Because nothing screams “I’m sophisticated” like cracking open a can of wine, Trader Joe’s brings us Simpler Wines, the adult version of a juice box. Today, we’ll be diving into the holy trinity of canned elegance: rosé, white, and—because why stop there—peach. Whether you’re packing for a picnic or just too tired to deal with a cork, these little guys promise convenience, a hint of class, and maybe, just maybe, something that actually tastes like wine. Let’s see if these bubbly cans deliver anything beyond a hangover in a can!
This is going to be a hard review for me. I spent 14 years in the wine industry as both a winemaker and instructor in grape growing at a local community college here in Washington State. Most of my wines were of the high end variety in the $30-$40 range but times changed and I needed to get out of the industry but I haven’t forgotten everything I learned when I was in. I have literally tasted many thousands of wines over my career and I still drink wine almost every day. Needless to say, this is probably not a wine I would drink but I know how popular this wine is and I wanted to give it a fair review. BTW, these wines have been around for many years and are very popular.
Wine in a can?
First, we need to discuss wine in a can. There are several reasons you might want your wine in a can. Glass is heavy and can break easily. If you go on a hike or a picnic, the last thing you might want to do is drag a glass bottle around with you and then pack it out back to your car. Aluminum cans are light and easy to dispose of. The wine does not taste any different and you really only need a glass bottle if you want to age your wine and these are not age worthy wines. They are meant to be drunk shortly after you buy them. So, don’t fret too much about the cans.
What type of wines are these?
These wines are classified as Vino Frizzante. It is an Italian term that refers to a lightly sparkling or semi-sparkling wine. It has fewer bubbles than fully sparkling wines like spumante (such as Champagne or Prosecco), giving it a more subtle fizz. The carbonation in frizzante wines is gentler and often achieved through either natural fermentation or the addition of carbon dioxide during the winemaking process.
In terms of style and experience, frizzante wines tend to be refreshing, light, and perfect for casual sipping. They’re often slightly less expensive than fully sparkling wines and are commonly enjoyed as an aperitif or paired with lighter meals, like salads, seafood, or charcuterie.
I picked up three of the Trader Joe’s Simpler wines. I hear there are more, but that is all my store had. We have a White, Rose’ and a Peach.
Trader Joe’s Simpler White White
This was probably my second favorite wine out of this bunch. This is a white sparkling wine. It’s a pale golden straw color when poured into glass. The carbonation is weak compared to a Champagne or Prosecco. There are slight aromas of honey and apples coming from the glass.
Tasting it there is definitely some carbonation but not much but it does keep it refreshing. The wine doesn’t have a whole lot of flavor and has an edge of sweetness that is not to my liking but if you want a cheap, easy to drink white wine at your backyard picnic or on a hike, this is for you. I wouldn’t turn it down after playing on the beach all day.
Trader Joe’s Simpler Rosé White
Trader Joe’s Simpler Wines Rosé Frizzante is a pleasant surprise in the world of canned wine. From the first sip, it greets you with bright, fruit-forward flavors, most notably a refreshing burst of strawberry. It’s the kind of rosé that’s easy to drink, with just the right amount of fizz to keep things lively. The bubbles add a fun sparkle without overpowering the delicate flavors, making it feel almost like a celebratory drink—without the price tag of actual Champagne, of course.
What really sets this rosé apart, though, is how dry it is. Despite the fruity profile, it avoids the common pitfall of being overly sweet, which is a major plus for those of us who can’t handle syrupy wines. The dryness gives it a more sophisticated edge, balancing the bright fruit notes with a crisp, clean finish. Whether you’re popping a can for a casual night in or bringing it to a picnic, this rosé frizzante is light, refreshing, and perfect for easy sipping.
Trader Joe’s Simpler Peach Sparkling Wine
If you’re a fan of peach-flavored sparkling water and think, “You know what would make this better? A lot of sugar and a dash of wine,” then Trader Joe’s Simpler Wines Peach Frizzante might be your jam. For the rest of us, this odd concoction is a bit of a head-scratcher. The first sip hits you with an artificial peach flavor that’s somewhere between a fruit-flavored candy and the syrup from canned peaches. Combine that with a cloying sweetness that sticks around long after you’ve taken a sip, and you’ve got a drink that’s hard to classify as wine.
While the light fizz adds some refreshment, it’s not enough to save the overall experience. The sweetness overwhelms any subtle wine flavors, leaving little to no balance. If you’re into ultra-sweet drinks that barely hint at their grape origins, then hey, you might just love this. But if you’re like me and prefer something with a bit more complexity—or, you know, actual wine flavor—this Peach Frizzante is going to be a hard pass.
Final Thoughts
In the end, Trader Joe’s Simpler Wines lineup is a bit of a mixed bag. The clear winner is the Rosé Frizzante, with its bright strawberry notes, refreshing bubbles, and surprisingly dry finish—perfect for anyone looking for a casual, no-fuss rosé. Coming in second is the White Frizzante, which, while decent, lacks the character of the rosé. It’s perfectly drinkable, but not exactly memorable, offering more of a “safe” option for those who like their wine simple and inoffensive. And then there’s the Peach Frizzante, which, let’s be honest, is best left on the shelf unless you have an unquenchable thirst for sugary peach syrup masquerading as wine. So, if you’re looking to pop open a can, stick with the rosé and save yourself the peachy regret.
I love the white Simply, BUT I had to throw out over 8 cans of it because something had obviously gone wrong in the batch. It tasted like vinegar lightly carbonated. I had purchased 4 four packs and most of them. Only one four pack seemed to not be affected. I am now nervous about buying more!
It must be a weird one off thing. I have never had a can of wine go bad like that. So weird.