The July 18 2026 LCBO Vintages Release has a Loire Sparkling, a Barolo and a Burgundy all under the $40 mark! After that, there is a good variety of value-priced wines.
Good wine doesn't have to be expensive! Use my (free!) recommendations to get the best wine for your money!
Jump to:
If you try a recommended wine - this is your chance to be a critic! Leave your comment below to let us know how you liked it. If you find another gem you would like people to know about add that too!
Best Sparkling Wines Under $20:
PIANBELLO MOSCATO D'ASTI 2024 Piedmont, Italy Vintages #51320 $17.95 This is a sweet, specialty Sparkling from 40-year-old vines, showing peach, grapefruit and some minerality. For sweet wine lovers, it would be enjoyable on its own, but it would pair well with salty cheeses, blue cheese, foie gras, Champagne Chicken Liver Paté, etc. It is intense, so you only need a small amount. (S - 128 g/L)
VILARNAU BARCELONA RESERVA BRUT ORGANIC CAVA 2023 Penedès, Spain, traditional method Vintages #515254 $17.95 I look forward to this Sparkling every year. It is a blend of Viura, Xarel-lo and Parellada grapes. Look for layers of floral notes, yellow apple, and biscuit. The mousse is elegant and fine. Pair with appetizers or enjoy on its own. Score - 90 nataliemaclean.com (D - 11 g/L)
Best Rosé Wines Under $20:
CUNE LA BAILARINA ROSÉ 2024 Rioja, Spain Vintages #50309 $15.95 This is a lively blend of Viura, Tempranillo and Garnacha that is focused with generous ripe fruit and wild flower notes. It is well-balanced and versatile enough to serve with Creamy Seafood Pasta or enjoy on its own. (XD - 2 g/L)
GÉRARD BERTRAND PERLES DE GRENACHE ROSÉ 2025 Pays d'Oc, France Vintages#556209 $19.95 This 100% Grenache is crisp and refreshing with a fruity, elegant character. Enjoy with Sheet Pan Salmon and Crispy Rice. (XD - 2 g/L)
Best White Wines Under $20:
MASCOTA LA MASCOTA CHARDONNAY 2024 Mendoza, Argentina Vintages #126870 $16.95 This is a classic Chardonnay showing apple, pear and toasty notes. Full-bodied and fresh, enjoy with Stuffed Shells with Chicken and Walnut Cream. Score - 91 (Claire Nesbitt, jamessuckling.com) (XD - 2 g/L)
THIERRY DELAUNAY TOURAINE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2025 Loire, France Vintages #391847 $17.95 I am happy to see this one in the release, because I am out of it! Look for pear aromas with hints of grass. The palate has a tart edge that dissolves nicely into wet stone and honeysuckle. Enjoy with Summer Corn Quiche. Best Buy. Score - 90 (Reggie Solomon, Wine Enthusiast) (XD - 3 g/L)
PADDY BORTHWICK PINOT GRIS 2025 Wairarapa, North Island, NZ Vintages #555516 $19.95 For Pinot Gris fans, this example will be softer and rounder than an Alsatian. But I am a fan, so I love them all! Look for pear, mango, apple and spice. The palate is fruity, silky, with fine acidity and texture. The finish is pleasing and lingering. Pair with Creamy Shrimp Quiche. Score - 94 (Sam Kim, wineorbit.co.nz) (XD - 5 g/L)
HOWARD PARK SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 Western Australia Vintages #51936 $18.95 This little gem is getting low 90 scores across the board. This is an elegant wine with restrained fruit, but good structure and texture from the lees. It has seen a bit of oak treatment, adding complexity. It is lively and fresh. Score - 93 (Jane Faulkner, winecompanion.com.au) (XD - 0 g/L)
Best Red Wines Under $20:
CABALLO DORADO GRAN RESERVA CARMENÈRE 2022 Valle de Colchagua, Chile Vintages #37792 $15.95 Carmenère fans will want to know about this one. Look for black olive, tobacco and paprika tones with black fruit. Medium to full-bodied with dusty tannins. The finish is elegant and long. It has excellent balance and is true to type. Pair with Basil Pesto Pizza. Score -92 (Zekun Shuai, jamessuckling.com) (XD - 3 g/L)
