LCBO Food & Drink Summer 2025

YOURS TO DISCOVER

Bold and Complex Wines Ontario has the variable climate—generally cool, but with hot summers and long, warm autumns—that allows for growing and ripening top global grape varieties. Savvy winemakers here have the skills to spar with the world’s most complex and formidable wines.

POPULAR PICKS Cave Spring Estate Grown

Cabernet Franc VQA VINTAGES 523001, $20.95 Offering incredible value, this wine has the texture and deep, dark fruit, with just enough tannin grit, to take on a rib-eye. Hidden Bench Estate Organic Chardonnay VQA VINTAGES ESSENTIALS 68817, $31.95 Some of Niagara’s most coveted vineyards produce this one, with orchard fruit richness, savoury balance and a long, supple finish. Henry of Pelham Cuvée Catharine Brut VQA LCBO 217521, $29.95 Ontario’s standard- setting sparkler uses Champagne’s method and offers an extra kick of juicy apple and apricot notes. picture-perfect Chardonnay, like

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Trius Red VQA VINTAGES ESSENTIALS 303800, $27.95

This Bordeaux-inspired blend has been a Trius signature since 1989. It’s big, bold and beautiful, with blackcurrant, chocolate and cedar. Ontario lamb, meet Ontario red. Henry of Pelham Speck Family Reserve Baco Noir VQA VINTAGES ESSENTIALS 461699, $27.95 Baco Noir is synonymous with Ontario. This wine is deep and delicious, and soft while packing a punch of spiced dark fruits, chocolate and a little smoke.

Hidden Bench Estate Organic Pinot Noir VQA VINTAGES ESSENTIALS 274753, $37.95

This wine combines delicacy and power. Expect exotic red fruit, sweet spice and the smoothest of tannins.

Malivoire Estate Grown Chardonnay VQA VINTAGES ESSENTIALS 573147, $23.95

ICE IN WINE Once a faux pas, ice in wine is trending—and always has in the South of France, where une piscine of rosé, or any wine served dans la piscine comes in a big-bowl wineglass over ice. Try freezing berries, summer fruit or edible flowers into cubes for a pretty serve. – CR

This bottle’s ripeness yields tropical fruit notes backed with green apple, a plush texture and a long, juicy finish.

13th Street Blanc de Blanc VQA VINTAGES ESSENTIALS 28420, $29.95

A masterful Chardonnay sparkler is light and fruity on the nose, with medium-bodied apple-citrus flavours and a long, nutty finish.

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———————— SUMMER 2025