5 Worthy Ready-To-Drinks for Wine Lovers

There’s no denying that ready-to-drink beverages are handy, especially when picnic and beach season are about to be upon us. Categorically, however, they are a double-edged sword for those of us in love with wine, and who want to see it have appeal for upcoming generations: the exploding popularity of various RTDs has in part contributed to a decline in wine sales over the past five years. While many wine brands now offer canned or boxed single-serving wine selections that can at least compete with the convenience factor of other RTD beverages, what’s a wine lover with occasional wine fatigue to do? Only ever reach for water? That seems unreasonable.

I’d argue that there is a way for wine lovers to enjoy alternative, RTD beverages that honors what we love about wine, but allows for more variety and an occasional break, even though we know wine is obviously the OG RTD, and the very best stuff when it comes to alcoholic beverages.

So, what makes a worthy RTD option for a wine lover? For one thing, a grape-based pedigree. Many interesting RTDs have a vermouth or other grape base for a refreshing, spritz-on-the-go vibe. Next, beverages that lead with flavor, and especially those with an inventive approach to crafting something unique, are clearly superior choices to those that are merely traditionally flavored seltzers given the alcoholic spin. Finally, those that have an element of craft, and a terroir-based or historical context also honor some of wine’s best attributes. Here are 5 RTDs for wine lovers to consider for those moments — albeit brief ones — when wine isn’t necessarily the best option.