When you don't have a chef available in your house to cook you up a delicious, gourmet meal, the next best thing is to watch talented (and sometimes not-so-talented) foodies whip up their best edible concoctions to calm your mind's cravings. And Netflix knows people are looking for food and cooking shows they can stream online to inspire future kitchen adventures, while comfortably enjoying takeout from their own couches. 

As such, they've curated excellent cooking content from other networks while also creating their own original TV shows. Some of these shows are classic competitions pitting chefs or bakers head-to-head to win a cash prize, while others are more documentary-style, investigating the role that food plays in communities and cultures around the world. Regardless, there's a food show for every flavor or fancy ... and since everyone has to eat, why not take a break from binge-watching old episodes of "Grey's Anatomy" and tune into one of Netflix's best cooking or food shows. You'll want to add these titles to your must-watch list. 

If you're not a proficient baker (but you aspire to be), don't worry, you're not alone. "Nailed It!" is the show that makes amateur bakers feel better about their own lacking skills. It features three (generally sub-par) bakers going head-to-head in two separate challenges trying to recreate professional-level pastries and desserts, all with a $10,000 prize on the line. The results usually leave the hosts in fits of laughter, with the challenging task of deciding which baker did the least terrible job of recreating the original item. 

While some people might find the main host, Nicole Byer, a bit grating, if you can make it through an episode, you'll probably have no problem stomaching the cheesy jokes in order to see the ridiculous results. And while Rotten Tomatoes audience scores came in at a not-too-shabby 78%, the rating website's top critics really enjoyed the break from the average baking show, rating "Nailed It!" at a strong 98%.. 

If you loved the 2014 film "Chef," directed and written by heavy hitter, John Favreau, you need to watch "The Chef Show," stat. This Netflix original is basically a spinoff of the film, but takes a documentary-style trip around the country (and in succeeding seasons, around the world) with John Favreau and chef Roy Choi to investigate the role of cooking and meal-making as an outlet for community and creativity. Given Favreau's connection to celebrity heavy-hitters like Gwenyth Paltrow and Seth Rogan, each show brings in guests to take part in the road trip-like experience. And, of course, the meals that are made and discussed on the show are the types of food you're going to drool over, featuring everything from Southern barbecue to Korean cuisine. And, like cooking shows of old, you may actually learn a thing or two about whipping up crowd-pleasing meals for your family and friends. And who doesn't want that? 

"Chef's Table" is essentially Netflix's love story about food. Each episode follows a singular, world-renowned chef and dives into his or her story, detailing the drive and obsession that landed them in the upper-echelons of the culinary arts. The reality is, chefs aren't known for being particularly laid-back people, and with millions of restaurants and eateries around the world, it takes something truly different to stand out and craft the perfect meal. 

Directed by David Gelb, the mastermind behind "Jiro Dreams of Sushi," this docu-series offers a somewhat more serious view of the world of food, and takes viewers on a trip to locations far and wide, enabling you to feast on beautiful scenery as much as tantalizing treats. Even if you're not usually a documentary-lover, the storytelling in "Chef's Table" just might make you a believer, like it has so many other viewers. In fact, on IMDb, the more than 13,000 ratings give "Chef's Table" an impressive 8.6 stars.

If you've been missing Anthony Bourdain-style food-meets-travel documentaries, you need to tune in to "Ugly Delicious," hosted by celebrity chef and mastermind behind the Momofuku restaurants, David Chang. Unlike many other food shows, Chang dives into food culture and history, while touching on important subjects like politics and cultural appropriation, focusing on a different type of food for each episode. And unlike many other food shows, there's less focus on high-end, gourmet dishes and perfect presentation, and more focus on food that just tastes good, with the goal to help remove elitism from the food industry. As such, there are shows discussing crawfish, tacos, pizza, fried chicken, and even curry. 

"Ugly Delicious" was nominated for an Emmy award in 2020, and has a solid 7.8 stars with more than 3,000 ratings on IMDb. And while the show only has two seasons (one is a short, four episodes), that just means you can knock out all of the available shows in a single weekend (you know, if you're into binging TV). We suggest planning ahead and whipping up (or ordering in) the same type of food featured on each show. 

If you've got kids in the house and you're looking for a way to encourage healthy eating, it's time to tune in to "Waffles + Mochi," the educational cooking show hosted by former First Lady, Michelle Obama. As a continuation of her long-standing crusade to promote children's physical activity and nutrition, Mrs. Obama teamed up with a duo of puppets (named Waffles and Mochi, respectively) to travel the world, investigate where different foods and cuisines come from, then get in the kitchen to cook them up. 