LA BELLE MARGUERITE RESERVA MALBEC 2023 Mendoza, Argentina Vintages #38491 $16.95 This gets the value award for Malbec this release. It is showing rich, ripe fruit, but it maintains its freshness. Enjoy with charcuterie. Score - 92 (Patricio Tapia, guiadescorchados.cl) (XD - 3 g/L)
VANITÁ PRIMITIVO 2025 Puglia, Italy Vintages #569962 $17.95 This is scoring low 90s among critics. It is enjoyable and elegant, with red and black fruit and well-integrated oak spice. Pair with Lasagne with Mushroom Ragu or burgers. (D - 11 g/L)
CHÂTEAU DE RIBEBON RÉSERVE BORDEAUX SUPÉRIEUR 2020 Bordeaux, France Vintages #12281 $17.95 This is getting good reviews and low 90 scores among respected critics. Sara d'Amato of winealign.com gives it a 90 score and describes dried herbs, plum, licorice and red currant notes. The tannins are supple, and the oak spice lingers on the finish, which has good length. Drink now with Sirloin Tip Roast with Bordelaise Sauce. (XD - 3 g/L)
RENZO M CORNIOLETA RISERVA CHIANTI 2021 Tuscany, Italy Vintages #969469 $18.95 This is getting good reviews across the board. It is showing spicy cherry and plum notes with cedar undertones. The tannins are light but firm and polished. Pair with Spaghetti and Meatballs. Score - 91 (jamessuckling.com, Aug. 13, 2024) (XD - 6 g/L)
SAN ALEJANDRO QUERENCIA DESEYA ORGANIC VIEJA GARNACHA 2022 Calatayud, Spain Vintages #37722 $19.95 This is getting a lot of good press from critics. It is highly aromatic with generous floral notes and an elegant palate with ultra-fine tannins. Luis Gutiérrez of robertparker.com gives it a 92 and calls it 'an awesome wine and value'. (XD - 3 g/L)
ZONTE'S FOOTSTEP LAKE DOCTOR SHIRAZ 2023 South Australia Vintages #72975 $19.95 Zonte's Footsteps are always reliable quality. This one is medium-bodied with intense dark fruit and lots of spices. A fine cedar edge adds complexity. Score - 95 (Ray Jordan, winepilot.com) (XD - 3 g/L)
GLENELLY GLASS COLLECTION MERLOT 2021 Stellenbosch, South Africa Vintages #26669 $19.95 Tim Atkins gives this a 91 and calls it 'a very serious wine at its affordable price'. Look for plum, cherry, fennel and a hint of green herbs. Pair with Dirty Roman Pasta. (XD - 3 g/L)
JEFF CARREL LES DARONS LANGUEDOC 2023 Languedoc, France Vintages #448464 $18.95 This is a Grenache-dominant blend with a splash of Syrah and Carignan. It is showing generous red berries with dried herbs and some peppery notes. Score - 92 (Matt Kettman, Wine Enthusiast) (XD - 4 g/L)
CHÂTEAU DE PONCIÉ BEAUJOLAIS-VILLAGES ROUGE 2022 Beaujolais, France Vintages #48908 $19.95 Beaujolais-village is the designation between the Crus and simple Beaujolais hierarchies. This one is fresh with raspberry, thyme and lavender notes. It is bright and fruity with soft tannins. Drink now with Crispy Duck with Cherry Port Sauce. Score - 91 (jamessuckling.com) (XD - 2 g/L)
Best Buy Sparkling Wines Under $40
LAUDACIUS MONTLOUIS-SUR-LOIRE BRUT NATURE SPARKLING Loire, France, traditional method Vintages #49418 $31.95 This is an example of the Sparklings that the Loire is famous for, so if you are curious to expand your palate, this one's for you. It also took Platinum at the Decanter World Wine Awards, 2022. Look for classic pear and apple aromas with citrus freshness on the nose and palate. It is vibrant and textured with a hint of toast on the finish. Score - 97 (XD - 2 g/L)
Best Buy Rose Wines Under $40
OYSTER BAY ROSÉ 2025 Marlborough, South Island, NZ Vintages #493171 $20.95 This is a Chardonnay/Pinot Noir blend with an inviting profile of raspberry, apricot, peach and lime. There is some underlying saline minerality. It is crisp and refreshing with lively acidity. Enjoy it with Charred Cherry Tomato and Pepper Salad. Score - 92 (nataliemaclean.com) (XD - 3 g/L)
.
