The 2023 holiday season is almost upon us and if you're going to be meeting up with friends or family at someone's house, you might want to consider bringing a bottle of wine as a thank-you to your host.
From bubbly to a bottle of red or white, more wine is always a good idea, and you can pick up a decent bottle from the LCBO at all kinds of price points — if you can spend $50 on vino, great! If you can spend $15, also great!
Take a look below at some of the delicious products you can bring to holiday get together that are sure to please.
Tawse Spark Limestone Ridge Organic Brut Sparkling Riesling
A bottle of bubbly is always a great idea, but at the holidays, it's even better.
Tawse Spark Limestone Ridge Organic Brut Sparkling Riesling Ontario-grown wine boasts that it's "a complex and intense wine that delivers amazing value" that is "elegant and appealing with touches of fresh pastry, golder raisins, herbs, citrus and honey."
They recommend serving with oysters or grilled seafood, which would be a welcome treat away from all of the sweets and heavy meat and potato dishes that the holidays tend to bring.
Price: $22.95 (normally $24.95)
Trius Sauvignon Blanc VQA
Another great Ontario winery, Trius' Sauvignon Blanc VQA comes in on the less expensive side of the spectrum and is extra dry.
It has a pale straw colour and has aromas of floral, gooseberry and passion fruit and a fresh passion fruit flavour with a long refreshing finish. Yum!
Price: $15.95 (normally $17.95)
Gérard Bertrand Côte des Roses Rosé
Not only is Gérard Bertrand Côte des Roses Rosé tasty, it also comes in a seriously pretty bottle that doesn't need gift-wrapping, because it already looks quite fancy.
The French vino is made with a mix of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah and has "complex, vibrant red berry and pear, lees and mushroom tones."
Perfect for sipping during hors d'oeuvres.
Price: $17.95
J. Lohr Hilltop Cabernet Sauvignon
This bottle comes in on the pricier end of the spectrum, but if you can afford it, it's worth the splurge.
J. Lohr Hilltop Cabernet Sauvignon is made in their highest-altitude vineyard in Paso Robles, California and has a wonderfully rich taste.
"The Hilltop Cabernet is precise and polished, with black fruit, cassis, baking spice, woodsmoke, chocolate, and savoury herbs," says the LCBO. "A great cellar starter, this would be wonderful with grilled steak and roasted vegetables."
Price: $49.95
Bread & Butter Prosecco DOC
Bread & Butter Prosecco comes elegantly packaged and is a fizzy Italian joy.
"Delicate fruit notes characterize this lovely sparkling wine," says the LCBO. "It may be enjoyed throughout the holidays on its own, with appetizers, or as an accompaniment to lighter fare."
That means it's perfect for all of the delightful nibbles and canapes that the festive season brings, which your host is sure to appreciate.
Price: $21.95
Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio
The Italian Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio is one of the top sellers from the LCBO Vintage selections, so you know it's a good one.
"It put Pinot Grigio on the map with its refreshing quince, nuts, yellow pear and fresh pastry notes," says the LCBO. "A favourite with a plate of antipasti, grilled chicken or seafood salad."
Price: $22.95
Wayne Gretzky Cabernet Merlot VQA
Another Canadian winery from The Great One himself, the Wayne Gretzky Cabernet Merlot VQA has aromas of damson plum, sweet cherry fruit with cocoa and spice with black raspberry and cassis flavours.
"This bold and fruit forward expression of cabernet merlot blend shows its versatility," says the LCBO. "The ruby red colour is filled with an aromatic bouquet of cedar, black currant and chocolate with the notes of toast and nuts."
Château des Charmes Brut Sparkling
Made in Ontario, the Château des Charmes Brut Sparkling comes in at a fairly accessible price point that pairs nicely with both fancy apps and snack foods like popcorn.
"This one is from Chardonnay and Pinot and will deliver great balance and freshness, with brioche, grapefruit, herb, cantaloupe and pear tones," says the LCBO of this fizzy treat.
Price: $22.95 (normally $25.95)
Jackson-Triggs Reserve Pinot Grigio VQA
Jackson Triggs is a super affordable Ontario wine and their Reserve line also comes in at a great price.
The Reserve Pinot Grigio VQA from the brand has notes of nuts, grapefruit, cantaloupe and green pear while the taste itself has refreshing acidity and "a delightful candied pear finish."
Price: $15.95
Shop it at the LCBO and also available at the Wine Rack
Ménage à Trois Red
Ménage à Trois Red is a juicy California red with a bit of a naughty name.
"This wine features the beguiling trio of zinfandel, merlot and cabernet sauvignon, with upfront flavours of ripe fig, smoke and dark chocolate supported by plush tannins," says the LCBO.
They say that it's medium to full-bodied, flavourful and pairs wonderfully with a variety of foods from grilled meats to a fancy grilled cheese sandwich.
Price: $17.00 (normally $19.00)
Oyster Bay Pinot Noir
If you're looking for a lighter red, the Oyster BayPinot Noir has a great price and flavour.
"It has a pretty, floral nose, with dark fruit and berries, portabello mushrooms, vanilla and cherry," says the LCBO of the wine. "Food-friendly and fresh, it will pair well with duck, salmon or grilled pork."
Shop it: $19.95 (normally $22.95)
A to Z Wineworks Pinot Noir
If you know your host is serving duck, A to Z Wineworks Pinot Noir is perfect for that kind of meat.
"Always impressive, earthy and characterful, this is a Pinot that brings the savoury to its red berry fruit, with a note of marzipan," says the LCBO.
Price: $26.95 (normally $29.95)
Jacob's Creek Double Barrel Shiraz
Jacob's Creek Double Barrel Shiraz.
And lastly, Jacob's Creek Double Barrel Shiraz is a delicious Australian red with aromas and flavours of black plum, herbs, oak, and blood orange.
"Full-bodied and smooth with lush tannins on the lengthy finish," they say. "Great with grilled lamb or beef, game meats, firm cheeses."
Price: $19.00 (normally $22.00)
Narcity does not condone the overconsumption of alcohol. If you're going to drink alcohol, please do so responsibly and only if you're of legal age.
These prices are confirmed at the time of publishing, but they can change at any time. Taxes and fees may not be included.