As one of the newer shows on this list — released in March 2021 — there are fewer reviews to consider when looking for audience response, but IMDb has a solid 7.5 stars from more than 400 reviews, and Rotten Tomatoes' audience score is sitting at an excellent 74%. Best of all, it's a show that's truly designed to appeal to a young audience, which automatically sets it apart from most other cooking and food shows around. 

If you've been watching "The Great British Baking Show" (unfortunately it was pulled from Netflix in April 2021), then you might be familiar with one of the show's favorite winners, Nadiya Hussain. Now, Nadiya is hosting her own baking show for Netflix, appropriately titled "Nadiya Bakes." What makes the show a little different from some of the others on this list, is it's really a more traditional baking show, where she spends each episode teaching the ins and outs of how to tackle specific types of dishes, whether it's cookies, cakes, or quiches. 

The show is a slightly different take on the BBC's version that goes by the same name. This means, like "The Great British Baking Show," you can expect a slightly slower pace and more "British feel" than many other Netflix food shows. But, if you decide you love learning with Nadiya, and the eight episodes of Season 1 just don't give you enough to work with, you're in luck. Nadiya actually has a second Netflix show titled "Nadiya's Time To Eat," where she dives into making other types of cuisine. 

When searching for another lighthearted baking competition show akin to (but different from) "Nailed It!," look no further than Netflix's "Best Leftovers Ever!" In this show, three trained chefs are given different types of leftovers and are tasked with transforming whatever they're given into an entirely new (and fancy) dish. So whether they receive day-old tacos or food from a kid's birthday party, their culinary prowess is truly put to the test. 

And while the show itself is all fun and games (with the winner taking home $10,000), it's actually a good way to learn how to repurpose those leftovers you never know how to re-use. Just keep in mind, the contestants being featured are actual chefs, so the repurposed meals they make may not be in your own leftovers wheelhouse. That said, it's good for getting the creative juices flowing. Plus, the hosts (and contestants) offer tips on rehydrating and reheating meats, how to mask overpowering spices, and even how to turn rice into an unexpected topping, rather than a starchy base. So you can actually pick up a few helpful tips to apply to your own home-cooked menus. 

The show was released at the end of 2020, and there's no word as of April 2021 if there will be a second season, but according to Fansided's "Hidden Remote," it's a no-brainer. The show must go on. But even if it doesn't, you must tune in to Season 1. 

Netflix's four-part mini-series, "Salt Fat Acid Heat," features one episode on each of the four key ingredients that host, Samin Nasrat, says make food taste good. And not only did she travel the world to investigate how different foods and flavors come together to create a delicious menu, but she did so in a truly Anthony Bourdain-style docuseries that combines storytelling and travel experiences with a little bit of cooking instruction, too. The approach has resonated with viewers, with IMDb accumulating a 7.7 star rating amongst almost 2,000 reviews. 

And really, her thesis makes sense — whether you're eating fried chicken or gelato, you can identify where one (or more) of these four elements plays a critical role in crafting the perfect dish. So if your curiosity is piqued, and you're ready to start applying these "rules" to your own cooking, go ahead and take a deep dive to watch the full series (it's only four episodes long, so surely you can find the time). 

If you're a dessert fan who wants to be transported to a fanciful world filled with chocolates, cookies, and cakes that are not your grandma's bundt cake, look no further than "Zumbo's Just Desserts." This show can be streamed on Netflix, but it originally aired in Australia before Netflix acquired the rights, which means this competition cooking show is also filled with contestants and hosts who have dreamy, Australian accents. 

The show itself is hosted by Australia's go-to pastry chef, Adriano Zumbo, who also happens to be one of the judges on another Netflix Show — "Sugar Rush." The desserts the contestants are trying to whip up are inspired by Zumbo's own ingenious creations, hence the title of the show. Zumbo also serves to guide viewers with tips and instructions, while pointing out common dessert-making pitfalls. So between the out-of-this-world desserts, the delicious accents, and the zest of an exciting competition show, it's a no-brainer to add "Zumbo's Just Desserts" to your much-watch list. 

If your favorite holiday is Halloween, and you love the thought of being walked through delightfully creepy bakes by a Morticia Addams-like host, then "The Curious Creations of Christine McConnell" should be on the top of your Netflix viewing list. Admittedly, this is not your typical cooking show. Sure, the show's host (Christine McConnell, naturally), walks you through baking and craft tutorials that are hauntingly weird, but the show is filled with creepy monster-like characters that really do lend an Addam's Family vibe to the whole thing. 

