Yes, It's True: Good Wine Is Now Sold In Cans

Wine snobs who wouldn't be caught dead within a city block of boxed vino might really go berserk over this one: wine in a can. On the other hand, those seeking fuss-free more portable drinking options may just love the idea.

At first glance, Union Wine Co.'s new packaging concept may seem like an attempt to appeal to a growing market base of, well, hipsters. But when you really consider all the advantages, the Oregon-based company's can design actually makes a lot of sense.

In addition to drastically reduced packaging costs, not to mention a lower carbon footprint when it comes to shipping and transportation, the 375-ml cans — which replace both the bottle (or box) and the drinking glass — are better for for outdoor drinking.

What might also make the concept easier for cynics to swallow is the fact that this isn't a new brand introducing an untasted wine. The cans, currently available for pre-order, contain Union Wine Co.'s Underwood Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir, the latter of which received 87 points from Wine Enthusiast for its 2011 vintage.

In other words, the can is the only new factor in the equation. Of course there's the issue of how the metallic vessels might affect the wine's flavor profile. However, that didn't seem to raise any concerns with early tasters at Portland Feast last year, where the cans made a trial-run debut.

More wine design on Food Republic:

• How To Design A Best-Selling Wine Label
• Introducing The World's Greenest Wine Bottle (It's Paper!)
• Are These New Square Wine Bottles Messing With Success?