Long gone is the reputation of boxed wines as vinegary hangover juice, so if you’re not already a convert then keep reading! Advancements in technology mean that the wine stays fresher for longer, and the knock-on effect is that decent wine producers are actually happy to trust the packaging. Boxed wine is also way greener to manufacture, transport and recycle, and last but not least, let’s not forget old trusty economies of scale, it's cheaper!
With Christmas around the corner, a boxed wine or two on the counter just makes things so much simpler. There’s no pressure to finish or open another bottle that might not get finished, you and your family can just help themselves, and if (big if), there’s any left at the end of the night, it can be popped in the fridge to stay fresh for weeks more. These days, the quality is top notch, and the boxes are so gorgeously designed they’re fit to be table centrepieces. Honestly, what’s not to like? So without further ado, here are some of our favourites that will definitely not disappoint.
Best Boxed Red Wine
Laylo Tinto de Estremoz
Laura and Laura (not a typo!) set up Laylo after being won over by all the benefits of boxed wine, but finding themselves disappointed in the lack of beauty in the box themselves. If bottles of wine can be stylish, why can’t the box? The Tinto de Estremoz design references the treasured stone that’s mined in the ‘marble city’ of Estremoz, including the prestigious Rosa Aurora marble. Inside, winemaking legend Donzilia Copeto has been trying to capture the perfect Portuguese Alentejo blend, and this bold and inky red is the result. Consisting of 5 local varietals and a dash of Merlot, this is full of juicy cherries and dark fruits, and velvet smooth tannins. Stunning inside and out!
Size: 2.25L
ABV: 14%
Find here: £36.99 Laylo
Terre di Faiano Organic Rosso
We’ve been banging on about this one for a while now, and for very good reason. Packaged like a chic Easter Egg, it’s a full-bodied blend of Negroamaro, Primitivo and Cabernet Sauvignon from Puglia. It’s juicy, figgy, plummy and organic as well as vegan! Silky smooth and towards the sweeter end, if you’re a fan of big, bold, chocolatey wine, this is for you. Pair it with hearty meats, stews and grilled veg and you’re on for a winning combination, so it’s ideal for those winter suppers going into the New Year!
Size: 2.25L
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £20.79 Waitrose (on offer till 29th Nov, usually £25.99)
BIB Wine Domaine Jean-Marc Astruc Fitou
We’ve been keeping an eye on the BIB Wine Company for a while because they’ve trailblazed the newfound popularity of luxury boxed wine. Their sleek and classy matt grey packaging with a changing artistic design has nailed it, and you’d be delighted to sit it on your countertop around Christmas. This high-end French blend from Languedoc is Southern France in a glass – it’s brambly, full of flavour and richly concentrated. Try it with a lamb roast if you’re part of the anti-turkey set!
Size: 2.25L
ABV: 14%
Find here: £36.20 The BIB Wine Co
Best Boxed White Wine
Tesco Australian Chardonnay
Value hunters stop here. Whilst this Chardonnay from the sunny vineyards of Southeast Australia might not blow you away, it is still wonderfully fruity, with ripe nectarines and juicy melons coming through. It’s an easy-drinking, soft white that provides unbeatable value for a laid-back Christmas. Get the tap flowing alongside the turkey or chicken Christmas roast because it’ll match nicely there!
Size: 2.25L
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £13 Tesco
BIB Wine TR Dry Furmint
Furmint, sometimes called Mainak, is a grape most widely known for making the famous Hungarian sweet wine of Tokaji. Furmints are becoming quite the regular on supermarket shelves, so the festive season could be a great time to see what the fuss is about? This is a dry but refreshing wine, with subtle notes of honeysuckle and pear. It’s likely to be a little bit different to many whites you’ve tried before and it’s very easy to love indeed. We recommend cracking it open when the Christmas cheese board comes wafting through!
Size: 2.25L
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £39 The BIB Wine Co
When In Rome Grillo Organic DOC Sicilia
When in Rome are another company pushing the envelope when it comes to boxed wine. Their box is probably the easiest to recycle too! No prizes for guessing which country they specialise in, and it’s the lesser-known Italian grapes that they particularly focus on. Grillo is a summery Sicilian grape, giving great orange freshness and a rustic core. Bonus points for being organic too of course. A little (or large) glass of sunshine over the holidays.
Size: 2.25L
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £25.99 When In Rome Wine (10% off if you subscribe to them!)
Best Boxed Rosé Wine
Nice Drinks Pale Rosé
This is a great option for the Rosé lovers over Christmas... and beyond, because the box stays fresh for 6 weeks after opening! How far technology has come. As the box says, this is a ‘proudly pale Rosé’, from Grenache grapes in the South of France. It’s dry, lively, crisp, and fresh, with a dried strawberry flavour. Yum!
Size: 2.25L
ABV: 12%
Find here: £21.50 Nice
These boxed wines would add to any Christmas table, and you know what else would? These special Boozy Christmas Crackers are just as stunning, and filled with not just wine, but beer, rum, gin and everything else!
Words by Calum Ecroyd