The fact that the show is so ... different ... could explain why it only had a single, six-episode season. But those who found it, watched it, and reviewed it, proving that the show clearly resonated and was worthy of its 7.8 star rating on IMDb with more than 2,000 reviews. So even if you're not into off-beat shows on a regular basis, it might be worth tuning in around Halloween, just to help you get in the spooky holiday spirit. 

"Crazy Delicious" is another cooking show that falls into the realm of "fanciful," — borrowing a bit from "Zumbo's Just Desserts" as an out-of-this-world competition show focused on creative cooking. It has a dash of "The Curious Creations of Christine McConnell," in that it wants you to enter a different world when watching the show. In fact, the set, as a whole, is edible, and contestants gather many of their cooking elements from the set to pull together their recipes in the hopes of winning "the golden apple." 

The thing is, if you're into Willy Wonka and more of an off-beat approach to cooking and baking, you'll probably love "Crazy Delicious," but if you're more of a stickler for reality-based reality competitions, it might not be for you. As a mid-2020 release, reviews are still rolling in as more people discover the show and rate and review it, but as of January 2022, IMDb had almost 900 reviews with a respectable 6.7-star average. 

With all the baking and general cooking competition shows available to stream on Netflix, it's kinda nice to have a show that's entirely focused on a different and specific type of cuisine. And that's exactly what Netflix delivers with "The American Barbecue Showdown." This competition show pits eight grill masters against each other to claim the title of "best meat." 

Considering how big barbecue competitions are around the country, it makes sense that Netflix would center a show around this Southern staple. And having been released in the heat of barbecue's hottest season — summer — it quickly rose in popularity, becoming one of Netflix's favorite summer 2020 titles, and IMDb has amassed a nice 7.2-star rating with more than 800 reviews. Of course, it's unlikely to appeal to vegans or vegetarians, but if you're a fan of brisket, pulled pork, and a good ol' hamburger, you're bound to start drooling while watching the pits heat up. Just one fair warning — episode five features "wild meats" like iguana, raccoon, beaver, and alligator ... so it's definitely not just standard grilling fare. 

Okay, so depending on your personal views of marijuana, you may or may not love one of Netflix's 2020 releases, "Cooked with Cannabis." But if you've always been curious about how to incorporate marijuana into an edible form (aside from baking brownies), this competition show may just be your jam. The format doesn't break the mold of competition cooking shows, so you're not in for any big surprises, and unsurprisingly, the contestants and judges have certainly been enjoying their own fair share of weed. 

According to Mashable, the resulting stoner humor might not be as funny to someone who's not as high as the hosts and contestants themselves. That said, if you're into weed culture and recent legalizations have made it easier for you to do your own cannabis cooking experimentations, "Cooked with Cannabis" does a better job of delivering on viewer's expectations than Netflix's previous attempt (which is also available to stream), "Cooking on High." According to IMDb viewer ratings, the two shows scored 6.6 and 4.9 stars, respectively.

If you're a firm believer that time wines when you're having fun, then heading to a winery with your best pals is always a solid idea. Whether you choose to rosé all day or chardonnay the afternoon away, a good winery will teach you everything there is to know about the specifics of wines, grape varieties, and the character a region lends to a wine. Plus, you can try as many as you want and stock up on all of your favorites before heading home. You may even discover a new blend, awesome pairing, or type of wine drink that will make you wonder how you lived without it for so long.

Whatever part of the country you plan on visiting or currently call home, rest assured that we have listed the best wineries across the U.S. These are sure to please and quench every palate by filling your glass with utter joy. The best thing about our list is you don't have to choose just one winery, either. Start a bucket list and challenge yourself to visit several throughout the country.

If a vintage gas station and garage-style winery sounds intriguing to you, then head on over to Calistoga, California and visit Tank Garage Winery. It's as cool as it sounds, is housed in a gas station from the 1930s, and the wines get two thumbs up from us. You'll also feel super-exclusive taking a trip here and sipping Tank Garage's wines, as none of them are served in restaurants or sold in stores.

Fuel up with Tank Garage's lubrication tasting for $30 per person, where you and your crew can taste seasonal wine selections inside the station. In addition to reds, whites, and rosés, Tank Garage offers sparkling pét-nat, orange wine, and natural wines. They're serving up "Napa Valley's coolest wine tasting," in their words, and we couldn't agree more. If that's not enough to convince you to visit, then the plethora of rave reviews on TripAdvisor will. From people hyping up the decor to the good vibes to the unique tasting experience, can you really call yourself a wine lover if you haven't been to Tank? 

Tank Garage's mission is to create wines that "add to the collective conversation," and this unique, vintage winery has aced it in every possible way. Be sure to grab a picture with one of the vintage gas pumps while you're there so everyone on Instagram can see how cool you are.

