The $12.99 ALDI Find I Didn’t Know I Needed (And Now Can’t Live Without)

I recently came across the “Live In Style” wine-dispensing tote, and I thought it was the most hilariously practical contraption in ALDI’s middle aisle. Yes, it is, in fact, a bag that dispenses wine. And though it sounds like something from a Saturday Night Live sketch about millennial inventions, as a cuspy millennial, this bag is the solution for leveling up my outdoor entertaining game. And not just for wine. It’s the silly but incredible portable drink dispenser I never knew I needed.

What Is a Wine-Dispensing Tote?

At first glance, it looks like a stylish and more functional grocery or picnic bag. It has a large main compartment with a thick, durable plastic inner lining, an over-the-shoulder strap, and two shorter, sturdy carrying handles. It retails for $12.99—less than half of Amazon’s overall pick for a similar product.

Mine has a cheerful clementine pattern, but they come in several designs, including green with a bottle and wine glass pattern, a muted floral pattern, and a simple black with brown accents. But this is no ordinary tote. It has a hidden side pouch. The pouch is insulated, and inside, it holds a thick plastic bladder with a dispensing spout that slides through a small, perforated hole on the side of the bag. A small flap sits over the dispensing spout, keeping it discreet. It’s a fun addition that provides an element of surprise.

The flexible tote measures about 18.5 inches long and 13 inches tall, giving you plenty of room for the bladder, snacks, cups, and many other supplies. The bladder holds just under two liters of liquid, enough for two bottles of wine or ten five-ounce glasses—if that’s what you’re carting around! The dispensing button is also remarkably easy to use and feels very well-made. But the most thoughtful detail is the little cap on its end that helps keep it from leaking. 

Why I Love ALDI’s Wine-Dispensing Tote

Yes, it’s marketed for wine, but for my family, it’ll be perfect for all of our outdoor adventures. The large, lined compartment is ideal for carrying food and snacks but could double as a beach or pool bag. It’s perfect for picnics in the park, potlucks, barbecues, golfing, brunches, tailgate parties, and outings with my girlfriends.

Of course, I can fill it with water, lemonade, and juice for the kids, or iced tea, sangria, or a big batch of Arnold Palmers for the adults. The contained system is helpful for staving off ant invasions at picnics, and I no longer have to lug around heavy bottles. That alone is a selling point!

The bladder is relatively easy to clean, too. I need soap, water, and a long-handled bottle brush for stickier liquids. But for $12.99, I’m willing to put in a little extra effort for something this helpful (and cute, to boot!). I like to leave the lid off and set it on a rack to dry fully. But you can also buy extra bladders to keep on hand for easy rotation.

What started as a chuckle and an impulse buy that I wasn’t entirely sure about will add some much-needed levity to our outdoor gatherings. It’ll be fun to use throughout the spring and summer. And as a mom, I couldn’t be more grateful for one less thing to juggle.

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