Review by
Michael Cooper
Wine writer·New Zealand Listener·
8 Jan, 2026 06:02 PM3 mins to read
Michael Cooper has 45 wine books and several literary awards to his credit. In the 2004 New Year Honours, Michael was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
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To prevent off flavours, the cans’ interiors are lined with a lacquer to stop the wine touching the aluminium. Photo / Getty Images
Just in time for summer, Villa Maria has launched two white wines and a gently sparkling rosé ensconced in lightweight aluminium cans. Retailing at $7.99 to $8.99, each can holds 250ml of wine, equivalent to a third of a standard bottle, or two modest servings.
“The way people enjoy wine
is changing,” says Sarah Szegota, marketing and communications general manager at brand owner Indevin Group. “We still love to share a bottle of wine at home or at a restaurant, but wine lovers are demanding convenience, portability and smaller format serves.”
Winemaker Dave Roper suggests the new quick-to-chill wines can be poured into a glass or enjoyed straight from the can. The cans’ interiors are lined with a lacquer to stop the wine touching the aluminium. This prevents off flavours from chemical reactions.
For people looking to reduce their consumption of alcohol, Villa Maria believes the 250ml cans could be a boon. Their release here follows an earlier launch in the UK, where Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc swiftly became one of the 10 top-selling canned wines.
Also currently popular in cans in the UK are “pinot grigio fizz”, sauvignon blanc from South Africa and malbec – all marketed under the brand Most Wanted – rosés and English sparkling wine.
The new trio from Villa Maria are not vintage-dated wines – so different to the Private Bin Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and Private Bin Marlborough Pinot Gris in bottles. Best consumed young, they offer fresh, easy, no-fuss drinking.
Villa Maria Private Bin Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc NV
★★½
Pale lemon/green, fresh and lively, this is a medium-bodied, green-edged style of sauvignon blanc. It has passionfruit, lemon and granny smith apple flavours, crisp and tangy, and a basically dry finish. (12% alc/vol) (250ml) $8
Villa Maria Private Bin Marlborough Pinot Gris NV
★★½
Very pale pink, this easy-drinking wine offers decent depth of vibrant, peachy, slightly spicy flavours with a sliver of sweetness, and fresh, balanced acidity. (12.5% alc/vol) (250ml) $8
Villa Maria Private Bin Sparkling Hawke’s Bay Rosé NV
★★½
This light pink bubbly is merlot-based (80%), with splashes of syrah (15%) and cabernet franc (5%). It has watermelon, strawberry and spice flavours, crisp and dryish, in a light and lively style. (12% alc/vol) (250ml) $8
Wine of the week
Mount Brown Grand Reserve North Canterbury Pinot Gris 2024
★★★★★
Offering top value, this is a powerful, Alsace-like pinot gris. Fragrant and full-bodied, it has vibrant, rich, peachy, slightly spicy flavours, an oily texture, a gentle splash of sweetness and appetising acidity. Instantly appealing. (14% alc/vol) $22 a bottle.
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