LCBO Food & Drink Holiday 2025

FESTIVE

On the Bubble Whether you’re brunching with your besties or welcoming in the New Year, what bubbly should you choose? These bottles ring in at varying price points, so you’ll find the perfect one for your budget.

BY DOUG WALLACE ————— PHOTOGRAPHY BY DARREN KEMPER

To many, the resonance of a popping cork is the most beautiful sound in the world. And few beverages can make an occasion feel as special as chilled glasses of sparkling wine. Happily, today’s choices come not only in a range of flavour profiles, but also at a variety of convivial price ranges.

Full-Value Fizzy

You don’t have to spend big money to get great taste. Reasonably priced sparklers deliver mouth-watering sipping, whether you’re gearing up for a Friday night out, answering the door to a spontaneous Saturday gathering or grazing around a charcuterie board. With flavours from orchard fruit to fresh citrus to toasty tones, they taste like a splurge.

Castellblanc Brut Cava LCBO 36977, $13.95 This easy-drinking, fruit-forward cava from Penedès, Spain, brings together toasty flavours of crisp apple, apricot and citrus. Try it with tapas or shellfish.

La Vieille Ferme Reserve Brut Sparkling LCBO 43692, $14.55

J. de Villebois Cremant de Loire Collection 118 LCBO 43693, $20.15 A fine mousse, citrus zest, creamy chestnut and hints of vanilla elevate this delicate Crémant, a French wine using the same traditional method as Champagne. Try it with fries!

Enjoy excellent value with this Rhône-region French sparkler bridging peach and brioche notes with a floral minerality. It’s equally friendly with salty appetizers or creamy desserts.

FOOD STYLING BY LINDSAY GUSCOTT; PROP STYLING BY CATHERINE MacFADYEN

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HOLIDAY 2025 ————————