LCBO Food & Drink Travel 2025

GRAPE GETAWAYS

NEW ZEALAND: HAWKE’S BAY

Easy Drinking Down Under From hot to cool climate regions, distinct grape varieties and an increasing focus on sustainable, organic viticulture, Australia, New Zealand and the talented winemakers there have a knack for creating wines that appeal to many different tastes.

Many visitors cycle their way to more than 100 cellar doors via the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail in the Hawke’s Bay wine region on the east coast of the North Island. Standout estates include the gorgeous oceanfront Elephant Hill winery and Black Barn Vineyards, which offers luxurious overnight stays. WANDER THE STREETS The coastal city of Napier is the cultural capital, famous for its Art Deco architec ture and art galleries. Nearby Hastings is filled with artisanal markets and farm to-table restaurants, with its arty suburb of Havelock North yielding charming cafés and upscale boutiques. HEAD FOR THE HILLS The stone escarpments of Te Mata Park offer more than 30 kilometres of scenic “tramping” (Kiwi slang for hiking). WINES TO TRY The temperate maritime climate of Hawke’s Bay and its diverse terrains, from gravelly riverbeds to clay loams, make for bright acidity and layered flavours. Expect whites with fresh minerality and great aging potential, or perhaps a grapefruit-fresh rosé made from Malbec and Merlot grapes.

WINES TO TRY The Barossa Valley’s old vines, particularly of Shiraz, yield con centrated flavours of spicy dark fruit and chocolate. Skilled winemakers here rely on long, hot summers for both intensity and structured tannins. Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz/Cabernet VINTAGES ESSENTIALS 285544, $18.95 Two Hands Gnarly Dudes Shiraz Barossa Valley VINTAGES ESSENTIALS 660043, $24.95

Matua Sauvignon Blanc Hawke’s Bay LCBO 619452, $17.95

AUSTRALIA: BAROSSA VALLEY

South Australia’s wine and food hub is famous for its Shiraz, made from the same grape as Syrah. Penfolds conducts a blend-your-own wine activity, while the cooking classes at Jacob’s Creek deliver a true farm-to-table experience. HIT THE BEACH Adelaide’s best beaches are quite close to the centre of town, making access a snap. Semaphore Beach is great for whale- and dolphin-spotting, while Glenelg Beach is popular for its buzzy atmosphere and great restaurants. COMMUNE WITH NATURE Kangaroo Island is considered Australia’s Galápagos. Go for the native wildlife and diverse parkland, including Flinders Chase National Park and Kelly Hill Caves. Estate pitstops include Dudley Wines and False Cape Wines. Splurge for a night at the sprawling and soothing Southern Ocean Lodge.

Oyster Bay Pinot Grigio VINTAGES ESSENTIALS 326090, $20.95

Kim Crawford Rosé VINTAGES ESSENTIALS 650325, $20.95

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———————— TRAVEL 2025