Wine Wednesday: The five best wines not served in bottles

If you’ve ever played “slap the bag” in college, you certainly know the stigma that comes along with boxed wine.

However, there is more behind the box. From cans to wines on tap, producers are getting smarter, cheaper and eco-friendly with how they deliver their wine. Some of the best wines are coming from non-traditional packaging and are, unfortunately, being saddled with boxed wine stigma.

Wineberry Chateau Tassin Rosé

Packaging: 3-liter wooden box

Whoever said wine in a box couldn’t be classy obviously never showed up to a party with a wooden Wineberry box. Be prepared, this bright and balanced Bordeaux blend will take up some permanent space in your fridge.

La Petite Frog Picpoul di Pinet

Packaging: 3-liter box

This punchy, crisp wine blends perfectly with any dish from the sea. The box is easy to transport and classier than everyone’s favorite their sophomore year in college: Franzia.

Bandit Cabernet Sauvignon

Packaging: 1-liter Tetra Pak

This lightweight, resealable packaged wine is great for picnics, parties and all means of travel. This “wine juice box” has a perfectly balanced taste of pepper, spices and dark cherries. This wine also has a lighter taste than most others.

Union Wine Co. Underwood Pinot Gris & Pinot Noir

Packaging: 375-milliliter can

Pop, swig, repeat. That’s all it takes to fall in love with the new Underwood cans (yes, cans) of Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. With no swirling and sniffing of wine in a glass, there is no pretension of any kind. The only possible downside to these small cans is that at half a bottle of wine per can, they may go down a little too easily.

French Rabbit Chardonnay

Packaging: 1-liter Tetra Pak

This Chardonnay has a balanced formula of honey and fruit, instantly winning over your taste buds. This wine is clean and easy to sip – perfect for a day spent relaxing.