If you're going to be in the Hamptons or want to escape the concrete jungle for a sweet weekend getaway, Wölffer Estate in Sagaponack, New York awaits. Not only are the wines there superb, but Wölffer's Summer in a Bottle Rosé is decked out head to toe in vibrant flowers. It's as ready for summer as you are, so round up your best crew and head to the picturesque 55 acres of grapevines for some serious wine time.

The winery itself is as Instagram-worthy as it gets. The interior boasts a cool, rustic-chic vibe, while the exterior has a beautiful deck (complete with chandeliers!) that overlooks the vineyard. In addition to wine tastings, Wölffer hosts some pretty interesting events at various price points, such as Yoga in the Vines. Their sessions are sure to ease your mind, body, and soul, and are offered May through October. Or, after your winery visit, you could join winemaker Roman Roth on a spectacular Rhône River Wine Cruise. This once-in-a-lifetime getaway will immerse you in history, wine, and some utterly divine French cuisine.

Check out Wölffer Estate on your next road trip, and plan on ordering a great charcuterie board or small plates while you're at it to enjoy with your wine and best friends. It will be a beautiful day and an even better experience. Wölffer Estate also makes their own ciders, too.

Croteaux Vineyards in Southhold, New York is a real treat for rosé lovers. They make rosé and only rosé. You heard that right — they're one of a kind in the United States and harvest vinifera grapes to produce refreshing rosés only. Their tasting garden is an experience not to be missed. From beautiful weeping cherry trees to a chic barn, to vintage wrought iron chairs, to a hanging backdrop of Croteaux bottles that is the ultimate nook for pictures, your experience at this winery will certainly be picture-perfect.

According to Long Island Wine Country, every year, Croteaux introduces a new vintage of rosés. Wine lovers can purchase them in early spring, but they had better shop quickly, as those bottles are always gone when autumn rolls around. Condé Nast Traveler captured the essence of Croteaux Vineyards when they said, "If you love rosé, this is probably your version of heaven." One reviewer on TripAdvisor even dubbed Croteaux "a little bit of France on the North Fork," telling people to, "GO! The setting is lovely the wine is crisp and cool on a summers day." Another reviewer had the best idea — to try "six different rosés" with your eyes closed. What better way to spend a beautiful afternoon in a beautiful garden, steps away from the grape vines?

Croteaux couldn't have said it better when they stated that "Once you go pink, it's all you'll want to drink."

Voted one of 25 top vineyards in the United States by Travel + Leisure, a visit to Beneduce Vineyards in Pittstown, New Jersey should definitely be on your wine bucket list. What makes Beneduce really stand out is their small lot production, which allows them to capture the unique personality of each wine produced there. This means that each wine truly represents the vineyard the grapes came from, paired with the winemaker's individual touch.

Enjoy a glass or bottle on Beneduce's beautiful stone patio, play some lawn games with your crew, listen to live music, hang out in the Crush Pad (covered seating further from the music for a more intimate wine and food experience), and grab something to eat from one of the nearby food trucks. Check out the upcoming schedule on the winery's website, where you can find which local musicians will be performing and the food trucks that will be serving up delicious eats. The winery also holds an 18 and up "group therapy" event with live music on Saturday evenings, in addition to Sunday picnics where the whole family can join in on the fun.

This gorgeous vineyard that's situated high atop a hill in Paso Robles, California is well known for making and serving up Rhône-style wines, a variety that draws on grapes traditionally grown in the Rhône Valley region of France (via Wine Enthusiast). And when we say high, we're talking 1,800 feet above sea level! The steepness of the California landscape, the sun-drenched soils, the climate, and its distance from the Pacific Ocean all play a part in Alta Colina's incredible grapes they use to make wine. Plus, the estate is so picturesque, every wine lover needs to experience it. 

Not only does Alta Colina have immense character and style as a winery, but the names of the wine are so darn cool, too. Take, for instance, their 12 O'Clock High Viognier, Toasted Slope Syrah, and Sun Worshipper. You can book a Summit Vineyard Tasting, a Cellar Door Tasting, or you can stay at The Trailer Pond and wake up surrounded by the vineyard's natural beauty. The Trailer Pond is a campsite located in the center of the winery, complete with five vintage campers that are available to rent for a two-night minimum stay. There, you can taste wine and enjoy the views in a totally unique way. 

If your partner loves wine, this would make an amazing birthday, anniversary, or special occasion gift. We're helping you out here with a great idea that'll get loads of brownie points. You can thank us later!

