3 canned wines to take to your next barbecue
Saturday, 31 January 2026
Canned wines are having a moment. Jo Cribb explores the best tins to chill this summer.
A can-do attitude. Kick it in the can. We even go to the can. The container for our beloved baked beans.
We Kiwis have a strong connection to cans.
That’s why it’s great to see more options for quality canned wine this summer. Along with wine, there is also a growing range of canned cocktails, spritzes and zero-alcohol concoctions.
Advances in canning technology, especially in the lining of cans to create a protective barrier between the wine and the metallic can, means modern cans preserve the flavour integrity of wine. More producers are also offering higher quality and a wider range of wine in this format.
Wine in cans is perfect for al fresco summer swigging. There is no need for glasses, no glass to break and cans are portable and easily chillable. They are also more easily and cheaply shipped than bottles making mail-ordering your favourite tipple a sensible option.
What I like about cans is that the single serve means there is no commitment to a bottle. A single one-off glass of sparkling rosé becomes feasible without the hangover of a bottle lingering at the back of your fridge going flat. It also means there are no arguments about what to open because everyone can drink what they like.
While we shouldn’t judge a wine by its label, some canned wines are so darn cute. Not to mention, they are easily recyclable.
So, it’s no surprise then that canned wine is having its moment in the sun.
Villa Maria Private Bin Pinot Gris Marlborough
It is great to see important producer Villa Maria launch cans this summer. Its pinot gris tastes of floral pears, crisp and neat. Also find cans of classic sauvignon blanc and sparkling rosé.
$9 per 250ml can, shop.villamariawines.com
The Ned Rosé 2024 Marlborough
Quality Marlborough producer, The Ned, has proudly canned its wine. Nothing will say summer more than a chilled can of its rosé. A blend of pinot noir and pinot gris it delivers red berries, watermelon and crisp citrus flavours in the cutest can.
250ml 4 pack $25, superliquor.co.nz/the-ned-rose
Plus and Minus Zero Alcohol Prosecco
Aussie’s Plus and Minus Prosecco is one of the few zero-alcohol wines that is tolerable. De-alcoholised with added grape skin juice, it tastes of zesty citrus and fresh apples. It went down a treat around our Christmas table for those who weren’t drinking but wanted something special and sparkling in their glass.
250ml 4 pack $22, blackmarket.co.nz