Bartles & Jaymes Wine Coolers were undeniably the kings of the wine cooler market in the 1980s. Their success can be attributed in part to their charmingly rustic commercials featuring the company’s older founders. These commercials struck a chord with consumers and helped propel Bartles & Jaymes to the forefront of the wine cooler industry.
Wine coolers themselves were a popular beverage choice during this era. These fizzy, brightly colored libations combined the flavors of “Chablis” with fruit punch, creating a refreshing and flavorful drink. Other prominent brands in the wine cooler market at the time included Seagram’s and California Cooler. These brands, along with Bartles & Jaymes, dominated the shelves and were virtually impossible to escape.
Interestingly, although wine coolers were popular in the ’80s, the concept of sangria, a similar drink, predates them. However, it was the California Cooler brand that really pioneered the wine cooler as we know it today. Originally named Canada Cooler, the brand underwent a redesign by Glenn Martinez and Associates, resulting in the iconic California Cooler packaging. This packaging eventually became so popular that the drink was also sold in a 2-liter bottle.
Fast forward to today, and the market is flooded with light, refreshing wine coolers and spiked seltzers. These beverages offer a fantastic alternative for those nights when beer feels too heavy. They provide just enough alcohol to give drinkers a slight buzz, but with less sugar and a lighter feel in the stomach.
Wine coolers, particularly those from the 1980s, hold a special place in the hearts of many. Bartles & Jaymes, along with other brands like Seagram’s and California Cooler, dominated the market and became synonymous with the wine cooler trend. While the ’80s may be long gone, the legacy of these wine coolers lives on, with modern variations providing a refreshing and enjoyable alternative for those seeking a lighter beverage option.
What Wine Coolers Were Popular In The 80s?
In the 1980s, one wine cooler brand that gained significant popularity was Bartles & Jaymes. Known for its distinctive style, Bartles & Jaymes wine coolers became a dominant force in the market during this era. The brand’s success can be attributed, in part, to its unique and memorable advertising campaigns featuring two older gentlemen founders.
The folksy and somewhat eccentric commercials featuring Bartles & Jaymes founders captivated audiences and helped establish the brand as a household name. These advertising efforts played a crucial role in generating interest and demand for Bartles & Jaymes wine coolers.
During the 1980s, Bartles & Jaymes wine coolers were widely recognized for their refreshing and fruity flavors. The brand offered a variety of flavor options, catering to different taste preferences. Consumers could choose from flavors such as peach, strawberry, raspberry, and many more.
The popularity of Bartles & Jaymes wine coolers in the ’80s can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the brand’s unique marketing approach and memorable commercials helped it stand out from competitors. Additionally, the refreshing taste and wide range of flavors offered by Bartles & Jaymes appealed to consumers seeking a flavorful and enjoyable beverage option.
Bartles & Jaymes wine coolers were highly popular in the 1980s. The brand’s success can be attributed to its distinctive advertising campaigns featuring the older gentlemen founders, as well as its refreshing and diverse flavor options.
What Were The Wine Cooler Brands?
Wine coolers, the popular fizzy and brightly colored beverages, were available in various brands during their heyday. Here is a comprehensive list of some of the prominent wine cooler brands:
1. Bartles and Jaymes: Bartles and Jaymes was one of the most well-known wine cooler brands, famous for their catchy advertising campaigns featuring two fictitious characters, Frank Bartles and Ed Jaymes.
2. Seagram’s: Seagram’s, a renowned distillery, also ventured into the wine cooler market. Their line of wine coolers included flavors like Wild Berries, Tropical Lime, and Peach Fuzz.
3. California Cooler: California Cooler was another popular brand that gained significant popularity during the wine cooler craze. They offered a range of fruit-flavored wine coolers, including Raspberry, Peach, and Red Grape.
4. Boone’s Farm: Although primarily known for their inexpensive wines, Boone’s Farm also produced wine coolers. Their flavors included Strawberry Hill, Fuzzy Navel, and Tropical Blue.
5. Sun Country: Sun Country was a brand that specialized in wine coolers and offered a variety of flavors such as Citrus Splash, Berry Breeze, and Tropical Mango.
6. Arbor Mist: Arbor Mist, known for its fruit-flavored wines, also had a line of wine coolers. Some of their popular flavors included Blackberry Merlot, Peach Chardonnay, and Strawberry White Zinfandel.