You've heard of a beer garden before, but this winery has its very own wine garden! Located in Carmel, California, Folktale Winery was an inspiration. The owners believe that each bottle of wine contains a unique story, and at Folktale, each story is delicious and deserves to be shared with those you love.

Folktale was dubbed the "Best Winery to Visit" and the "Best Place for Day Drinking" by Monterey County Weekly. They both sound like great plans to us! So what are you waiting for? Relax and sip in the breathtaking wine garden, listen to some live music, and order great food like sweet patatas bravas with fermented chili aioli or a fish ceviche with wood-fired avocado, tostada crisps, pickled chilies, lime, and cilantro. If pizza's more your jam, try a truffle carbonara pizza, which includes pepper crema, truffle pecorino cheese, egg yolk, and sage. Oh, and while we're discussing the menu, you can't leave without trying their Valrhona chocolate chip cookies, complete with Chantilly cream, chocolate sauce, and fresh berries. Are we right or are we right?

If you're in the market for super creative home decor items and more, you will love checking out their shop, Folktale Provisions. Here, you can find a dreamy collection of organic pantry goods, homeware crafted by artisans, and lovely scented apothecary items.

This circular, barn-style winery is simply extraordinary. It comes as no surprise that Round Barn Estate in Baroda, Michigan was voted as one of the "10 best wineries and vineyards for live music" by USA Today's 10Best. Their Jammin' in the Vineyard series takes place on the weekends, and live music Fridays run Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day. The lineup is, well, simply jammin'.

Round Barn has also been dubbed the best winery in Michigan by Eat This, Not That!, where its live music receives a notable mention yet again, in addition to the awesome selection of hiking trails on the property. As a matter of fact, while you're sipping, you can hike and enjoy the beauty of Mt Tabor Trails, which connects Round Barn Winery and the nearby Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant. According to Moersch Hospitality Group, "The best part of these trails — taking your favorite beverage to-go is encouraged!" What better way to enjoy your wine and take in the beautiful views and lush gardens than a nice hike?

If you feel so inclined to stay awhile, check out the two charming nearby rentals, the Estate House and Chateau Five Corners, that are on the vineyard and mere minutes away, respectively. While you're there, be sure to visit the Round Barn Brewery & Public House for brews, good times, and tasty eats.

For a truly different winery experience, consider traveling to Kailua, Hawaii to make your own wine and bottle it. Not only can you choose your own grapes from all over the world for this spectacular experience, but you will fill your bottles, put your own corks into them, place the foil onto each bottle top, and create your own personalized label. Oeno has lots of suggestions if you want a bit of guidance while making your label design.

Oeno (pronounced Eeh-No), which means "the Greek goddess of wine," uses an Italian method and all-natural ingredients with hardly any preservatives (only enough are added to prevent the wine from spoiling). The end result is magnificent. The wines are very refreshing and go down quite smoothly. Interestingly, Oeno is the only winery located on the entire island of O'ahu. 

As one person on Google Reviews said, "To all my wine lovers, this is a must." Another said it's "hard to find, but worth it," while another wrote, "Such a cute area tucked away in beautiful Kailua. The wine was amazing and the bread was to die for! You could taste everything was homemade with love!"

There's something for everyone at Oeno, as the winery makes sangrias, whites, reds, reserves, and dessert wines. Whether you stop by to make your own wine or simply to taste the wines at Oeno from their artisan or chalkboard series, this day will be epic. You're in for a treat at Oeno!

Arrigoni Winery & Cider Co. in Portland, Connecticut is simply fun for everyone. This family-owned winery offers live entertainment, a gorgeous property, food trucks, yoga events, paint nights, wine pairing dinners, fundraisers, psychic readings, and so much more (consider your social calendar saved). They even have a beautiful outdoor patio and stage area where they hold live musical performances. So, be sure to bring a group of friends so you can split a carafe of sangria and have both good wine and good times.

While you're at Arrigoni Winery, you'll also want to check out the unique ciders they have on tap, like Blueberry Ginger, Maple Madness, Prickly Pear, and Plain Jane Vanilla, to name just a few. Or, sip one of their impressive selection of wines (they have more than 20!) that have won multiple awards, like their Sparklin' Rozy, a pinot noir sparkling rosé, or Sunset, a fruity Reisling. You can pair them with plenty of great food from the winery, including their spinach artichoke dip, flatbreads, and other goodies.

Head to this fun spot for an afternoon of sangria or an evening of wine slushies. As it says on their Instagram, "Sometimes wine is just necessary." So head to Arrigoni, sit back, and sip away!

