Once wine was stored in clay amphorae—tall, elongated vessels often pointed at the bottom, hardly practical for a picnic. About 2,000 years ago glass bottles came into use, an advance in durability and preservation, though still not the most convenient container for the beach or a hike.
Centuries later, people continue to search for the ideal portable wine packaging: something that resists breakage and spillage while preserving good flavor. To explore current options, I sampled nine wines packaged in cans, plastic pouches and plastic-lined cardboard, and invited a guest to judge how well portability and quality can be combined.
Among the white wines we tested, the top score went to Winestar Corbières 2011, a French white blend of Malvoisie, Rolle (the local name for Vermentino) and Grenache Blanc. Packaged in an aluminum can with a flip-top, this wine offers a pleasant aroma, clear varietal character and lively acidity that gives it a refreshing, sprightly finish. The portion size is convenient for single-serve enjoyment. ($3.99; 6.32 ounces)
The second-highest-rated white was Nuvino Sauvignon Blanc 2013 from Chile, presented in a sturdy, freestanding plastic pouch. The Sauvignon Blanc shows subtle, clean grassy notes and a fresh profile that makes it ideal as a casual aperitif outdoors. The pouch is practical for picnics and other informal gatherings. ($3.99; 6.32 ounces)
Among the reds, several formats delivered impressive results. The standout was Andegavia Ruthven Napa Valley Red Blend 2011, a Bordeaux-style blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon (97 percent) with touches of Merlot and Petit Verdot. Deep and vivid in color, it is full-bodied with pronounced fruit and strong varietal character. Andegavia is sold in a three-liter plastic bladder housed in a cardboard keg with a tap—equivalent to about four 750 ml bottles—making it an excellent choice for large gatherings, barbecues or outdoor parties where both convenience and quality are desired. ($59.95)
Also highly rated was the Winestar Corbières 2011 red blend of Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan and Grenache Noir. Packaged in an aluminum can, this wine displays clear varietal notes, a round, smooth texture and careful winemaking, all in a single-serve format that’s easy to bring anywhere. ($4; 6.32 ounces)
Nuvino’s Malbec 2013 from Argentina, delivered in a plastic pouch, proved equally noteworthy. It shows a deep color, assertive aroma, zesty flavor, rounded body and a lasting finish—qualities that translate well from bottle to flexible container without sacrificing character. ($3.99; 6.32 ounces)
These examples demonstrate that contemporary packaging—cans, pouches and boxed containers with bladders—can preserve the essential qualities of good wine while adding the portability that modern lifestyles demand. Whether for a picnic, a beach day, a picnic, or an evening on the patio, cleverly packaged wines now offer practical, spill-resistant options without forcing consumers to compromise on taste or experience.