CANNED WINES? Get the EC Wine Guy's take. (Flickr - GnawmE)

“What do you say, shall we open another can of wine?” Those are words that would have made me cringe in the not-so-distant past. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned in the last couple of years it’s that times change. What at first seemed like a fad is now a real trend that is not going away anytime soon. So, what is driving the canned wine movement? There are a few solid reasons why it makes sense.

1. Convenience

Cans are easier to transport in situations where a bottle might not be, such as boating, hiking, biking, or going to a picnic or a concert in the park. If you drop the bottle, it could shatter – so not only do you lose the wine, but you also have glass everywhere. Oh, and have you ever taken a bottle of wine somewhere and realized you forgot to bring a wine opener? Not a problem with cans!

2. Ease

Consumers are more likely to buy a bottle of wine if they have tasted it first. Standard can sizes are 375ml, which is exactly half of the standard 750ml bottle of wine. That is equivalent to just over two 6-ounce glasses of wine. This smaller portion allows consumers to taste a wine they have never tried, such as a Cabernet or Pinot Noir, before committing to buying additional cans or moving on to a full bottle.

3. Environmentalism 

Although recycling has become second nature for most people, there is a tendency to recycle aluminum cans more often. Aluminum is also much lighter, leading to lower transport costs, which cuts down on carbon emissions and reduces their carbon footprint overall.

4. Appeal

Although The recyclable packaging and friendly labels encourage a younger audience to enjoy wine. They're an approachable introduction to wine, as they are made ready-to-drink as soon as they are purchased.

5. Affordable

Canned wine is more affordable, especially for younger adults who are just starting their careers and may not have the disposable income of their predecessors. It’s a budget-friendly option for anyone looking to enjoy wine but not commit to purchasing a full bottle just yet.

So, what kind of wine is showing up in cans?

There was a time when the only wine in a can you could find was Francis Ford Coppola’s Sophia Blanc de Blanc: those cute, single-serve pink cans of tasty California sparkling wine. You can still find them but – no disrespect to an Oscar-winning director – move over Mr. Coppola, the shelf is getting crowded!

From the highly awarded Dobbes Family Estate in Oregon, Joe Dobbes gives us the more casual Wine By Joe – “really good Oregon wine.” Look for Wine By Joe Pinot Gris, crisp with bright acidity and tropical fruit flavors. There’s also Wine By Joe Pinot Noir, smooth with juicy acidity and bright red fruit flavors.

From the Central Coast wine region of California comes Porch Pounder Wine, founded in 2015 by two longtime friends with a plan to provide premium-quality wines in convenient and sustainable packaging. They offer Rosé, Sparkling Brut Rosé, Chardonnay, Moscato, and Red Blend, so you can find a Porch Pounder for all tastes.

Looking to keep it local?

From Wollersheim Winery & Distillery, Wisconsin’s most prolific and awarded winery are two new arrivals: Wollersheim Prairie Pink is made with varietals such as Elvira, La Crescent, and Marquette, and is lightly sweet with aromas of green apples and lilies – a wine for any Wisconsin adventure. Wollersheim White, a blend of Gewurztraminer and Riesling, is lightly sweet with refreshing notes of pear and citrus – a perfect summer sipper. If you’re a fan of Wisconsin cherries, try Cedar Creek Cherry Blush, a slightly sweet blush wine blended with delicious Wisconsin cherry wine.

The canned wine options are endless and more keep showing up every day. Don’t give up on the bottles, though. You’ll still need those to impress a first date, the future in-laws, or the new boss! But for convenience and life on the go, grab a can or two. Cheers!