Looking for the perfect summer wine? Grab a can. We’re exploring some of our go-to canned wines and why they make the perfect beach bag and camping pack accessory.
Why Canned Wine?
Cans aren’t just for beer and soda anymore. Canned wine is making a name for itself. Besides being convenient and affordable, cans offer a fun and easy approach to wine: something even serious wine lovers can get behind.
As if you need an excuse to try canned wine this summer, we have six:
- First and foremost: they’re tasty! Canned wines tick all the boxes for a thirst quenching, crisp and tasty beverage. Wines range in style from sparkling roses to earthy reds.
- Canned wine is portable, light-weight, and durable, making it great for taking outdoors or to the pool.
- Cans can be chilled quickly and their compact size makes them easy to store.
- No winetool needed. Need we say more?
- Cans require fewer materials and fuel to transport. Plus, just like bottles, cans can be recycled!
- Canned wine offers an affordable, smaller serving wine option without compromising quality.
How Do You Serve Canned Wine?
Go ahead and serve it straight from the can! But keep in mind, certain aromas are more noticeable and complex after the wine is poured into a glass.
Taking your wine outside? Try an insulated, glass-free container like a Brümate Tumbler.
Some Canned Wines To Know
Canned wine has come a long way, and just like any other kind of wine, quality varies. So we’ve picked out some pretty good ones that are worth investigating.
Vinny Blanc
Canned wine for bubble-heads.
The Grapes: Grüner Veltliner & Riesling
Price: ~$22 / 4-pack (equivalent to 1.25 standard bottles)
Size: 250 ml / can
Thomas Pastuszak, sommelier at The Nomad and founder of Empire Estate Wines, is no stranger to wine. His latest project Vinny features grapes from New York’s Finger Lakes.
Vinny Blanc features aromas of tart apple, lemon, and lime zest. Yes to wine with brunch.
Bridge Lane Chardonnay
Canned Chardonnay but without the oak!
The Grapes: Chardonnay
Price: ~$34 / 4-pack (equivalent to 2 standard bottles)
Size: 375 ml / can
Calling all Chablis drinkers! This unoaked Chardonnay might be right up your alley. Minerality, green apple, stone fruit: it might have you mistaking its origins as French. Pair with fresh seafood or enjoy on the beach straight out of the can.
Grapes for this wine are:
- Sustainably farmed in small-batches.
- From the North Fork of Long Island.
- Aged in stainless steel before being canned.
Trader Joe’s Simpler Wines Rosé
Affordable, accessible and pink!
The Grapes: Italian Rosé Blend
Price: ~$4 / 4-pack (equivalent to 1.25 standard bottles)
Size: 250 ml / can
Goodbye Two-Buck Chuck, hello canned wine. This is definitely the least expensive on the list. $1 a can? Now that’s a price we can get behind.
Simpler Wines is an entry-level sparkling rosé with bright notes of red fruit and minerals. Nothing fancy, just easy drinking.
Ramona Dry Sparkling Rosé
Throw one of these in your beach bag.
The Grapes: Sangiovese & Montepulciano
Price: ~$15.99 / 4-pack (equivalent to 1.25 standard bottles)
Size: 250 ml / can
Ramona is the brainchild of Sommelier and Entrepreneur Jordan Salcito. Her wines and spritzers boast fun and energetic labels with Italian varieties in mind.
This 100% organic sparkling rosé is dry, with notes of tart raspberry, cherry, and hibiscus flowers.
Alloy Wine Works “Tin City:” Pinot Noir
A summer-friendly red that’s great chilled.
The Grapes: Pinot Noir (aged in neutral oak for 12 months)
Price: ~$8 / can
Size: 500 ml / can (equivalent to 0.67 standard bottles)
Red wine drinkers rejoice! This Pinot Noir sports aromas of tart cherry, mushroom, wet earth, and pepper: a solid choice for more outdoorsy endeavors.
The grapes for this wine were hand harvested from California’s Central Coast. Serve slightly chilled (yes, reds enjoy a little chill, too) in a glass or cup.
Scarpetta “Frico” Frizzante
The carb-friendly beer alternative.
The Grapes: A blend of Trebbiano, Chardonnay, and Glera (the Prosecco grape.)
Price: ~$11 / 4-pack (equivalent to 1 standard bottle)
Size: 187 ml / can
For those who want to cut the carbs out of their beer buys, this simple, dry sparkler does the trick nicely. Plus, it fits almost perfectly in a single Champagne flute.
It’s simple, easy, and beach-friendly.
Where to Buy Canned Wine
Most grocery and wine retail stores sell canned wine by the single can or in 4-packs. Some restaurant wine lists and cocktail programs feature canned wine options, too.
Canned sparkling wines offer a unique alternative to sparkling wine by the glass in restaurants. Single-serving wines ensure your sparkling wine pours remain fresh and bubbly while promoting cost control.
We’re Starting To Pay Attention To Cans
Like bottled wine, canned wine offers options for every palate. While they may not be incredibly complex or even remotely age-worthy (most come printed with expiration dates), there is something to be said for their convenience.
Still not convinced? Grab one and take it to the a beach where glass isn’t allowed and you’ll be singing praises too.
So, what canned wines most intrigue you?