7. Zima: While not technically a wine cooler, Zima was a clear malt beverage with a similar fizzy and fruity appeal. It gained popularity as an alternative to traditional wine coolers and was available in flavors like Citrus, Black Cherry, and Raspberry.
These are just a few examples of the wine cooler brands that were prevalent during their peak popularity. Each brand offered a unique range of flavors, catering to different taste preferences and adding a fun twist to the world of alcoholic beverages.
What Were The First Wine Coolers?
The first wine coolers were known as the California Coolers. However, it is important to note that the concept of a wine cooler predates the California Cooler. Sangria, a popular beverage made with wine and various fruits and spices, existed before wine coolers were introduced.
The California Cooler formula and packaging were the first to be marketed as a wine cooler. Originally called Canada Cooler, the California Cooler package was redesigned by Glenn Martinez and Associates. This redesign gave the product its distinctive look and helped establish it as the pioneer of the wine cooler category.
Initially, California Coolers were sold in individual bottles. However, later on, they were also made available in a 2-liter bottle, catering to consumers who desired a larger quantity of the beverage.
Do They Make Wine Coolers Anymore?
Wine coolers are still available in the market today. Wine coolers are light, refreshing alcoholic beverages that are typically made by mixing wine with fruit flavors and carbonation. They are popular among individuals who prefer a lighter and sweeter alternative to traditional wines.
Here are some key points about wine coolers:
1. Variety: Wine coolers come in a wide range of flavors, including fruit flavors like strawberry, peach, and citrus. This variety allows consumers to choose the flavor that suits their taste preferences.
2. Alcohol Content: Wine coolers typically have a lower alcohol content compared to regular wines. They usually range from 4% to 6% alcohol by volume (ABV), making them a popular choice for those looking for a lighter alcoholic beverage.
3. Lighter and Refreshing: One of the main appeals of wine coolers is their light and refreshing nature. They are often carbonated, providing a fizzy texture that adds to their refreshing qualities. The combination of fruit flavors and carbonation makes them a popular choice for casual social gatherings or outdoor events.
4. Lower Sugar Content: In recent years, there has been a growing demand for lower-sugar alcoholic beverages. Many wine cooler brands have responded to this demand by offering options with reduced sugar content. This allows individuals to enjoy a sweet taste without consuming excessive amounts of sugar.
5. Spiked Seltzers: In addition to traditional wine coolers, the market has seen a rise in popularity of spiked seltzers. These are carbonated alcoholic beverages made by blending seltzer water with alcohol and natural flavors. Spiked seltzers often have a lower calorie and sugar content compared to wine coolers, making them an appealing choice for those conscious of their dietary intake.
6. Availability: Wine coolers and spiked seltzers can be found in most liquor stores, supermarkets, and convenience stores. They are often sold in individual cans or in multi-packs, providing convenience for consumers who want to enjoy a single serving or stock up for a gathering.
Wine coolers continue to be a popular choice for those seeking a light, refreshing, and slightly sweet alcoholic beverage. With the added option of spiked seltzers, individuals have even more choices when it comes to finding the perfect drink for their taste preferences.
Conclusion
Wine coolers have had a significant impact on the beverage industry, particularly in the 1980s. Brands like Bartles & Jaymes, Seagram’s, and California Cooler became household names, offering fizzy, brightly colored libations that combined the flavors of “Chablis” with fruit punch. These refreshing drinks, often served over ice, provided a lighter alternative to beer and were immensely popular.
The success of wine coolers can be attributed to their easy-drinking nature and the appeal of their marketing campaigns. Bartles & Jaymes, in particular, captured consumers’ attention with their folksy commercials featuring the older gentlemen founders. This combination of taste and marketing made wine coolers a staple at parties, picnics, and social gatherings.
However, the popularity of wine coolers has waned over the years, with the market now flooded with light, refreshing alternatives such as spiked seltzers. These newer options offer a similar experience, providing a slight buzz with less sugar and a lighter feel on the stomach.
Despite this decline, wine coolers still hold a nostalgic place in the hearts of many who remember the heyday of these fruity, fizzy beverages. Whether it’s the taste, the memories, or simply the desire for a refreshing drink, wine coolers continue to have a place in the beverage market.
Wine coolers have left their mark on the industry, offering a unique and enjoyable drinking experience for those seeking a lighter alternative. While their popularity may have diminished, the legacy of brands like Bartles & Jaymes and California Cooler lives on, reminding us of a time when wine coolers were the go-to drink for a fun and refreshing social gathering.
