Camping in the UK is having a moment. From the wild hillsides of the Lake District to glamping fields in the Cotswolds and music festivals across the country, more people than ever are heading outdoors — and naturally, they want good wine to go with it. The only problem? Most wine comes in heavy, fragile glass bottles that are a nightmare to pack, dangerous if broken, and banned outright at many campsites.
That's exactly why choosing the right wine for camping in the UK matters more than you might think. The good news: with the right bottles and the right cases, you can drink very well indeed under the stars — without the headache. This guide covers everything you need to know, from the best grape varieties for outdoor drinking to the smartest packaging solutions for your next adventure.
Why PET Bottles Are the Camping Camper's Best Friend
If you haven't yet discovered PET wine bottles, your camping kit is about to get a whole lot better. PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic bottles offer everything a glass bottle doesn't:
- Shatterproof — drop them on rocks, gravel or tent pegs. Nothing breaks.
- Lightweight — a PET bottle weighs roughly 54g versus 500g+ for glass. Over six bottles, that's nearly 3kg saved in your rucksack.
- Safe — campsites, festival sites and many outdoor venues explicitly ban glass. PET gets you in without hassle.
- Eco-friendly — fully recyclable and with a significantly lower carbon footprint than glass production and transport.
At BulkyWay, our flagship Porta 6 Red PET and Porta 6 White PET wines are specifically bottled in premium PET, making them the ideal camping companion. Same quality Portuguese wine, none of the glass anxiety.
The Best Wines for Camping in the UK
1. Porta 6 White PET — The Perfect Al Fresco White
For warm evenings around the fire, few things beat a chilled white wine. Porta 6 White PET is a crisp, refreshing Portuguese white from the Lisbon wine region — a blend of Fernão Pires and Arinto that delivers bright citrus and floral notes. Pre-chill it before you leave home, keep it in your cool bag, and you'll have a perfectly fresh glass waiting when you pitch your tent.
The PET bottle means you can slip it into a side pocket of your rucksack without fear. It's ideal for hikers, campers, festival-goers and anyone who prefers to travel light without compromising on quality.
2. Porta 6 Red PET — Campfire Red at Its Best
There's something deeply satisfying about a glass of good red wine around a campfire. Porta 6 Red PET is a smooth, approachable Portuguese red — a classic Lisbon-region blend with soft tannins, red fruit and a warm finish. It needs no chilling, no decanting and no fuss. Just open and pour.
This is genuinely one of the best wines for camping in the UK precisely because it asks nothing of you. No corkscrew drama (it's a screw cap). No glass required. No cleanup. It works equally well with campfire sausages, a foil-wrapped baked potato or simply sipped as the stars come out.
3. Camelias Sauvignon Blanc — A Crisp White for Sunny Afternoons
If you're camping on a warm bank holiday weekend and want something with a bit more zip, Camelias Sauvignon Blanc delivers. Vibrant tropical fruit, fresh acidity and a clean finish — this is the kind of wine that makes a sunny afternoon in a field feel genuinely luxurious. Pack it alongside cheese, crackers and some charcuterie and you've got an effortless outdoor spread.
4. Painted Cat Red — Bold Enough for Adventure
For those who like something with a bit more structure, Painted Cat Red offers depth and character without being demanding. With rich dark fruit, gentle spice and good body, it holds its own alongside heartier camping food — think slow-cooked chilli, grilled lamb or a proper campfire stew. It's the wine you reach for when the evening gets cooler and the conversation gets better.
What to Consider When Choosing Camping Wine
Packaging: Glass vs PET
As discussed, PET wins for camping in almost every scenario. However, if you're driving to a glamping site or a pitch-up camping spot where weight isn't an issue, glass is perfectly fine. The critical factor is whether your site has a glass ban — check before you go.
Red, White or Rosé?
The honest answer: bring a mix. A case of six gives you options. Two bottles of white or rosé for daytime and early evening, four bottles of red for campfire sessions. BulkyWay's mixed cases make this simple — you get variety without having to order from multiple places.
Buying by the Case Makes Sense
Individual bottles are fine for a solo night away, but for a group camping trip or a festival weekend, buying a case of six is the smart move. You save money per bottle, qualify for free delivery over £60, and have everything sorted in one delivery. No last-minute trips to the petrol station forecourt for overpriced wine.
Pairing Wine with Camping Food
Camping food has evolved. Yes, there's still the classic sausage and beans scenario — but there's also foil-packet salmon with herbs, halloumi on the portable grill, shakshuka over the camp stove and proper antipasti spreads. Here's a quick guide to pairing wine with what you're eating:
- Sausages and burgers — Porta 6 Red PET. The soft tannins and red fruit work beautifully with grilled meats.
