Wine bags and cans have been given a bit of an underestimation due to the common use for some lower end products, but both are gaining traction on the higher end. Sure, they don’t necessarily age well, but cans and bags are meant for immediate drinking. Most winemakers have some sort of readily drinkable wines that are meant to be consumed upon release, which are the ideal candidates for packing on a weekend or day trip. Cans and bottles provide a cost-effective and easy alternative to traditional glass.

The first and most noticeable advantage is the weight. A standard wine bottle is over 2.5 pounds, which adds up quickly if you’re hiking, canoeing, or cycling. They also take up quite a bit of space, which also is a factor in the return trip. Bags in the 1.5L size can collapse and weigh just over an ounce when empty. Wine cans offer slightly different math but come out like bags. A single 12oz can is just under the volume of a half bottle of wine, but clocks in at just over half an ounce. This difference in weight literally takes a load off.

Packing out not only includes the weight, but the ability to ease of disposing. Bags and cans are easy to crush and pack up to recycle. They’re also made from recycled products, which is a double down on the eco-friendly side of things. The use of plastic and aluminum for bags and cans also make them much easier to chill down. Just throw them in some water with ice, and minutes later they are ready.

photo: @unionwinecompany instagram

Bagged wine also allows for efficient resealing to preserve the life of the wine inside. These bags collapse as the wine is poured from the spout, eliminating oxygen exposure you would encounter with traditional bottles. While they can’t last forever, they don’t turn all that fast. Just keep them out of the heat and sun. They will last up to a few weeks if kept at a cool temperature.

Whether it’s been a while or you’ve never tried cans or bags, it’s worth a shot. They might just be your new go-to summer refreshment.