Canned Wine Takes Center Stage: 12 Must-Try Releases for 2025

Skeptics may doubt the validity and quality of wine in cans, but the canned wine market is flourishing, representing the fastest-growing segment in wine sales in the United States. According to Sarah Hoffman, co-founder of Maker Wines, the category’s success reflects significant changes in consumer preferences. The global canned wine market was valued at $112.9 million in 2024, with an expected growth rate of 11 percent over the next five years, even as traditional wine sales face a decline.

Recent tastings in Napa revealed a collection of noteworthy canned wines, showcasing a mix of both established and new producers. The growth of canned wines is largely attributed to their appeal among younger wine drinkers. Statistics from Nielsen reveal that while only about 15 percent of bottled wine buyers are aged 21 to 34, around half of Maker’s online customers fall within that demographic. This is a clear indication of the increasing popularity of canned wines among the younger generation.

Los Cuernos, launched in 2023, emphasizes accessibility by targeting not just wine drinkers but also those who enjoy a variety of beverages, including coffee, tea, and spirits. The focus is on expanding the presence of quality wines in casual dining settings, such as taquerias and pizzerias, which traditionally lack premium wine options.

Canned wines often thrive in contexts where their convenience and portability are advantageous, making them ideal for events and outdoor activities. Notably, brands like Maker, Just Enough, and Archer Roose have successfully penetrated in-flight services, with partnerships with airlines like United Airlines and Jet Blue, as well as collaborations with cinemas.

Despite the ongoing debate about whether to drink straight from the can or pour into a glass, many producers advocate for whatever enhances the consumer experience. For instance, Hoffman suggests that if convenience is key, drinking from the can is perfectly acceptable, but when at home or in a setting where a glass is available, pouring it enhances the tasting experience.

The ethos among canned wine producers leans toward flexibility and creativity, with a motto from Los Cuernos promoting "great wine, no rules." Many producers are working to change the perception that canned wines are inferior or cheaper, focusing on taste and quality instead.

SipWell Wine Co. has carved a niche in the sparkling wine section of canned wines, producing offerings like the Go Getter, a frizzante red that pairs well with food and embodies a playful approach to winemaking, combining unconventional grape varieties.

As the canned wine sector continues to evolve, producers aim to shift focus from merely promoting the convenience of the can to highlighting the quality and flavor of the wines inside.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!