From reds and whites to rosés and sparkling varieties, there are numerous wine options available. However, bringing a glass bottle to the beach, on a hike, or during a camping trip can be inconvenient. Glass bottles are often heavy, bulky, and fragile. That's where canned wine comes in, offering a more convenient and portable option for enjoying wine on the go.
Winemakers have been exploring canned wine since 1936, just a year after beer was first introduced in cans. Since then, canned wine has evolved significantly, with a growing variety of options and new brands emerging in recent years. According to a recent Global Market Research study, the canned wine market, currently valued at $1.1 billion, is expected to grow at a rate of 13% annually from 2023 to 2032.
What's the appeal of canned wine? Experts point out that younger consumers, especially millennials, are the main market for these products. "Canned wine has grown into an exciting category, moving well beyond the 'rip and sip' mentality," says Rachel Gendreau, a certified sommelier and general manager of Crush Pad Wines in Charlottesville, Virginia. "There are plenty of current options that offer a mix of quality, innovation, and most importantly, convenience, especially during the summer months when we're at the pool, picnicking, or by the ocean."
Gendreau also highlights that canned wines are excellent for mindful drinking, noting that "a can provides much better portion control than a 750-milliliter bottle."
Erin O'Reilly, a wine educator and blogger at Terravenos, adds that some wines actually taste better in a can. "Unlike corks and even modern screw caps, cans don't allow any air to reach the wine. This affects how wines age, and some actually taste better in cans," she explains.
However, not all canned wines are great. O'Reilly cautions to be careful with discounted canned wines, saying, "If you find a deeply discounted canned wine, you can take a chance, but in my experience, these wines are often discounted for a reason."
With so many innovative, high-quality canned wines now available, it can be challenging to know where to begin. So, we asked seven sommeliers and wine buyers to share their favorite canned wines. Read on to discover their top picks.
Nomadica Red
"I always keep an eye out for anything from Nomadica, a brand that checks all the right boxes for me—it's female-owned, sustainable, features stunning packaging, and offers unique wines in the can," says Rachel Gendreau of Crush Pad Wines. "These are real showstoppers!" Gendreau praises the entire line, which includes a red blend, orange, rosé, and white, among others. However, she particularly enjoys the 100% Sagrantino red. "It's herbal, structured, and bursting with fresh blackberry and plum flavors. It's fantastic served chilled, especially with grilled pizza, ideally enjoyed outdoors. The Nomadica orange wine is also delicious—funky and full of texture."
So, no matter which variety of Nomadica canned wine you come across, it's definitely worth trying. The Nomadica red typically sells for around $7 to $9 per can.
Field Recordings' Quince Wine Spritzer
"I'm a long-time fan of Field Recordings, an innovative group from California's Central Coast, so I was thrilled to discover their canned wine spritzers," says Rachel Gendreau. "The grapefruit rosé and quince varieties are both wonderfully refreshing and fun. They're perfect on their own or paired with an aperitivo spread of cheese and olives." These spritzers are priced at $20 for a four-pack or $10 for a single can.
Bonterra Bubbles Rosé Organic
Erin O'Reilly, an educator at Terravenos, generally suggests opting for higher acid whites, rosés, and sparkling options when choosing canned wines, such as the sparkling rosé from Bonterra. "I'm a big fan of the Bonterra canned wine line, and this one is a particular favorite," she says. "Being non-vintage, it reflects the winemaker's commitment to maintaining a consistent style. It's light, bubbly, and fun—everything a good canned wine should be. You can taste notes of strawberries, rose, peach, pineapple, and a hint of lime. It's easy to drink and perfect for a canned wine," she adds. This wine is priced at $4.50 per can.
Sofia Mini Blanc de Blancs
"I usually prefer bubbles in my canned wine," says Erin O'Reilly. One of her top picks is Francis Ford Coppola Winery's Sofia Mini Blanc de Blancs. "I appreciate that the winemaker considers how this Blanc de Blancs will shine best in a can and chooses to use non-traditional sparkling wine grapes. The blend of Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscat Cannelli gives this small can a delightful zest, enhancing the wine's brightness."
