The Greenskin Wine Revolution That’s Changing How We Travel

How Two Wine Lovers Created the Perfect Drop for Life on the Road

When you're planning a Big Lap around Australia, every kilo counts, every inch of storage space matters, and every little luxury needs to justify its place in the van.

For Kim and Mike from Greenskin Wine, the solution was clear: premium, eco-conscious wine that fits perfectly into a travelling and boating lifestyle.

From their passion for boating, exploring, and drinking quality Australian wine, Greenskin Wine was born. A travel-friendly, planet-friendly alternative to glass bottles that’s taken the nomadic community by storm.

A Winemaker’s Legacy Meets a Modern Problem

Mike isn’t just your average vino enthusiast. With more than 40 years in the wine industry, he built a reputation through his former business, Portavin, which packaged wines across Australia and New Zealand.

Kim brings marketing and web development expertise to the table, making the pair a formidable duo when it came time to launch their own venture.

“We were frustrated by glass bottles, too heavy, too breakable, and definitely not ideal for travel,” Kim explained. “But when we discovered that wine pouches were now fully recyclable, we knew it was time to bring our idea to life.”

So, on April Fool’s Day 2021, because “we’d always remember it” Greenskin Wine officially launched.

What Makes Greenskin Wine Different?

Unlike traditional boxed wines of the past (we all remember the goon bags), Greenskin Wine delivers premium, small-batch wine in a 750ml pouch, equal to a standard bottle but half the weight and size.

These wines are no compromise. Think Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc, Mt Barker Chardonnay, Great Southern Pinot Noir. The kind of wine you'd happily open at a dinner party, only now, it comes in an unbreakable pouch.

“We didn’t want to just offer wine in a different format. It had to be wine we were proud of,” Mike said. “We only source wine that’s ready to drink straight away. No cellaring required.”

And yes, it tastes just as good out of a pouch as it does from a bottle. Better, even, because you can pour a glass, squeeze out the air, seal it up, and enjoy it weeks later with no spoilage.

Built for Life on the Road

For caravanners, campers, and boaties, Greenskin Wine solves a raft of practical problems:

• Space-saving: Half the size of a glass bottle. Stackable. Easy to chill.
• Lightweight: Ideal for staying under weight limits.
• Unbreakable: Safe for boats, vans, and kids around camp.
• Longer shelf-life once opened: No more tipping vinegar down the sink after three days.

“The pouches can last up to three weeks once opened,” Kim said. “You just squeeze the air out and reseal. Great for those who want a glass of white before dinner and red with the meal, without feeling pressured to finish a whole bottle.”

Plus, there’s the bonus of $4.95 flat-rate shipping, Australia-wide for 1 box, $8.95 for two boxes and 3 or more boxes are shipped free of charge. Even to remote regions like Masig Island or small outback towns.

You simply order online and have their wine sent to post lockers or local addresses. Greenskin even tracks customers’ travel movements to ensure smooth delivery.

Sustainability That Goes the Extra Mile

Greenskin’s sustainability ethos is baked into every step of their operation. Not only are the pouches 100% recyclable, but each six-pack comes with a prepaid return envelope for sending empties back to their recycling partner.

The result? A huge cut in transport emissions, energy savings in production (a pouch takes 82% less energy to make than a glass bottle), and a genuine closed-loop system.

“People think glass is the gold standard, but more than 50% of glass bottles in Australia end up in landfill,” Kim pointed out. “With Greenskin, we’ve reduced waste, emissions, and breakages, without sacrificing quality.”

From WA’s Finest Wineries to Your Campsite

Greenskin only works with respected wineries, some of whom don’t usually produce wine for others. Mike’s industry connections and decades of experience give him access to exclusive small-batch wines most of us wouldn’t normally get our hands on.

The current range includes:

• Sauvignon Blanc
• Sauvignon Blanc Semillon
• Chardonnay
• Pinot Grigio
• Rosé
• Pinot Noir
• Cabernet Merlot
• Syrah
• Tawny Port

There’s also a selection of medley packs, mixed whites, reds, or both. Perfect for those who want to sample before committing to a full case.

And if you’re wondering what happens if you don’t love it? They offer a no-fuss refund if you return five unopened pouches. “Since 2021, we’ve only ever done four refunds,” Kim said. “That’s how confident we are in the quality.”

A Growing Community of Happy Sippers

Kim and Mike are proud to be a direct-to-consumer business, which means they stay in close contact with their customers, many of whom send photos from campsites, beaches, and bush locations around Australia.

They even run a Photo of the Month competition where the best travel snap wins a $100 store voucher.

“We’ve had people take our wine to Bali, Tassie canoe trips, and even Afghanistan!” Kim laughed. “It’s become a bit of a cult product among travellers.”

Looking Ahead: New Wines, Same Mission

While Greenskin is currently focused on WA wines, there are whispers of South Australian selections in the future. But for now, they’re sticking to what they know and what works.

“We don’t want to overcomplicate things,” Mike said. “Quality is everything. If we scale too fast, we risk losing that.”

And as for sparkling wine? It’s on the wish list but the current technology can’t safely handle the pressure of carbonation. “We’d love to do it, but it’s just not feasible. Yet.”

Ready to Try It for Yourself?

For Big Lap Chats listeners and All Around Oz followers, Kim and Mike are offering 10% off your first order. Just use code AAO at checkout at www.greenskinwine.com

So if you're planning your big lap, or already on the road and want to enjoy top-shelf wine without the bottle, Greenskin Wine is one to watch. Unbreakable, travel-friendly, and planet-friendly... this could be the future of wine.