Listening to live music, cozying up fireside with a refreshing glass of wine, and enjoying a Brie dip or flatbread pizza ... who could want more? Located in Marengo, Iowa, Fireside Winery is definitely a go-to spot for locals and travelers alike. Whether you'd like to taste wine, buy some, or simply kick back by the fire and order some food truck eats with your favorite glass of red, Fireside is a great choice. One reviewer on TripAdvisor dubbed Fireside a "special treat," while another said, simply, "I'm sold." House Beautiful even chose Fireside as the best winery in Iowa, so give them a visit ASAP.

Fireside's website is chock-full of fun and useful information, including wine and potato chip pairings and wine and TV binge-watch events. From virtual jigsaw puzzles to information on every wine gadget you need to make your sipping experience more enjoyable, Fireside Winery has your weekend plans covered in such a creative way. And the best part is, you don't even have to stay for only a day. You can really make it a full weekend plan or longer by booking a night or more at The Retreat at Fireside Winery, a charming four-bedroom space complete with a kitchen and eating area, and all just steps away from the winery.

If you're planning on heading to the Southwest, be sure to put award-winning Luna Rossa Winery in Deming, New Mexico on your itinerary. It is cozy, enchanting, and a fun stop for any trip. Luna Rossa translates to "Red Moon," and this name inspired the owners to produce some amazing wines from their vineyards in New Mexico. Their wine is made completely from their grapes grown in New Mexico's arid desert climate. They make wines from German, Italian, Spanish, and Rhône types of grapes, lending real variety to their production.

Looking for somewhere to start? Consider trying Luna Rossa's malbec, with traces of violet and tobacco, or its NV Conquistador, which is a sweet post-dinner wine that should be served chilled and pairs well with chocolate or fresh pears. Their 2018 Pinot Grigio won a double gold award at the 2019 San Francisco International Wine Competition. They have also received silver awards for their malbec, merlot, Montepulciano, Shiraz, and Viognier wines, according to The Las Cruces Bulletin. This winery also has a pizzeria in addition to the winery at their Las Cruces location, and it just so happens to be one of Las Cruces' best eateries.

Gone are the days when the only way to drink wine was from a corked, glass bottle imported from Italy, France, or Spain. Modern bottling (and canning and bagging) techniques have made it completely possible to enjoy a glass of your favorite wine that just so happens to be poured (or otherwise decanted) from a box. Not to mention, there are real benefits to buying and enjoying boxed wine. For one thing, most of the standard boxes contain the equivalent of around four bottles of wine. Plus, the way the wine is bagged and released keeps oxygen from entering, which keeps the wine fresh for several months without going bad. And because you're paying for the packaging for a single box and bag, rather than separate bottles, corks, and labels, buying boxed tends to be more cost-effective. So whether you're buying to imbibe on your own, or you're stocking up for a big event, enjoying boxed wine just makes sense.

And to put the icing on the cake, boxed wines aren't a thing to be scoffed at — many boxes win awards for their high-quality taste, and as more people accept the trend, options continue to grow. So if you're in the market to pick up a box (or three, no one's judging), keep your eyes peeled for these delicious options. 

Maybe you've avoided buying Franzia boxed wine because way back in the day, it was the only boxed wine variety available, and it didn't exactly have the best reputation (all those bottle snobs turning up their noses at the lone box on the shelves). But there's no reason to be ashamed of loving the OG of boxed wines! In fact, according to a Mashed survey of readers' favorite boxed wines, Franzia came out on top, racking up 25 percent of the total vote. They even edged out other typical favorites like Black Box and Bota Box. 

So if you're ready to give your mom's favorite box a try, go ahead and pick up the brand's cool sauvignon blanc. This is a full-bodied, somewhat drier wine that's perfect for warm summer nights, featuring notes of lemon zest and grapefruit. A 5-liter box (yes, 5 liters — larger than the more typical 3-liter boxes) offers the equivalent of 34 glasses of wine, so really, if you stick to a single glass per night, a box can last all month. Throw it in your fridge to keep it chilled and sip with your favorite seafood, salads, or crudités for light evening meals. 

If you haven't traditionally been a red wine drinker, Franzia's Chillable Red might be the box that helps make you a believer. Having won more than 150 awards since its inception, this light, somewhat sweeter wine is designed to be served cold (hence, its name) and offers a pleasant flavor for sipping on warm days when you want something a little bolder than a white wine or rosé, but you don't want the heavier notes of merlot or malbec. 

Believe it or not, the Chillable Red is actually a great fit for summer barbecues — the sweeter flavors balance with chicken served fresh off the grill and a side of potato salad. Or if you're whipping up a Margherita pizza at home, the tomatoes, garlic, and basil paired with the sweet notes of this wine will feel like a real treat (even if you're just chowing down while binge-watching Netflix). 