As for the flavor profile, O'Reilly notes you can expect golden apple, melon, lemon, honey, and tangerine. "It's also a great option for making mimosas on the go," she adds. A four-pack of the Mini Blanc de Blancs is priced at $22. Notably, this canned wine, launched in 2004, has become a classic, proving its enduring appeal over time.
Bev Blanc
Brianne Cohen, a certified sommelier and wine educator based in Los Angeles, points out that the perception of wine in alternative formats like cans and boxes has evolved. "It used to be that wines in these formats were considered lower, entry-level quality, but that's no longer the case. Now, quality, drinkable wines are being put in cans," she explains. One of her favorite widely available canned wines in the U.S. is the brand Bev. "Bev canned wines are completely dry (not sweet) and come in fun flavors like Blanc, Gris, Glam, and Glow. They're made with grapes from California's Central Coast, with no added sugars or flavors."
Cohen advises that when shopping for canned wine, you generally get what you pay for: "Expect to spend a bit more, around $5 to $8 per can, for good quality." A four-pack of Bev typically retails for around $18.
Canetta Vin Rouge
Mariano Garay, sommelier and wine director at Corima in New York City, favors Canetta when it comes to canned wines. "Canetta is a relatively new project, but it's already widely available around the world," Garay says. "It's made by winemakers I respect who are exploring new ways to connect with audiences in a playful and more sustainable manner." Canetta's vin rouge, sourced from the Haut-Penedès region of Spain, is a light-tasting Tempranillo with notes of ripe fruit, spices, and a hint of toastiness.
"I believe that sommeliers might not traditionally recommend canned wine, but it definitely has a place in the near future," Garay adds. "In the natural wine community, I hear of well-established winemakers who are willing to produce canned wine because they understand its potential to reach a broader audience, and I welcome that." A four-pack of Canetta's vin rouge is priced at $36.
Ramona Blood Orange Wine Spritz
Jeremy Shanker, a master sommelier and wine director of Mina Group, including Bourbon Steak New York, advises against drinking full-bodied Cabernet during the summer months. "The last thing you want in the heat is a heavy wine," he says. "This Blood Orange Wine Spritz is perfectly refreshing." Ramona, an Italian brand, offers canned wines made from organically farmed grapes and organic Sicilian citrus fruits.
"Ramona makes an excellent canned wine spritz, and the blood orange spritz is my favorite for a refreshing aperitivo. It's the ideal summer drink for wine lovers," Shanker explains. "With a low ABV, this wine alternative is perfect for cooling down in the heat."
Shanker also mentions that many great wines in alternative formats are appealing to a younger audience. "It's also functional; cans are ideal when you don't want to open a whole bottle," he notes. A four-pack of the blood orange spritz retails for $24.
Wild Arc Farm 'Concord!'
"I'm really into Wild Arc Farm's 'Concord!' right now," says Emmeline Zhao, a sommelier and managing partner at Figure Eight and Silver Apricot in New York City. "For me, summer wine should be light and playful, and Wild Arc captures that spirit perfectly with this whole-cluster fizzy made from Concord grapes, packaged in a vibrant purple can."
Zhao recommends pouring it into a glass for the full experience: "The first thing that hits you is the aroma. The nostalgic scent of Welch's grape juice leaps from the glass, making you feel like you're about to dive into a juice box. But the taste surprises you," she explains. "It's fermented dry, keeping all the fruitiness you'd expect from Concord grapes while achieving a perfect balance. The entire experience with this wine is tantalizing and incredibly fun."
Wild Arc Farm's 'Concord!' is priced at around $11 for a 12-ounce can, which is roughly equivalent to half a bottle of wine.
Pinot Noir Underwood Can
"My current favorite canned wine is Underwood's Pinot Noir," says Wayne Gravesande, beverage director and general manager of Ketchy Shuby in New York City. "Underwood has a strong lineup, and most of their wines are perfect for a quick picnic or beach day." Underwood is a brand from the Oregon-based Union Wine Company, which focuses on creating excellent craft wines that are both affordable and accessible. Canned wine is a great way to achieve this, with a four-pack of this Pinot Noir retailing for $28.
Gravesande notes that sommeliers have mixed opinions about canned wine. "Traditionalists argue that the quality isn't on par with wines in glass bottles, but the convenience and portability of canned wine are definite advantages," he says.