Napa Winery launches ‘super-premium’ canned wine in UK

Larkin Wines, a winery based in Napa Valley, which specialises in Cabernet Sauvignon and red blends retailing at around £70, is set to launch a range of canned wines in Britain, focusing on wine merchants, speciality food and drink retailers and event catering companies.

The range, which will include a white blend (Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier and Rousanne), a Merlot and rosé made from Pinot Noir, will retail at £9.99 per 375ml can.

According to owner and winemaker Sean Larkin, the new range will have the dual effect of “injecting fun into the super-premium category and premiumisation into the canned category”.

“The idea came about when I was at the beach with friends and we had no wine due to the no-glass policy,” added Larkin.

“I started researching alternatively packaged wines already on the market, and quickly realised there was no offer within the super-premium category.

“It was pretty clear that putting top-notch Napa Valley wine in a beer can might be divisive – and certainly a little crazy – but I genuinely feel there is significant market potential.”

With the grapes sourced from the same small-plot vineyards used for Larkin bottlings, the cans will be available in cases of 12.

Sales of canned wine have already soared in the US, with year-on-year sales up 43% in 2018.