House Wine is one of those wines that started as a popular bottled brand and branched out into selling by the box. And as rosé wines boomed in popularity, with sales growing by a whopping 40-percent in the U.S. in 2018 alone, House Wine quickly offered up its own version of the sweet, pink drink. And if you're a fan of rosés (or if you're trying to find a wine that you can drink with everything), you need to grab this box the next time you see it. House WIne's Rosé offers a very fruity flavor with notes of watermelon, strawberry, and raspberry, which makes it perfect as a "poolside drink" and paired with light snacks like crackers, cheese, and other charcuterie favorites. And here's an idea for kicks — keep your rosé cold by dropping frozen grapes, strawberries, or raspberries in your glass. You could even turn it into a slushy by blending frozen fruit with your rose before drinking. Who doesn't want to enjoy an adult-themed slushy this summer? 

Not everyone likes a light, crisp wine. If you're more the, "give me something full-bodied, dark, and dry" type, then it's time to pick up House Wine's Dark Cabernet Sauvignon. The brand developed this cab specifically for people looking for a more complex red wine offered at a reasonable price. As such, the notes of this blend (85 percent cabernet sauvignon, 15 percent merlot) include dark fruits like plum and Bing cherry, along with toast (yes, toast!) and cocoa. 

Because the flavors are bold and rich, the dark cab is best served with other bold and rich foods, like red meats, hard cheeses, and even portobello mushrooms. You could even use the wine as a way to balance out sweet, rich desserts if you're hosting a party with a dessert bar. For instance, try it with a cherry pie, or offer a gourmet s'mores bar with toppings like dark chocolate, salted caramels, or even maple bacon slices. The sweet, rich desserts served next to the dry wine will be a decadent treat.

Bota Box is another boxed wine you can find in most major grocery stores, and it's for good reason — the wines are good! In fact, the brand is regularly included in Wine Enthusiast's annual list of best buys, and they've accumulated more than 50 gold medals for taste. So when you're looking for a solid, crowd-pleasing cabernet sauvignon, you can't go wrong with Bota's version. 

The flavor profile is fruity with a hint of spice, including notes of blackberry and black currant, with an aroma that includes peppercorn, making it a bold and robust wine with a touch of sweetness. As such, it goes nicely with hearty meals, like stews and pastas. Try serving it with your favorite beef bourguignon on a cold winter night, or keep things more casual with a basic spaghetti with marinara sauce. And who says you have to pair it with a meal? When you're looking to wind down at the end of a long day, make some stovetop popcorn and pour yourself a glass — you'd be surprised how well they go together. 

Bota Box's Chardonnay is one of the brand's top-selling wines, so when you want a dry, white wine to enjoy with dinner, keeping a box in your fridge is a quick and easy solution. As a white wine, it's best paired with chicken and fish dishes, but don't shy away from trying it with salads or lighter pasta dishes. 

One other good way to enjoy this chardonnay is as a pre-dinner aperitif. If you're unfamiliar with the concept, it's a light, cold, alcoholic beverage served before a meal to help "open up" the palate and get your gastric juices flowing. So when you have guests coming over for dinner, and you don't want to spend a lot of time thinking about cocktails and appetizers, serving up a fruit plate with glasses of Bota Box Chardonnay is a simple, tasty, and cost-effective way to get the party started.

Think of the little Black Box of merlot as you would your little black dress — it's a dinnertime staple when you want a people-pleasing, smooth red wine that pairs with popular tomato-based dishes, pork loin, pot roast, mushrooms, and strong cheeses, just to name a few of the many options. But hey, even when you're kicking back for a casual dinner alone, there's no reason you can't pair your merlot with a homemade grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup — merlot goes well with cheese and tomatoes, after all.

Specifically, the Black Box merlot is a nice, medium-bodied red with aromas of vanilla, cinnamon, and plum, and a flavor profile including red berries. It's practically the wine version of sitting in front of a fireplace wrapped in a warm blanket on a chilly night. So obviously, you'll want to stock up around the holidays to help set the mood before, during, and after big family gatherings. 

When you're looking for a great Spanish wine, you don't have to buy a bottle, just keep your eyes peeled (the box shouldn't be hard to spot) for Radio Boka Tempranillo. The box is produced by Hammeken Cellars in Spain, and uses 100-percent Tempranillo grapes. In 2020 the box was named Editor's Pick by Food & Wine, and was rated 92 points by the Toronto Star. In other words, its got the credentials to back up its high-quality claims. 

