If you’ve ever been young and poor, you know the value of cheap boxed wines like Franzia, Almaden, and Vella, but along with malt liquor and wine coolers, you probably left it behind after college. In recent years, however, the situation has changed dramatically—and not just because you’re poor again. Forget neon pink “blushes” and made-up-mountain burgundies: many highly respectable vintages now come in a box. And there’s no better time—boxed wine is more environmentally-friendly than bottles, and it’s a hell of a lot cheaper too. So ditch the jug of Carlo Rossi and opt for one of our boxed wine picks, each a surefire party in a box.
Angel Juice/Killer Juice (USA) 
These heaven-and-hell-themed wines from Underdog Wine Merchants are certain to give you a glimpse into your friends’ psyches. Will they go for the heavenly Angel Juice (pinot grigio or chardonnay) or the devilish Killer Juice (merlot or cabernet sauvignon)? These California Central Coast wines are also a tasty bargain at $18-$20 for a 3-liter box. (1)

Banrock Station Shiraz 2007 (Australia)
A number of Australian vineyards have jumped on the box bandwagon, and one down-under boxed wine that has earned the loyalty of high- and low-end drinkers is the 2007 Banrock Station Shiraz. As full-bodied and flavorful as any Shiraz you’ll find in a bottle, this is the perfect wine for any gathering, casual or formal. And at $17.99 for 3 liters, there are few cheaper ways to get the party going. (2)

Revelry Vintners 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon – Black Label (USA)
Revelry Vintners’ lipstick-shaped wine container is almost a work of art in itself. And the 1.5 liter size, the equivalent of two wine bottles, makes it perfect for date night and movie night alike. The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Black Label, made in Washington State’s Columbia Valley, is a bold and versatile wine, but you can also find merlot and chardonnay in the same packaging. All retail for $17.99—a price point above Franzia, yes, but still affordable. (3)

Black Box Chardonnay, Monterey 2007 (USA)
The California-based Black Box Wines has been opting for boxes over bottles from the beginning, and their wine is a healthy step above Franzia. In fact, Black Box has received a number of awards for their affordable-yet-delicious wines, including their Monterey 2007 Chardonnay, which costs a reasonable $19.99 for a 3-liter box. And if you worry about not being able to finish it all at once, fear not—Black Box’s boxed wines stay fresh for four weeks after opening. (4)

Three Thieves Bandit Pinot Grigio (USA)
On the rare occasion that you don’t want to buy as much wine as possible (say, if you need a last-minute host gift and you’re low on cash), Three Thieves Bandit, packaged in a 1-liter Tetra Pak, is a great go-to wine. They offer a variety of options (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio, and Chardonnay), and since it’s cheaper than almost any same-sized bottle of wine at $8.99, you can afford to try a few. (5)

French Rabbit Pinot Noir Tetra Pak (France)
Another 1-liter box that’s perfect for toting just about anywhere is the Tetra Pak from France’s French Rabbit winery. Like the Three Thieves Bandit, it costs a measly $8.99, but it will get the job done for you and a thirsty friend. It comes in four varieties—pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, and merlot—all produced through sustainable farming. And the packaging, decorated with hopping bunnies and a whimsical bite mark, is kinda adorable. (6)

~Laura Kennicutt