Box wines have come a long way since their creation in the ’60s. Once derided as a surefire sign of cheap plonk, these bag-in-box wines have made huge leaps in quality while providing affordable, enjoyable drinking options. Also, their eco-friendly packaging is compact, making them easy to pack for a long trip or to carry outside for camping, picnics or a summertime barbecue.
To help you find your next box wine, the WE staff and other industry experts have picked their favorites. Here, in no particular order, are wines you’ll want on hand.
Box Wines to Look For
La Nevera Seleccíon Especial Rosado
“It’s rosé season, so before loading up the camper or raft, I recommend seeking out a box or two of La Nevera Seleccíon Especial Rosado as a perfect companion for outdoor summer fun! The wine is made from 100% Garnacha grapes that are grown in the heart of Northern Spain at 350m above the Ebro river, which adds freshness and vibrancy to the delicate, yet fruity Provençal-style wine. Only 1,500 cases are made a year of this affordable super value of a treat, so seek some out now before it’s too late!” —Max Kuller, Managing Partner & Sommelier, Estadio
From the Tank
“The From the Tank rosé from Domaine de la Patience and Jenny & Francois Selections made from Syrah and Grenache is solidly delicious year after year and can be found in my fridge as soon as the weather starts heating up. The bag-in-box packaging keeps it fresh for a month but it never seems to last that long. It’s the perfect balance of fruity and minerally, it pairs well with food and is supremely refreshing. This box can’t be beat.” —Fiona Adams, Assistant Tasting Director, Wine Enthusiast
From the Tank’s Vin Blanc
“I love From the Tank’s Vin Blanc. It’s 100% Chardonnay and organic, plus it doesn’t see any oak. (It spends three months in concrete.) I find it super easy to drink, with a touch of minerality, plus that juicy, citrus that’s perfect for summer sipping by the pool or with food at a barbecue.” —Morgan Perry, Founder, Yoga Unwined
Pascal Lambert’s Chinon “Capucine”
“Pascal Lambert’s Chinon “Capucine” (3L Bag-in-Box) is super fresh and unpretentious Cabernet Franc; the profile of the wine is honest and charming and has the ability to transport you to that time you drank a Chinon in a Parisian bistro. It’s especially delicious with a chill so lends itself perfectly to the large format straight out of the fridge and is perfect to take to a barbecue or picnic.” —Eduardo Porto Carreiro, Sommelier for Ford Fry Restaurants, Atlanta
Lieb Cellars’ Bridge Lane Rosé
“Long Island has really come into its own in recent years for light, easy-drinking summer wines—the perfect style for large-format boxes. Lieb Cellars’ Bridge Lane Rosé, a blend of Cab Franc, Merlot, Malbec, Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc, remains a mainstay in my fridge during warmer months. Recently, as a bridesmaid, my gift of five boxes for a rehearsal dinner managed to please the entire wedding party, including winning over one very skeptical mother of the bride. Bonus points also earned for helping keep our recycling pile and cleanup to a minimum.” —Dylan Garret, Senior Digital Editor, Wine Enthusiast
Nevera Rosado 2017
“My personal favorite boxed wine at the moment is La Nevera Rosado 2017. It’s 100% Garnacha and 100% delicious, not to mention an incredible value. According to one of our customers in Colorado, “spiced salmon, perky ceviche or even straight up flank steak pair beautifully with this plucky rosé—so well you will wish you had another box on hand!” —Patrick Mata, Co-founder, Olé Imports
SCHPLINK
“Go SCHPLINK or go home! This boxed Grüner Veltliner is in a word: rad. The packaging is quirky and cool and the juice is top quality. Though most known for being a Champagne and rosé wine girl, I often opt to sip citrusy, acidic wines like Grüner at the beach. Let’s just say my ideal summer day is a box of Schplink paired with some seafood and saltwater therapy!” —Blaine Ashley, Founder, The FIZZ is Female; Co-Founder, Lokē Rosé
Di Giovanna “Vasca Cinque” Rosato di Nero d’Avola
“I am loving Di Giovanna “Vasca Cinque” Rosato di Nero d’Avola. It is a single-vineyard wine produced from organic grapes in Sicily. I’m a fan of drinking rosé all year long, however “Vasca Cinque” has fresh raspberry, strawberry, and mineral notes which makes it especially perfect for a summer picnic. And I also have a soft spot for Italian wine!” —Alisha Blackwell-Calvert, CSW, Wine Consultant
La Petite Frog’s Picpoul de Pinet
“La Petite Frog’s Picpoul de Pinet is my go-to for a summer-ready boxed wine option. From the Languedoc region in southern France, it’s a refreshing, bright and citrusy white that’s easy to appreciate and enjoy during just about any warm-weather hang.” —Lauren Buzzeo, Managing Editor, Wine Enthusiast
Jenny & François “From the Tank”
“Jenny & François “From the Tank” 3L boxed wine. This brawny blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Carignan has enough brambly dark fruit and peppery flavor to stand up to barbecue. Best part, these grapes are hand-harvested and treated with virtually no chemicals and additives. Since it’s packaged in a vacuum-sealed bag, you can pour yourself as little or as much as you’d like and the box will keep for a month. Bonus: there’s a classic Spanish cocktail called a Kalimotxo (Cali-Mow-Cho) that consists of equal parts Coke and red wine. The natural acidity of this vin rouge makes it the perfect base to this summertime purple drink.” —Chris Poldoian, Camerata at Paulie’s, Wine Director
Last Updated: May 4, 2023
