10 Wines in a Can That Are Actually (Really) Good
We’re still on the fence about boxed wine, but cans—let’s just say we’re converts. They’re lightweight (great for hikes) and affordable (for when you’re hosting a big barbecue). Plus, a little goes a long way: One beer-sized can is the equivalent of half a bottle of wine. And because talented winemakers have turned to cans for blends that don’t need to be aged, they’re actually really good. So we rounded up ten to sip all summer long.
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GREAT WITH ROADSIDE BURGERS: UNDERWOOD PINOT NOIR
We’re down with Union Wine Company’s whole line of Underwood canned wines: bubbly (in a gold can!), sparkling or still rosé, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. But the red—fruit driven with earthy complexity—is our pick to accompany a greasy serving of burgers and fries.
$28 for a four-pack; unionwinecompany
FOR SIPPING ON THE LAKE: SOFIA MINI BLANC DE BLANCS
It’s bubbly and refreshing and, bonus, it comes with a straw. Don’t leave the lake house without this zesty sparkler.
$20 for a four-pack; francisfordcoppolaw
BEST WITH BRUNCH OR AT THE BEACH BOARDWALK: RAMONA FIZZ
The only wine spritzer we’ll raise a can to. A blend of ruby red grapefruit and slightly effervescent Sicilian wine, the Ramona Fizz tastes like an Izze grapefruit soda (with a dash of booze) and goes equally well with eggs and bacon or out on the beach.
$20 for a four-pack; drinkramona.com
GREAT ADDITION TO BACKYARD BARBECUES: THE DROP CALI ROSÉ
We’d sip this crisp, slightly fruity rosé all day. Now kick up your feet and get back to that tan while the men fire up the grill.
$20 for a four-pack; thedropwine.com
FOR HIKES IN THE COUNTRYSIDE: PORCH POUNDER CHARDONNAY
This isn’t your typical oaky, buttery Chardonnay. Light and zingy, with lots of lemon zest and pineapple, it’s just the kind of reward you’ll want after a long hike.
$24 for a “shorty” four-pack; findyourporch.com
GOOD AT THE GAME: INFINITE MONKEY THEOREM RED, ROSÉ OR WHITE
With deep berry flavors and a dash of cinnamon, the Merlot will keep you warm at night games, while the fruity rosé is your friend for warm afternoon innings. And almost cidery, the white blend is even shotgun-able (you know, just in case you partake in that good ole ritual from time to time).
$15 for a four-pack; theinfinitemonkeyth
GREAT FOR AN AFTERNOON IN THE PARK: SANS WINE CO. ZINFANDEL
Yep, you can get a single-vineyard wine (read: higher quality) in a can. This Zin may be light in color, but it still packs a blackberry punch and peppery finish.
$60 for a six-pack; sans-wine-co.
FOR SNEAKING INTO A CONCERT: RUZA ROSÉ CANS
Not that you ever would. But if you did, the trendy design is basically begging you to don a flower crown while you sip the small-lot bright and fruity rosé.
$14 for a three-pack; ruzawines.winc.com
BEST BY THE POOL: TRADER JOE’S SIMPLER WINES
Dollar wine: You heard it here first. Whether you go with white or rosé, this summer sipper was meant for pool floats. Trader Joe’s is rolling out its Two Buck Chuck of canned wine for the summer season, so ask your local store when it will be in stock.
$4 for a four-pack; traderjoes.com
FOR WINE-COUNTRY PICNICS: PAM’S UN-OAKED CHARDONNAY
These adorable cans of crisp Chardonnay are perfect when you’re pedaling through Sonoma and stop at a grassy patch for an alfresco lunch but don’t want to open a whole bottle.
$4 per can or $96 for a case of 24; ronrubinwinery.com