These affordable wines and spirits are perfect for gifting and entertaining.
Freixenet Rosé IGT, Freixenet
This glittery, faceted bottle makes a glamorous gift all on its own, but versatile wine within – a fresh and sip-able rosé of delicate perfume and berry notes – ensures the whole pretty package will please.
$18.95
Saintly Sparkling Rosé VQA, Arterra Wines Canada
This rose-gold hued vino, made with Niagara Peninsula grapes, boasts an abundance of festive bubbles plus notes of cherry, berry, orange blossom and citrus zest. Frothy and fashionable: Simply tie with a bow.
$19.95
Lost Peak Cabernet Sauvignon, Lost Peak
The rain shadow over the Cascade Mountains allows the vines at McNary Vineyard to thrive and develop a bold, expressive flavour. This smooth Cabernet has hints of black cherry, plum, soft tannins and undertones of chocolate and coffee.
$19.95
Château la Tour de L’Évêque Rosé Côtes de Provence, Château la Tour de L’Évêque
Organically farmed and hand-harvested, this lively rosé is an upbeat blend – Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah, Semillon, Mouvèdre – that delights all year round. Its berry and citrus, and rosy glow will charm your giftee.
$18.95
Peninsula Ridge Sauvignon Blanc VQA, Peninsula Ridge Winery
Tasting this classic cool-climate Ontario Sauvignon Blanc, with its telltale nose of grapefruit and grass, and peach and gooseberry notes, ensures it might become one of your own house wines. In the meantime, gift it to a beloved holiday host.
$16.95
Rosehall Run Chardonnay VQA, Rosehall Run Vineyard
Crisp and zesty with notes of green apple, lemon-lime and spring flowers, this unoaked Chardonnay from one of Prince Edward Country’s founding vineyards is a juicy delight. It “dazzles the palate” said one critic. Grab that gift bag, pronto.
$15.95
Mausberg Brut Crémant d’Alsace, Mausberg
This sparkler makes a gorgeous gift with its fancy gold foil and vintage-look label, plus it’s a delightful sipper with classic notes of yeast, flowers, lemon drop and spice. So much Champagne-esque style for the price.
$18.95
Cave Spring Riesling Dry VQA, Cave Spring Vineyard
This plush, dry, great-value Riesling features notes of citrus, pear and white blossoms and will remind your giftee of what Ontario’s top wineries have to offer. Crisp acidity and versatility make it ideal for holiday tables boasting turkey, fish and seafood.
$16.95
Inniskillin Cellar Select Late Harvest Riesling VQA, Inniskillin Estate Winery
This signature Ontario varietal from one of the province’s oldest wineries makes a sweet – but not too sweet – host gift. Off-dry with delicate floral, pear and honey notes make it ideal for sipping solo or for pairing with a classic holiday turkey (or pork or veal) feast.
$14.95
Harveys Bristol Cream Sherry, Harveys
Treat your friends and family to Harveys Bristol Cream Sherry. This sherry is full bodied and rich with a mellow sweetness, perfect for serving after dinner and over ice with an orange slice.
$18.45
M. Chapoutier Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Côtes du Roussillon-Villages, L’Univers M. Chapoutier
It won’t be just your Francophile friends who will love this wine. Year after year, it wins kudos from critics. The blend of Grenache, Syrah and Carignan delivers such sophistication – a tasting experience full of fruit and spice, flowers and smoke. So much value and joie de vivre.
$16.95
Bottega Gold Prosecco, Bottega SpA
Why not gift everyone at your holiday party, office or friend get-together with their very own bottle of iconic Italian bubbly? This stocking-stuff sized flacon does the trick. It delivers much-loved effervescent and fruity mousse but an irresistibly festive, gilded package too!
$8.95
Wakefield Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, Wakefield Wines
This big Aussie won at the 2021 World Value Wine Challenge. Deservedly so. Berry and eucalyptus on the nose as well as cedar and chocolate. Then, cassis and blackcurrant, oak and spice. Complex and elegant: Tie it with a bow.
$19.95
Taylor Fladgate Late Bottled Vintage Port, Taylor Fladgate
Gift the lover of Nanaimo bars and all things chocolate with a bottle of this aged port. You can only hope you’ll be asked to share a glass of this smokey, plumy, rich elixir along with that decadent holiday dessert.
$19.95
Henry of Pelham Pinot Noir VQA, Henry of Pelham Family Estate
The wine-loving locavores on your list will appreciate the nuance of this pretty Pinot Noir. Well balanced with nuanced aromas of cherry, violet, spice and a solid finish: Lovely and so drinkable.
$17.95
Sandbanks Baco Noir Reserve, Sandbanks Winery
Next year marks the 20th anniversary of this Prince Edward County winery’s first Baco Noir harvest. Since then, founder Catherine Langlois has helped build the cred of this dark, fruity and savoury varietal as an Ontario go-to.
$19.95
Vintage Ink 2020 Whisky Barrel Aged Red VQA, Vintage Ink Wines
What better gift for the inked wine fan than a deep dark red from this British Columbia based brand that celebrates the art and storytelling craft of tattoo. This tale is all about ripe plum and mocha with a subtext of leather, smoke and vanilla oak.
$16.99
Cono Sur Bicicleta Viognier Reserva 2020, Cono Sur Vineyards & Winery
This cheap-and-cheerful bottle is a great way to introduce a beloved friend or family member to the Viognier grape. So much fruit – grapefruit, peach, pineapple, pear and apple – with captivating orange blossom on the nose.
$12.50
Tio Pepe Extra Dry Fino, Tio Pepe
This wine – the best-selling Fino on the planet – is for that special someone on your list who loves a tapas feast. And why not take your gifting gesture next-level by delivering a bottle of this bone-dry Fino in a basket along with olives, nuts and jamon serrano. Salud!
$19.45
Cantina di Verona Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore 2019, Cantina di Verona
For Amarone fans on a budget, a Valpolicella Ripasso is a sure win. For this wine, two fermentations take place – one with fresh grapes and the second where the lighter Valpolicella juice does a “re-pass” on Amarone skins to add the latter’s rich flavour, texture and aroma.
$17.95
Aveleda Fonte Vinho Verde, Aveleda
Some may consider this spritzy white, made from a family-owned Portuguese winery founded in the 1870s, as a quintessential summer sipper, but it’s equally apropos for holiday brunches and get-togethers. Bonus: It’s light on alcohol (9.5%) and price!
$12.95
Pierre Sparr Gewurztraminer, Pierre Sparr
Sip this zesty Alsatian Gewurtz and enjoy its notes of juicy lychee, pear and melon. It’s an elegant pour with a satisfying long finish and its touch of sweetness makes it ideal for the person on your list who loves a hot-and-spicy but elevated menu.