Best Buy White Wines Under $40
PIEROPAN SOAVE CLASSICO 2024 Veneto, Italy Vintages #946848 $21.95 This is aromatic with citrus and minerality. It is savoury, intense and focused with a polished finish. 'One of the top Italian whites for quality-per-price ratio.' Aldo Fiordelli, jamessuckling.com Score - 95 Pair with Mushroom Risotto with Vermouth. (XD - 3 g/L)
BOUTARI ASSYRTIKO 2025 Macedonia, Greece Vintages #44246 $23.95 If you have ever sipped white wine in a taverna in Santorini, chances are it was Assyrtiko. This is from a classic producer and a high altitude site that enhances the minerality and zesty character. Look for lemon, pear, apple and some bread-like notes. Enjoy with calamari or seafood. (XD - 2 g/L)
CREEKSIDE BACKYARD BLOCK SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 Niagara Peninsula, ON, Canada Vintages #341792 $22.00 This won gold at the 2025 All Canadian Wine Championships with a score of 92. Creekside are known for their Sauvignon Blanc treatment. Look for ripe tropical fruit, grapefruit and orchard fruit over a layer of flowers and herbs. It is very versatile and will be great on its own or with Orange Champagne Salmon. (XD - 3 g/L)
AHI KA BLACKMORE GROWER SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 Marlborough, South Island, NZ Vintages #41803 $20.95 And now for a classic NZ Sauvignon Blanc- intense and lively with citrus and herbs. 'Taut and sleek,' according to Vintages notes. Score - 97 (New Zealand International Wine Show, 2024) (XD - 3 g/L)
Best Buy Red Wines Under $40
EVANS & TATE HULLABALOO CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2019 Margaret River, Western Australia Vintages #41312 $20.95 This is scoring 90 among critics. Margaret River is 'the' place to look for Australian Cabs, and this one doesn't disappoint. Look for cassis, plum, herbs and oak spice. Vibrant and elegant, enjoy with BBQ Flank Steak now through 2027. (XD - 2 g/L)
DOMAINE BOURGOGNE DEVAUX BOURGOGNE HAUTES-CÔTES DE BEAUNE 2022
Vintages #49004 $39.95
AOC Burgundy, France
If you want to try a classic Burgundian Pinot Noir, this is your chance to experience the elegance of Burgundy. Look for ripe fruit with herbal undertones. It has good weight and well-integrated tannins
'A well-built wine with real character.' Score - Gold (gilbertgaillard.com, 2024)
(XD - 3 g/L) 750mL
ROBERTO SAROTTO BAROLO 2021
Barolo, Italy
Vintages #49375
$39.95
It is rare to see a Barolo under $40 so stock up if you are a fan. It is scoring 90 consistently among critics. Look for ripe red fruit, spice and polished tannins. Structure and integration are excellent and make it a 'standout value'. Enjoy with Tucan Ribs with Balsamic Glaze.
(XD - 4 g/L)
Related Recipes
Related Posts
Resources
- How Important are Wine Glasses? Check out Wine Glasses You Want To Know About for expert tips.
- Is Champagne worth the price? Check out expert tips on What Makes A Good Sparkling Wine.
- Not sure about Port Wine? Check out What Is Port Wine and How Do I Serve It?
FAQs
What Are LCBO Vintages Releases?
Twice a month, the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) releases a selection of special wines they have chosen from around the world. They are not part of the regular stock that is replenished regularly. So if you see something that is good value, you need to order it or pick it up while you can.
I am WSET 3 Certified, and I use my experience as an LCBO-approved media taster to highlight good value wines. I also have the opportunity to taste wines from all over the world as showcased in industry Master Classes and wine tastings. See my About page for more details on my experience.
The Best Buy wines I recommend tend to be wines that score 90 or above and are in the $20-$30 ish range. I research the wines to see which are scoring consistently in the 90 + range. You can expect these wines to represent the characteristics of their varietal and region well; display some complexity, depth and length. I suggest food pairings for many of the recommendations because... that is what it's all about here at The Wine Lover's 
Kitchen.
Wines I call 'cheap and cheerful' wines are wines < $20 that are hovering around the high 80s to 90-point mark. They are not going to win gold medals in competition, but they should be a solid choice for weeknight sipping or dock or deck sitting. They also make for a good value choice if you are serving a crowd and your lively guests are too busy chatting to discuss the depth and length of their wine!
Premium Wine recommendations are edging up on my $40 limit. They may be 'entry' level wines of prestigious regions or producers. Often cellar-worthy and always wines that you want to pay attention to when you serve them to ensure you appreciate their complexities!
The $40 is a rather arbitrary level, but if you are spending more than $40 routinely on a bottle of wine, then you are probably a wine enthusiast doing your own research.
Decanter World Wine Awards taste and score wines according to their price bracket. So a 95 Score for a $20 bottle of wine means it is outstanding among wines 'in that price range'. Decanter scores from an individual or a panel are scored against the 'Gold standard' for that varietal.
Leave a Reply