Don’t kick the can! Take along these handy wine cans, mini bottles and boxes when going out to play.

Whether showering bridesmaids with cute refreshments, throwing a back yard barbecue, or packing a picnic for the park or a concert, we’ve sussed-out the choices for quality, eco-friendly sips to invite to the party. Leave the wine glasses at home.

TINY BUBBLES, TINY BOTTLES

Mionetto produces a top-notch Prosecco brut and sparkling rosé in a 1-glass portion—just right for slipping in your bag for a BYOB restaurant (about $5). Or, pick up a 3-pack of affordable Zonin cuvée prosecco (they also make a light rosé in a mini) with a handy screwtop, a nice addition to your poolside ice bucket (about $12).

YES, WE CAN!

Sterling Vineyards, Napa Valley, recently debuted its first cans and they are stylish and svelte, just like you want to be poolside. The trio of wines—chardonnay, rosé and cabernet sauvignon—are packaged in cool re-sealable, recyclable (375-ml, $6.99) aluminum bottles. Lip-smacking good.

CLEAN DRINKING

Sans Wine Co. is “un-dressed” to impress with no shortage of vibrant flavor and no pesticides in a slick 6-pack variety box that comes packed with a koozie. All choices from riesling to sparkling rosé are superb—a class act from Napa! (Starting at $10 per can, $85 per box).

Bonterra means organic, and that means a lot. Lovely tasting rosé, sauvignon blanc and young red are each beautifully designed in a slim can that contains two small glasses (250 ml each, 4-pack about $18).

Social makes a certified organic sparkling wine that only has 4% alcohol and is composed of sake and natural fruit juices. Gluten- and sulfite-free, unique flavors include elderflower apple, hibiscus cucumber, strawberry rosé and more.

OH, YOU FANCY!

Una Lou rosé produced by Sonoma-based Scribe Winery is fabulous; ditto the feminine artwork on the shimmering can. It’s the same sustainably-farmed rosé of pinot noir that goes in their bottles and has a cult following ($40 per 4-pack box or 375 ml cans). Also up there is Ferdinand Albarino, an elegant citrusy white perfect for summer ($36 per 4-pack).

MILLENIAL MAGNET

Right Now wines from Stupendous Cellars is hot in retail and independent fast-casual restaurants all over the nation. The whimsical 12-ounce cans are attracting the cool kids who take them to concerts, on boats and to pools where glass is prohibited. Look for dry rosé, Red Number 8 blend, lightly sweet rosé sparkling, and Alpine Stream, a white blend (4-pack, $23.99).

14 Hands Winery is known for its smooth and easy drinking varietals at a value – perfect for drinking under the sun or stars. Available in bubbles, rosé, pinot grigio, and Hot to Trot smooth red blend, each can equals 2.5 glasses of wine—half a bottle! ($5.99 per can).

DRINK LOCAL

The Infinite Monkey Theorem, produced in Austin, offers a great selection of varietals including a dry-hopped, crisp sauvignon blanc, rosé, and white blend (250 ml, 4-pack about $15). For something fruitier, try the new Messina Hof rosé or sweet Beau red wine (250 ml, 4-pack about $15).

THINK INSIDE THE BOX

Bota Box, packaged in recyclable cardboard, continues to be a trendsetter in the new world of boxed wines. Its slim design fits perfectly in the refrigerator for the next tailgating party and the spout is easy to use. (No drips!) Look for chardonnay, shiraz, pinot, and dry rosé—my personal favorite—and about 12 other varietals (about $20 per box, equals 4 bottles). Love frosé? Here’s a recipe. Cheers!

BUY WINES: Most selections are available at Spec’s, Total Wine & More, HEB stores, and online at each website.

Cover photo courtesy Messina Hof

Robin Barr Sussman ([email protected]) is a freelance culinary and travel writer who studied at the Culinary Institute of America Greystone, Calif. As a chef for Sonoma County wineries, her specialty was food and wine pairing. Sussman is a columnist for Houston Modern Luxury Magazine, Prime Living and Houston House & Home. Her work also appears in Texas Monthly, Fodor’s and Private Clubs Magazine.