- Fish and seafood — Porta 6 White PET or Camelias Sauvignon Blanc. Citrus notes cut through the richness.
- Cheese and charcuterie — either works. Painted Cat Red with hard cheese, Camelias SB with soft cheese.
- Spicy food (chilli, curry) — keep it simple with Porta 6 White. Sweetness and acidity cool the heat.
- Vegetarian dishes (halloumi, roast veg) — Painted Cat Red or Camelias Sauvignon Blanc both pair well.
Practical Tips for Taking Wine Camping
Chill It Before You Go
White and rosé wines benefit from being pre-chilled before you set off. A well-insulated cool bag with proper ice packs can keep a bottle at serving temperature for 8–12 hours — more than enough for an evening session.
Use a Proper Wine Glass (or Don't)
Collapsible silicone wine glasses have improved massively in recent years and pack flat in a bag. Alternatively, enamel mugs work fine — slightly unconventional, but camping isn't the place for pretension. The wine tastes the same.
Store Bottles Securely
If you're backpacking, use the padded side pockets of your rucksack for bottles. PET bottles can also be tucked inside socks or wrapped in a fleece for extra protection (though with PET, breakage isn't a concern). For car camping, a wine-specific carry bag or a wooden wine box works perfectly.
Know the Site Rules
Festival sites and managed campsites often have rules about alcohol — quantity limits, no glass policies, or designated drinking areas. Check the small print on your ticket or booking confirmation before you load up the car. Most sites that ban glass happily accept PET bottles.
The Environmental Case for PET Wine Camping
British outdoor lovers tend to care about the environment — and so does BulkyWay. PET wine bottles carry a significantly lower carbon footprint than glass in production, transportation and recycling. They're fully recyclable in standard household recycling in the UK, and their lighter weight means lower transport emissions throughout the supply chain.
Choosing PET wine for your camping trip isn't just practical — it aligns with a Leave No Trace ethic. No glass to shatter on trails, no heavy recycling to haul back, no risk of broken bottles leaving a hazard for other walkers or wildlife.
Order Before Your Trip: BulkyWay Makes It Simple
Planning a camping trip in the UK? Order your wine case before you go. BulkyWay delivers free to UK addresses on orders over £60 — most 6-bottle cases qualify. All orders are typically dispatched within 1–2 working days.
We'd recommend:
- Porta 6 Red PET, 6 bottles — for campfire evenings
- Porta 6 White PET, 6 bottles — for sunny afternoons and lighter food
- Camelias Sauvignon Blanc, 6 bottles — for a fresh, vibrant alternative white
Order by Thursday for weekend delivery in most UK areas. Check our wine blog for more guides on what to drink and when — from BBQ pairings to garden party picks.
Frequently Asked Questions: Wine for Camping UK
What is the best wine to bring camping in the UK?
Lightweight, shatterproof PET bottle wines are ideal for camping. Porta 6 Red and White PET bottles are perfect — they won't break in your bag, weigh significantly less than glass, and taste great. For white wine lovers, Camelias Sauvignon Blanc is another excellent choice.
Are PET wine bottles good quality?
Absolutely. Modern PET wine bottles preserve wine just as well as glass for typical consumption timeframes. BulkyWay's PET range — including Porta 6 — is sealed to maintain freshness and quality. Many environmentally-conscious wineries now prefer PET for its lower carbon footprint.
Can I bring wine in a glass bottle camping?
You can, but it's not ideal. Glass bottles are heavy, fragile, and many campsites — particularly music festivals and outdoor events — prohibit glass for safety reasons. PET bottles are a much smarter choice for camping, hiking and outdoor events.
How do I keep wine cold when camping?
Use a cool bag or portable cooler with ice packs. For white wine and rosé, pre-chill before you leave and keep in the cooler. Red wine is best served at a slightly cool room temperature — around 16–18°C — so it can simply sit in a shaded spot or the corner of your tent.
How much wine should I bring camping for a weekend?
A rough guide: allow one bottle per person per evening. For a group of four over a long weekend, a mixed case of 6 bottles covers Friday and Saturday evening nicely. BulkyWay's 6-bottle cases with free delivery over £60 make it easy to stock up before you head off.
Does BulkyWay offer free delivery on wine cases?
Yes! BulkyWay offers free UK delivery on orders over £60. Most 6-bottle cases qualify automatically, making it straightforward to stock up for your camping trip without worrying about delivery costs.
