New Kent Winery: Discovering the Advantages of Wine on Tap

Nestled within the scenic Dombroski Vineyards in Virginia, New Kent Winery is a family-run establishment committed to producing award-winning wines. With a rich history spanning two generations, the winery has built a reputation for quality and innovation. Seeking to expand its distribution network beyond local markets without compromising its premium brand image, New Kent Winery explored modern packaging solutions.

In early 2019, the winery partnered with Petainer to introduce wine on tap using one-way PET kegs, marking their first venture into kegging and unlocking significant operational benefits.

The Challenge: High Logistics Costs & Limited Flexibility

New Kent Winery faced several hurdles as they planned to transition from traditional glass bottling to a tap system. The winery needed a solution that would support its expansion into new markets while preserving the quality and consistency of its premium wines. Their key challenges included:

• Complex Keg Management: Traditional steel kegs require extensive tracking and retrieval processes, which can increase labor costs and complicate logistics, particularly when serving multiple distributors or event venues.
• Distribution Expansion: Expanding beyond local markets necessitates a system that can efficiently handle larger volumes without sacrificing product quality, even during high-demand periods.
• Scalability & Ease of Use: As a smaller operation, New Kent Winery needed a flexible solution that allowed for modest initial orders and could be scaled incrementally—without a massive upfront investment in traditional keg infrastructure.

The Solution: Petainer’s One-Way PET Kegs

To overcome these challenges, New Kent Winery adopted Petainer’s One-Way PET Kegs](/pet-plastic-kegs). This solution not only met their operational and quality requirements but also aligned with their sustainability goals. By choosing this innovative packaging option, the winery was able to integrate seamlessly with their existing dispensing systems and simplify their distribution model.

Key advantages of the solution included:

• No Retrieval Hassles: Since the kegs are one-way, there is no need for costly return logistics. They are shipped directly to the customer and then recycled, saving time and reducing expenses.
• Seamless Integration: The design of Petainer’s kegs closely matches that of standard steel kegs, allowing New Kent Winery to adopt the new system without significant changes to their existing tap setups.
• Quality Preservation: Advanced oxygen scavengers and UV barriers in the PET material protect the wine from oxidation and light damage, ensuring that every glass poured maintains the winery’s premium quality.
• Lightweight & Recyclable: The significant weight reduction compared to traditional glass and steel results in lower shipping costs and a reduced carbon footprint, reinforcing the winery’s commitment to sustainability.

Petainer’s technical team provided comprehensive support during the transition, guiding the winery through every step—from initial manual filling to planning for future automation—ensuring a smooth and successful implementation.

Results: Growth, Export Readiness & Event Success

The adoption of Petainer’s one-way PET kegs brought measurable benefits for New Kent Winery. The new packaging solution has helped the winery streamline its operations and expand its market presence, both locally and internationally.

• Streamlined Logistics: The elimination of the return loop and the lighter weight of the kegs reduced shipping and storage costs, freeing up valuable resources.
• Enhanced Market Expansion: With a more efficient system in place, New Kent Winery was able to extend its distribution reach to out-of-state and international markets, tapping into new revenue streams without significant capital investment.
• Premium Quality Retention: The advanced barrier properties of the PET kegs ensure that the wines maintain their flavor and aroma over extended periods, meeting the high expectations of both consumers and sommeliers.

We were looking for a product that was a keg product but not a steel keg where we would have to chase it back and forth. The Petainer Keg was most similar to a standard steel keg, which was easier to sell to a client already working with those steel products

Jennifer Molgat, President of New Kent Winery

Conclusion: A Future with Sustainable Wine on Tap

By embracing Petainer’s One-Way PET Kegs, New Kent Winery has successfully modernised its distribution model while preserving its heritage and premium quality. The addition to their traditional glass bottling offering, with compatibility for tap systems has provided them with an option that can reduce logistical costs and reduce environmental impact; while also paving the way for further market expansion. This case study demonstrates that even smaller wineries can lead the way in sustainable, innovative packaging, ensuring that high-quality wines continue to flow to new markets.