Canned Wines: A Growing Trend with Unique Identity

You might assume that serious wine enthusiasts would shun canned wines, associating them with casual settings like beaches or sports events. However, canned wines and other easy-to-drink beverages have witnessed significant growth, expanding by 14% annually in the U.S. since 2019 despite declining global wine sales.

The appeal lies not only in the format but also in the new generation of canned wines that showcase distinct identities and origins. Andy Pates, founder of Cream Wine & Spirits, explains that canned wines are designed for easy consumption, offering convenience for picnics or casual gatherings. The manageable single-serving sizes require less commitment than a full bottle, making them ideal for controlled portions or for enjoying alone.

Originally, canned wines focused more on lifestyle than substance, often sourced in bulk with catchy labels. This trend is shifting as independent winegrowers embrace alternative packaging, enhancing the quality and story of the wines within. They remain fun and easy to drink, but now feature distinct flavors and better farming practices.

Pates notes that smaller serving sizes have made canned wines more appealing. Initially, the typical size was 12 ounces, half a bottle of wine, which could lead to overconsumption. Today, the standard is a 250 ml can, about a third of a standard wine bottle, suitable for casual enjoyment without excess.

Canned wines often come from reputable wineries using estate fruit or specifically sourced grapes, avoiding bulk sourcing. They offer a range of varieties from reds and whites to unique options like skin-contact orange wines and varietal blends. For instance, Melissa Zeman, owner of BottlesUp!, highlights wines like Gulp Hablo, noted for organic and biodynamic practices.

Best sellers from Pates include Prisma’s sauvignon blanc and pinot noir from Chile’s Casablanca Valley, made exclusively from estate-grown fruit. Similarly, Djuce offers minimal carbon emission products with compelling collaborations from European producers like Meinklang and Azienda Agricola Cirelli.

In terms of quality and pricing, canned wines are valued at over $10 per can but deliver superior quality compared to other options, making them a worthwhile investment. Crisp whites, chillable reds, and sparkling wines transition well into the canned format, often enhanced with a touch of spritz for a refreshing feel.

Several notable canned wines include:

• Gulp Hablo Fresco chilled red: A blend of garnacha, syrah, verdejo, airén, and macabeo, perfect for picnics.
• Prisma sauvignon blanc: A balanced hybrid with fruit-forward notes from Chile.
• Prisma pinot noir: Features savory components that’s rare in new world Pinot Noir.
• Las Jaras WAVES red wine: Offers a juicy mix of black fruit with a touch of spritz.
• Las Jaras WAVES white wine: Chenin blanc and albariño blend for a spritzy, balanced white.
• Famille du Vin Jean Pierre Robinot dry white: Loire Valley chenin blanc with peach and pear flavors.
• Famille du Vin Château de Béru Special Cuvée dry white: Chablis in a can, reflecting floral and fresh tones.
• Djuce CoLab Meinklang Rosa: A fizzy rosé offering bold fruit and herbal edges.
• Djuce CoLab Meinklang Kontext: Combines aromatic tropical fruit flavors with savory skin contact tannins.

These options demonstrate the evolving nature of canned wines, providing consumers with high-quality choices that reflect diverse flavors and sustainable practices.