, no problem. Now it was time for a drop on a hardwood floor from a couple feet. Whew, no problem there. I then took a chance and tossed the VinniBag a few feet across the room on the hardwood floor. I heard the bang and was sure there was going to be a breakage, but no problem there!
The VinniBag held up well during my tests and if it did well there, you should feel safe because most of the time it will be transported inside a suitcase giving it even more cushion and protection.
The other good thing about the VinniBag is that it claims to be liquid tight. I didn’t try putting liquid in the bag and seeing if it leaked, but it does seem like that claim would be true too. The VinniBag can also be used for more than wine bottles. With the full cushion of the air chamber around the wine bottle, it should also be safe for items like olive oil, perfume, camera lenses, and even more breakables. The VinniBag meets or exceeds all TSA and airline regulations.
The VinniBag is made in the USA and when the bag is worn, you can even send it to the company and they will have it recycled into a garden hose to help the environment instead of it ending up in a landfill.
When the VinniBag is folded up, it does not take up much room, so the next time I travel and expect to transport a wine bottle, I’ll bring along a VinniBag to ensure its safety.
You can buy a VinniBag here on Amazon.
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I bought a few Vinnibags as gifts a few years back. I had one left over, sitting in a drawer. In February I attended a conference where some friends were to be gathering from around the world. We took the opportunity of the meeting to hold a wine event, with each of us bringing a bottle from our home. I took my Vinnibag and though to use it to carry a bottle of Bending Branch Tannat during my travels. The plastic of Vinnibag has begun to breakdown. It was sticky to the touch. It still held air, but I had to put it in another bag to keep the sticky compound from contacting my clothes in my luggage. It worked well enough, but folks should know that Vinnibag has a shelf life.
Thanks for the additional information.