Have wine, will travel

Wrong: Brown paper bags that tear; unsightly plastic bags from the grocery store; uncool canvas tote bags with business logos; no bag at all, resulting in bottles that roll around and clink on the car floor.

Right: Bona-fide wine carriers.

Wine carriers, which range from simple to sophisticated, are the best way for wine lovers to safely transport their favorite vintages to picnics, concerts and sporting events. They make great gifts, too (especially for summer weddings).

Sixth Avenue Wine Seller in Pacific Place has a variety, ranging from around $16 to $175. Choose from rattan and canvas single-bottle insulated carriers ($24.95); a map-of-the-world bottle box with old-world charm ($15.95); or the pricey but handsome carrier by Vineferr in tan or black leather ($175.95).

Built NY's striped, two-bottle, "clink-proof" Neoprene carrier ($20) is fun and functional. It has a soft, comfortable handle, its sporty style makes it perfect for picnics and outdoor events and its resilient wet-suit material is guaranteed to keep your wine cold for up to four hours (depending on external temperatures). All this and it's washable, too.