Summer season means many opportunities for outdoor activities such as picnics, concerts, fairs, BBQ’s, baseball games, pool parties, camping, parks, beaches, and boating; many of these activities do not allow glass in the recreational areas. What is a respectable wine drinker supposed to do? Beer has been available in cans forever, and now you can get aluminum cans shaped like bottles as a nod to our affinity for the bottle in familiarity, form and function. Not to mention that most people do not like to drink out of the can, and the thought that the contents might taste metallic is also a deterrent. So what is a wine drinker to do? The first canned wine I recall was Sofia – from Sofia Coppola of the famous Francis Ford Coppola wine and film family. I always wanted to try it, but I have not had the chance yet. It is often out of stock which must be a good sign. But it was welcomed to the market with high regard as well as being cutting edge. In researching this newsletter, this showed up in my Inbox which confirmed my timing to share this information with you. I also found another recent article from Wine Spectator that I will share with you. The articles state that the best canned wines are the varietials that are young, ready to drink, unoaked wines, often summer wines anyway, such as Sauvignon Blanc and Rose; yes, you can drink them anytime, but their crisp, light refreshing tastes lend themselves to be summer staples.
As I write this, I am traveling to NH for a meeting and I stopped at the state liquor store right off the highway, and as soon as you walk in the door, there was the display. I picked up my first cans of Rose, Sauvignon Blanc, and both a Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir from Oregon. A four pack, equal to a bottle is about $15, making them about the same price as mid-priced bottles. This year a few clients have mentioned using canned wine at their summer or holiday celebrations, so I knew it was time for me to give it a try. I will report back to you next time with my thoughts! If you are not ready to “commit to the can,” I have another option. Everyone is familiar with the plethora of vacuum insulated double walled stainless steel beverage containers such as Yeti, Hydro Flask, and S’well. Last year, I finally got on board with them because I found one that held 750ml! That was a magic number for me! The exact amount in a bottle of wine!! The marketing for S’wellactually says, “Coffee, Water, Wine… Whatever you are drinking, we’ve got you covered!” I took the plunge and indulged myself. Used it a few times at the beach last year. A full bottle of my favorite rose traveled with me in my cooler. All I needed were my stemless plastic wine glasses from Tossware! (Remember my newsletter from July 2018?) Have you tried canned wine? What is your go to option for avoiding glass in summer entertaining? Share with me your experiences and preferences and I will be happy to include some of your comments next time! Summer is just beginning, call me, I would be happy to help you with your entertaining needs. Our team is ready to make your summer event as enjoyable as a cool summer breeze.