As the temperature drops and the first real chill of winter settles in, comfort takes on a new meaning. It’s in the quiet moments— the glow of a candle, the weight of a blanket, and the simple pleasure of something warm in your glass. This is the season for slow pours and soft spice, for winter wines that bring depth and calm, and comfort drinks that make the world feel just a little smaller and softer.
From Ontario wineries crafting soulful, cozy reds to European classics that never lose their charm, these cold-weather cocktails and seasonal sips remind us that warmth isn’t just a feeling— it’s something you can taste.
The Reds: Rich, Grounded and Comforting
Prugneto Romagna DOC Sangiovese Superiore
From the heart of Emilia-Romagna, Italy’s gastronomic soul, comes the Prugneto Romagna DOC Sangiovese Superiore— a wine that perfectly captures the spirit of the region. It is crafted by Poderi dal Nespoli, a family-run estate with more than 90 years of winemaking heritage. This Sangiovese radiates the warmth and generosity of Italian hospitality.
Expect bright cherry and plum layered with hints of dried herbs, spice, and soft tannins that glide across the palate. It’s the kind of wine that speaks to long dinners and slow Sundays, pairing beautifully with lasagna, roasted vegetables, or aged pecorino. Each sip feels like a small journey to Italy’s countryside— honest, expressive, and deeply comforting.
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Sandbanks Reserve Baco Noir
Over in Prince Edward County, Sandbanks Winery has carved out a reputation for wines that embody the easygoing charm of Ontario’s lake country. Their Reserve Baco Noir is a perfect reflection of that. It’s rich, velvety, and layered with dark fruit, cocoa, and a touch of smoke. This grape thrives in the cooler Canadian climate, developing the kind of ripe depth that brings real warmth to a cold evening.
The winery itself is known for creating approachable, fruit-forward wines that invite conversation and connection. Exactly what winter moments call for. Pour it beside roasted squash, lamb stew, or a wood-fired pizza, and feel the season slow down around you.
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Beronia Reserva Rioja
Spain’s Beronia Winery, nestled in the rolling hills of Rioja Alta, was founded by a group of friends who loved to cook, gather, and share a bottle or two — the very definition of comfort culture. Their Reserva Rioja is made primarily from Tempranillo. It’s aged in a unique mix of French and American oak that brings both spice and smoothness.
Aromas of black cherry, vanilla, and cedar unfold into a velvety palate that lingers long after the last sip. It’s a wine built for hearty fare— roasted meats, mushroom risotto, or anything slow-cooked and savoury. In true Rioja fashion, Beronia turns every glass into an embrace— familiar, elegant, and full of heart.
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The Spark and Spice: Uplifting Sips for Chilly Evenings
Warm ’N Cozy Mulled Wine
From the shores of Lake Erie, Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery is Ontario’s only beachfront winery— and one that captures the spirit of community and warmth in everything it does.
Their Warm ’N Cozy Mulled Wine is a seasonal favourite that smells as inviting as it tastes. The welcoming scent of cinnamon, warm plums, orange and spice fills the air the moment it’s warmed. It’s a sensory cue that winter comfort has officially begun.
Made with care using fruit from friends, this ready-to-pour blend makes it easy to create the perfect fireside moment. Simply empty it into a pot, heat gently, and serve. It’s nostalgic, aromatic, and exactly what you want when snow starts to fall.
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Bodega Gótica Cimbalo Rosado
This rosé comes from Spain’s Rueda region, a landscape defined by rolling plains, crisp evenings and mineral-rich soils. It pairs well with summer and winter dishes. Bodega Gótica is a family-run winery known for combining traditional Spanish craftsmanship with thoughtful, modern sensibility. The Cimbalo Rosado is a perfect reflection of that approach.
Rueda’s cool nights and high altitude lend this wine its lively acidity and expressive fruit, while careful cellar work brings texture and depth. Aromas of wild strawberry, rose petal and soft spice lead into a palate that’s rounder and fuller than a typical summer rosé, giving it undeniable cold-weather appeal. It’s elegant yet comforting, vibrant yet grounded, the kind of wine that brightens hearty meals and lingers long after the glass is empty.
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Nyarai Folklore Sparkling 2023
Crafted by winemaker Steve Byfield in Niagara, Nyarai Cellars is a virtual winery that has become one of the region’s quiet success stories. They are celebrated for its careful blending and expressive local fruit. The Folklore Sparkling 2023 captures the beauty of the Niagara terroir. There are notes of crisp orchard fruit, lemon zest, and a delicate touch of brioche.
This wine is lively yet refined, with a texture that feels as refreshing as a winter morning. Byfield’s philosophy— to create wines that tell the story of the land and the people who work it— shines here. It’s perfect for brunches, intimate dinners, or those spontaneous “just because” moments that deserve a little sparkle.
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As winter settles in, these pours remind us to slow down and savour what the season gives. A quiet evening, something good in the glass, and a bit of time to just be. That’s the real luxury of cold weather.
If you’re looking for more guides on good wine, check out our sommelier-approved recommendations for affordable Italian wines. For a region a little further North, read our the guide to the six best organic French wines.
