The wine revolution is coming – and it’s… in a can?! We get to the bottom of vino’s newest darling (and let you know if it’s any good, of course!)
‘Grab a cold one’ might be one of the best phrases in the English language, whatever your can of beverage is – but it’s not normally attributed to wine.
There’s something of a revolution going on in the wine world at the moment, as drinking habits change and trends evolve. And while the traditional bottle isn’t going anywhere in a hurry, wine brands are now having a little more fun with their wines, embracing cans, boxes and yes, even casks (someone tell your mother that her Chasseur is back in style, stat!).
So we were absolutely jazzed when Villa Maria Wines this week launched their own canned wine range, and yes, while the Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Sparkling Rosé are SUPER FUN to drink out of the can, this is no novelty – this is seriously good wine, just repackaged to help you live your best life, whether that’s in the outdoors, at a social event, or simply treating yourself to the perfect portion at home.
Canned wine now one of the fastest-growing categories in global wine, loved by everyone from festival-goers to beach-day girlies to anyone who has ever forgotten a corkscrew at exactly the wrong moment (so, all of us?!).
Globally, the category is booming. Market reports show the canned-wine sector is one of the fastest-expanding in the drinks industry, with worldwide value projected to surpass USD 3.1 billion by 2034. It’s a growth trend driven mostly by – no prizes here – our universal love of convenience. Cans are light, easy to toss into a chilly bin, quick to cool down, and infinitely more practical than lugging around glass bottles. They suit the way we actually live now: outdoors, on the go, and constantly trying to carry twelve things at once.
We’ve, of course, tasted all three and utterly adore them – the Sav is classic and crisp, the Pinot Gris punchy but not-too-sweet, and the created-especially-for-the-cans Sparkling Rosé is gorgeously dry and bubbly – and as much as we’d love to say ‘trust us, they’re fab!’ we’ve had a yarn to Villa Maria’s GM of Marketing and Communications, Sarah Szegota, to get the inside word on why you’d buy your favourite drop in can form!
Kia ora Sarah! Ok, let’s start with the big question – why wine in a can!?
We’re so excited about this – it is a new way for Kiwis to enjoy their favourite wines! We’re offering our delicious wine in a can because, quite simply, the way people enjoy wine is changing. We still love to share a bottle of wine at home or at a restaurant, but wine lovers are demanding convenience, portability and smaller format serves. Our Villa Maria cans are light to carry, quick to chill – which can be very key! – and easy to enjoy. Cans also give you options – you might be in the mood for a Pinot Gris while your friend prefers a Sparkling Rosé, now you can easily bring both!
Does putting wine in a can change the way you make the wine, at all?
It’s the same delicious Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris that you know and love, just in a new packaging format, but yes, the Sparkling Rosé is unique to our can range. We knew there was demand for Sparkling Rosé in a can, and we’ve crafted this wine as a deliciously dry rosé with just the right amount of effervescence.
Absolutely love how portable and fun these are! Are you guys excited to finally be releasing these into Aotearoa? They’ve been available in the UK for a while now, right?
We’re SO excited. We released Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc cans in the United Kingdom in May, ahead of the Northern Hemisphere summer. They have been very popular, quickly becoming one of the top 10 canned wines in that market. The Guardian called it the ‘Best wine in a can’, and we agree! We’re excited that New Zealanders can now enjoy our premium wines in a can as we head into the season of catching up with friends and family outdoors.
Tell us how you decided on the three varieties that made it into the can? Is it just because these three absolutely scream ‘summer’?
Quite simply, these are the three varietals people most want, judging by the growth in sales of canned wine. Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Sparkling Rosé are light, refreshing, delicious wines to enjoy over summer (but really all year long!).
We have to ask, what’s your favourite?
I’m an OG Sauvignon Blanc fan, I absolutely love it. I couldn’t be prouder when I see New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc go from strength to strength in the export markets. I’m originally from Leeds in the UK, and Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc is the No.1 New Zealand wine over there – so I really am in my dream job!
What’s your dream scenario to enjoy one of these?
That’s easy – with that gorgeous beach breeze on a hot summer’s afternoon, alongside laughter with your friends that lingers longer than the sunset.
Why would we make the move to a can rather than the bottles?
Bottles and cans both have their place. Villa Maria wines will continue to be popular in their traditional bottle format, but having a canned option opens up new occasions and meets a growing consumer demand, whether it’s for slipping into your beach bag or enjoying a moment at home.
On that, let’s talk portion control – these are probably actually quite good if you just one or two wines, rather than opening the whole bottle?
Absolutely, our research was clear that people see cans as an option when they’re looking for a smaller serve. Cans are perfect for that moment when you’re looking to treat yourself to a glass or two, without worrying about leaving opened bottles in the fridge. One can of Villa Maria is 2.5 standard serves
Do you see this as moving towards the future of wine?
Like in many other countries around the world, I believe we’ll see more formats emerge for wine in NZ – such as boxes, pouches and even wine kegs – as the world of wine evolves. It’s about offering options and broadening the relevance of wine in more consumption occasions.
Broadly, what are the biggest trends in wine right now? What’s everyone buying and enjoying?
The biggest trend globally in wine is towards drinking lighter, more refreshing styles, such as Sauvignon Blanc. This is good news for New Zealand because it’s the style of wine that we’re world-famous for. There’s also a trend towards drinking less but drinking better quality wine. Again, great for New Zealand as a producer of premium wine.
Are there any plans to expand the range – eg, could we see a red?
We’ll continue to listen to our customers and consumers, and innovate to meet their needs, so there is every chance we will expand the range if there is demand, or offer another new format. Perhaps a chic bag in box next?!
For more than 60 years, Villa Maria has crafted bold, iconic New Zealand wines and that same quality you know and love is now available in a convenient new format. Discover a fresh, effortless way to enjoy their delicious Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Sparkling Rosé – available for $7.99 from select liquor retailers and venues nationwide R18, drink responsibly!
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