Yes, we know. Wine in a box has a reputation, and it’s not entirely good. It used to be that no self-respecting winemaker would even consider making the stuff, let alone drink it. But that’s changed over the years. 

There are benefits to producing boxed wines. The packaging makes shipping easier, lowering its carbon footprint. Sealing the wine in an airtight plastic bag protects it from oxidation, resulting in longer shelf life. Wineries are taking notice of the advantages and adapting to the bag-in-box trend. 

Another advantage is that the best boxed wines are consistent — you always know what you’ll get when you open a new box. Unlike glass bottle vintages, the flavor won’t vary from harvest to harvest. Top boxed wines have a dependable palate, so you won’t be left scrambling to find a new favorite boxed red wine because you suddenly don’t like the taste.

It’s also an economical way for wine drinkers to experiment with different varietals. Not sure if you’ll enjoy a Bordeaux or a Grenache? Why not try an inexpensive box version first? If it passes your taste test, you can look into buying more expensive bottles. At worst, you may have discovered the best wine to make mulled wine come the December holidays.

Put aside preconceived notions and keep an open mind while looking at our list of the best box wines to bring out at your next dinner party.

1. Top Box Rose 3L Box

Take your box wine game to the top with this bright, juicy rosé. You’ll taste irresistible notes of strawberries, raspberries, watermelon, and honeysuckle. Top Box crafts its wine to showcase Washington-grown grapes and produce an approachable rosé wine that balances fruitiness and acidity.

$23.99

2. Robert Mondavi Private Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 1.5 L Box

California’s finest cabernet sauvignons are distinguished by their fruity character of sweet black cherries and other dark berries. This wine hits the right notes, and its velvety tannins and well-integrated oaky flavor support a ripe fruit taste. It has excellent depth and richness that lingers on the palate.

$17.99

3. Challis Lane Pinot Grigio Box 3 Liter Box

This crisp and bright pinot grigio has a light aroma and an expressive blend of green apple, ripe peach, citrus, and tropical fruit flavors that delight the palate. It all comes together with a bright, refreshing, and clean finish. Fill your glass with this quality wine and sip slowly.

$32.99

4. Black Box Pinot Noir 3 Liter Box

The delicate aromas of strawberry, cherry, and rose petals craft an enticing California pinot noir. Notes of toasty oak, berries, and rich dark chocolate tease the palate and lead to a lasting, satisfying finish. This wine is delicious with roast meats, creamy cheese, and spicy appetizers.  

$21.99

5. Bota Box Sauvignon Blanc 3 Liter Box

Bota Box’s Sauvignon Blanc is an inspired addition to dinner on the patio, picnic brunch at the park, or a neighborhood barbecue. Its zippy lime zest and lemongrass flavors combine with the refreshing flavors of citrus, melon, and a hint of minerality to create a wine that encapsulates the best of summer. 

$20.99

6. Black Box Merlot 3 Liter Box

This delicious wine blends the juice from the best California merlot grapes. The result is a robust wine brimming with the rich flavors of plum, black cherry, cinnamon, vanilla, and tobacco. The sweet fruit flavors combine with tannins for a soft, sweet, well-rounded finish.

$21.99

7. Peter Vella Chardonnay 5 L Box

Peter Vella’s Chardonnay is crisp, smooth, and refreshing, thanks to fruit-forward notes of green apple and pear. Hints of smokey oak provide a sense of depth that leads to a smooth, clean finish that’s as refreshing as gratifying. It’s a wine that’ll keep wine enthusiasts coming back for more.

$24.99

8. Bota Box Blackhawk Malbec 3 Liter Box

Nighthawk’s Malbec bursts from your wine glass with luscious violet and blackberry aromas and big, jammy flavors of plum blended with hints of leather and chocolate. Ripe notes of blue and blackberries lead to a soft fruity finish that hints of fresh baked pie, cedar, and spice. 

$20.99

9. Franzia White Zinfandel 5 L Box

Franzia has crafted a crisp, refreshing blush wine with a light body and delicate strawberry aromas. It’s a fresh, drinkable wine that closes with a non-bitter finish. Pair it with a beautiful fruit salad, creamy cheese, and your favorite summer playlist. Best served chilled.

$14.99

10. Ruffino Rosso Red Blend 1.5 L Box

This elegant and well-balanced wine makes the most of fruit grown in Italy’s prestigious Tuscan wine-growing regions. The flavor opens with a bright, fruity taste that transitions to the lush flavors of cherries, chocolate, currants, and plum. Tannins refine the finish into a well-rounded flavor experience.

$16.99

11. Vella Chablis Boxed 5 L

This California Chablis offers a clean, refreshing taste accented by a soft floral nose and a smooth finish. Its crisp, refreshing flavor pairs beautifully with any meal, from pasta with a delicate cream and basil sauce to grilled seafood. It even makes a wonderful dessert wine.

$17.99

12. Barefoot On Tap Moscato 3 Liter Box

This semi-sweet California white wine pairs deliciously with various soft cheeses, desserts, and Asian dishes. It’s crisp and refreshing, combining the fruity flavors of juicy peaches and sweet apricots before moving to a finish that combines a twist of lemon and citrus flavors. Enjoy a little sunshine in your glass.

$21.99

13. Kung Fu Girl Riesling 3 L Box

This riesling is just the thing when you need to round out the taste factor of your takeout. It’s dry and fresh, with white peach, mandarin, and apricot notes with the right amount of minerality to complement spicy ramen, sriracha pork tacos, or just about anything on a Chinese takeout menu.

$32.99

FAQ

Is Bota Box better than Black Box?

In the battle of the rich, full-bodied Merlotoxes (merlot + boxes), two wine brands are jostling to be crowned the victor: Bota Box and Black Box. Both winemakers are based in California, produce multiple varietals, and sell their wine in two box sizes, a 500-milliliter sampler (three glasses of wine) and a 3-liter box (four bottles).

Both brands have vintages that would make for excellent house wine, but two stand out. For our money, Bota Box’s Nighthawk Gold Buttery Chardonnay is their best boxed white wine. It has a distinctive combination of oak, butterscotch, and honey notes that craft a complex flavor that remains approachable.

Black Box really shines when it comes to red wine. They have a great selection, but if we had to choose, we think Black Box Cabernet Sauvignon is their best boxed red wine. You’ll first notice the sweet aroma of blackberry that leads to a luscious, full-bodied toasted oak flavor balanced against the taste of ripe, red berries that lingers on the palate.  

Still not convinced? Why not throw a blind wine tasting party and compare bottles of wine to boxed? You might be surprised.

Is Franzia wine good?

You have to understand Franzia isn’t a fine wine. It’s not meant to be a fine wine. Franzia is the best cheap box wine you can find with a decent taste and consistent quality. It’s friendly and approachable, perfect for casual gatherings and impromptu picnics at the park. We love Franzia's Crisp White wine on a sunny day or their fruity, medium-bodied merlot on a rainy evening by the fire. 

Should box wine be refrigerated after opening?

Boxed wines are packaged using a tap and plastic bag that prevent air from entering the container and mixing with the wine, keeping it tasting fresher longer. That doesn’t mean they’re impervious to oxidation. No seal is 100% airtight. Your wine will eventually go stale, so it’s best to drink it over three to four weeks.

If you want to stretch that time out, refrigeration can help, but it doesn’t significantly extend the shelf life. Plus, if it’s a lighter body red or white, your wine will always be at the perfect serving temperature, ready for drinking.