Radio Boka wants its wines to carry you to a different world, where good friends, good memories, and good music surround you. So grab a box before you head to the park or to another outdoor gathering with your favorite people. The medium-body and cherry and spice flavors pair nicely with grilled meats, so it's the perfect accompaniment for picnic favorites, whether you pack a simple charcuterie, or you fire up the grill to make burgers and brats on the beach. You can even turn this wine into a sweet and sparkly cocktail (if you're looking to mix things up) — it would be the perfect summertime option when you want a red wine on a warm night. 

A relative newcomer to the boxed wine industry is Folonari, a delicious Italian wine whose varietals have been around since 1825, but only more recently branched out into boxed and canned options for its classic drinks. The 3-liter box of pinot grigio is perfect for spring, summer, and warm fall nights when you want something cool, dry, and crisp to enjoy outside. In fact, it's the perfect beach buddy, pairing nicely with seafood and antipasti (we vote for crab cakes or bacon-wrapped asparagus as the perfect snacky sides). 

The fragrance includes wildflowers and a hint of honey and banana, with flavor notes of green apple and ripe pear. And as with most pinot grigios, the wine makes for a nice "easy" introduction to wine for those who are working on making the switch from beer, ciders, or sweeter mixed cocktails. The wine also pairs nicely with mozzarella, pesto, and salads, so it makes sense to whip up a Caprese salad or fresh bruschetta to get the most out of every sip.  

The Vina Borgia Grenache is an excellent option when you're looking to break away from your "typical" wine varietals, like cabs or pinots, and try something new. This boxed wine comes from the VIneyards of Garnacha in Spain, and offers a fresh, fruity flavor that's a soft and smooth, but full-bodied sip. The beauty of this box is that it pairs great with comfort foods — stews, classic English pub favorites, like shepherd's pie, or even a Thanksgiving turkey. In fact, all game animals make for a good pairing, so if your family is into hunting, consider this the box you should take with you when you head out to the deer property. 

But don't worry, if you're not into hunting (or game animals, in general), that doesn't mean you should skip Vina Borgia's Grenache. It also makes a good fit with pizza (and who doesn't love pizza) — so go ahead and order your favorite pie and decant a glass (or two) of this soft, easy red. 

If you're especially conscious about eating (and drinking) organic, an excellent boxed wine to add to your list of favorites is the Pure Red Organic Red Wine blend from Badger Mountain Vineyard in Washington's Columbia Valley. The wine is made from 100 percent USDA organic grapes, including 71 percent cabernet sauvignon, 13 percent syrah, 5 percent each of malbec and merlot, and 3 percent each of pinot noir and cabernet franc. 

The result is a wine that has dark fruit flavors, medium tannins, and a well-balanced finish. And given that it's a blend, you can pair it with practically anything you'd pair with other red wines, whether you prefer steak, pizza, or a pasta dish. In fact, even if it's a bit unexpected, we suggest pairing this red with heavier Mexican food dishes, like beef fajitas, or a chicken mole. The rich flavors and spices in classic Mexican food are a good match for the strong, but clean, flavor of this organic red. 

Creating the perfect food and wine pairing sounds like a daunting task. Thankfully, there are three categories of wine that pair with nearly every dish imaginable. From fresh seafood to rich poultry dishes and an array of spicy cuisines in between, turn to one of these three styles when trying to make an impeccable match of food and vino.

Aside from being festive, fizzy and downright delicious, sparkling wine is one of the most versatile wines to put on the table. The naturally high acidity is great for cutting through rich, heavy sauces while complementing the crisp, salty nature of fresh seafood and salads. Bubbles also make it the perfect pre-dinner choice to get your appetite going. As for dessert, a flute of demi-sec or doux sparkling wine will have you covered.

For a stellar pairing, try with: Beer Battered Fish Tacos or Swiss Cheese Fondue

Although often called a "less serious" category of wine, rosé is one of the most complex and wide-ranging categories on the market, due to the array of grape varieties and production methods used. Dry rosé's crisp acidity, low levels of tannins and overall refreshing flavor profile make it the perfect match for a variety of foods.

For a stellar pairing, try with: Heirloom Tomato and Ricotta Tart

Perhaps the world's misunderstood grape, Riesling produces some of the most versatile wines out there, thanks to its high acid and diverse range of styles. Bottles range from bone-dry to extremely sweet, making them a solid go-to for every course of your meal. Rieslings with a noticeable amount of residual sugar are ideal for serving with spicy flavor profiles, particularly ones found in Asian and Indian cuisines.

For a stellar pairing, try with: Chicken Wontons with Chili Sauce