For Some Wineries, the Freshest New Releases are in the Can

This article originally appeared in the December, 2019 issue of Bellingham Alive Magazine

Remember the now long-forgotten inferiority stigma attached to screw-cap wines when they started to enter the mainstream marketplace? It’s safe to say that canned wines are going to follow that same path; questionable in quality by some, but only until they try that first sip.

From the onset, one of the biggest selling points for canned wines has been their convenience, especially as an “outdoor” wine. They’re lighter in weight and more tote-able than bottles, and they make great wines to serve at concerts, picnics and barbeques.

But let’s not stop there. These wines have year-round adaptability that expands well into the fall and winter months. They’re perfect for cooler weather tailgating parties, lunchtime breaks during a hike, large, informal gatherings, and enjoying with friends around the fire.

And think about all those half-finished bottles of wine you often have at the end of the evening. The serving size of canned wines – usually about 375-milliliters, which is half the size of a standard bottle – equates to around three five-ounce glasses. That means more manageable servings and less waste.

So back to the idea of lesser-quality, drink-from-the-can wines, which remains a sticking point for some. To that, some producers point to their can’s interior coating, which keeps the aluminum off the wine. When practical, they also suggest that the wines be served in a glass rather than consumed directly from the can to lessen any flavor nuances that might be a perceived problem.

Canned wine’s easy-on-the-budget price points are a big consideration as well. $30 to $45 for a six-pack may sound like a lot, but that’s the equivalent of paying only $10 to $15 each for three bottles of wine. At those prices, you can afford to stock up and keep an on-hand supply year-round.

To get you started, here are a few selections from a trio of Northwest wineries:

Mercer Estates ICAN – This Prosser, Washington winery has recently released an aptly-named line of wines that feature a Chardonnay and a Rosé in sleek aluminum containers. A couple of added pluses: a plastic ring on the lip of the can keeps your mouth off the metal; the screw-top lid allows you to seal the can for later enjoyment.

Canned Oregon – From the Stoller Family Estate Wine Group located southwest of Portland comes a tasty array of fun, fruit-forward choices that include Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Rosé, and two sparkling options: White Bubbles (made primarily from Chardonnay) and Pink Rosé Bubbles (a white wine blend with a splash of Syrah for color).

Cascadian Outfitters – Andrew Wilson, winemaker from Richland, Washington-based Goose Ridge Vineyards has crafted some fresh, flavorful choices under the winery’s canned wine brand. Something-for-everyone choices include Chardonnay, Rosé, Sparkling White, Sparkling Rosé, and a Syrah-based Red Blend. Mixed six-packs and cases are also available from the winery web site, making shopping for your next party a breeze.