The May 9 2026 LCBO Vintages Release has something for everyone- Sparkling, Rosé, Shiraz, and Pinot Noir. I could go on!
Good wine doesn't have to be expensive! Use my recommendations to get the best wine for your money - and they're free!
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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:
HOLA MEDITERRÁNEO TRADITIONAL ORGANIC COUPAGE BRUT SPARKLING Catalonia, Spain, Charmat method, Vintages #39814 $17.95 This is scoring consistently at 89 points among respected reviewers, and all agree it is a solid value. It is easy-going with light, nutty, yeasty notes. If you are a fan of Prosecco, you will want to give this one a try! (Sara d'Amato, winealign.com) (D - 10 g/L)
Best Rosé Wines Under $20:
MARRENON ROSACE VENTOUX ROSÉ 2025 Rhône, France Vintages #37726 $16.95
This fruity Grenache/ Syrah blend is showing peach, raspberry, grapefruit, cherry and citrus. And lending some gravitas are hints of crushed stone and garrigue. This is versatile enough to drink on its own or enjoy with Strawberry Chicken Sandwiches. (XD - 2 g/L)
DANDELION FAIRYTALE OF MCLAREN VALE ROSÉ 2025 McLaren Vale, South Australia Vintages #43354 $19.95 I may just kick off Rosé season with this one. 100% Grenache from 25-year-old bush vines, it was fermented in oak and rested on the lees for 3 months. It is fresh, with rose and honeysuckle notes over candied strawberry and raspberry. A hint of minerality adds complexity. All this, and it has great structure and length. Wow, you can's ask for anything more for $20! Enjoy with Spicy Strawberry Salad. (XD - 3 g/L)
Best White Wines Under $20:
PELEE ISLAND THE THREE PINOTS Ontario, Canada Vintages #50552 $16.95 Natalie Maclean gives this juicy blend of Pinot Grigio, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Auxerrois a score of 90. Look for vibrant nectarine, apricot and peach notes with hints of almond. This aromatic blend will pair nicely with Thai food like Thai Shrimp Bisque. (M - 8 g/L)
STONEHAVEN LIMITED VINEYARD RELEASE CHARDONNAY 2025 Padthaway, South Australia Vintages #49837 $19.95 This is an elegant, fruit-driven Chardonnay. Look for peach and grapefruit with nutty, flint undertones. Harmonious with a lengthy finish. Enjoy it with Champagne Roasted Argentinian Shrimp. Score - 93 (Sam Kim, wineorbit.co.nz, May 2025) (XD - 2 g/L)
THORNBURY SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 Marlborough, South Island, NZ Vintages #734798 $19.95 This is a perennial favourite. Look for melon, crunchy apple, citrus and herbal notes. The palate is succulent, and the finish is lingering. Enjoy with Lemon Ricotta Pasta. Score - 91 (Sam Kim, wineorbit.co.nz, Aug. 2024) (XD - 5 g/L)
Best Red Wines Under $20:
PARINGA SHIRAZ 2023 South Australia, Vintages #632083 $15.95 This is scoring consistently 91-92 among respected critics. This is a fruity wine with a generous nose of plum, strawberry and spice. The palate is silk-smooth and juicy with a lingering finish. Enjoy with Pork Tenderloin with Prune Sauce. Score - 91 (Sam Kim, wineorbit.co.nz) (XD - 7 g/L)
PESQUIÉ ÉDITION 1912M VENTOUX 2023
Rhône, France Vintages #636159 $16.95
This Rhone blend provides consistent, good value every year. This year it is a blend of 70% Grenache Noir, 20% Syrah and 10% Cinsault, matured in steel to preserve the fruit and freshness. Look for strawberry, spice, garrigue and stone on the nose. The palate has a core of red fruit with fine tannins and bright energy. Enjoy with Sour Cherry Glazed Ribs.
Score - 90 (Yohan Castaing, robertparker.com, Oct. 16, 2025) (XD - 3 g/L)
Best Sparkling Wines Under $40:
GRAHAM BECK MÉTHODE CAP CLASSIQUE BRUT PINOT NOIR/CHARDONNAY ROSÉ SPARKLING Western Cape, South Africa, traditional method Vintages #175588 $24.95 Michael Godel of winealign.com gives this a 91 and calls it a 'gift' at this ridiculously low price. Look for brioche, citrus and almonds. It is lively and refreshing. Enjoy with Sheet Pan Salmon and Crispy Rice. (XD - 7 g/L)
Best Buy White Wines Under $40
QUAILS' GATE DRY RIESLING 2025 Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada Vintages #308312 $21.95 This gets a 92 from Natalie Maclean. From 30+-year-old vines, it is intense and complex. Look for zesty lime, peach and sharply defined minerality. Enjoy with Seafood Risotto through 2030. (XD - 8 g/L)
VILLA MARIA CELLAR SELECTION PINOT GRIS 2024 Marlborough, South Island, NZ Vintages #447490 $21.95 This delightful Pinot Gris is showing pear, apricot and floral aromas with an intense, fruity palate. Textured, juicy and highly enjoyable. Score - 93 (Sam Kim, wineorbit.co.nz, Feb. 2025) (D - 8 g/L)
ALOIS LAGEDER TERRA ALPINA PINOT GRIGIO 2024 Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy Vintages #681429 $22.95 This is scoring consistently low 90s. From one of Alto Adige's most prominent producers, this lean, crisp white is showing citrus with an herbal edge. Bone-dry and refreshing, enjoy with calamari or other seafood. (XD - 2 g/L)
FONTANAFREDDA GAVI DI GAVI 2024 Piedmont, Italy Vintages #366948 $23.95
This is a lean, steely white with lime, peach, green apple, white pepper and mineral tones. It is very approachable with 'zesty' acidity that will pair well with a wide variety of foods. Try it with Easy Chicken Picatta. (XD - 3 g/L) 750mL
DOMAINE DE LA RABLAIS TOURAINE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 Loire, France Vintages #47572 $25.95 This is scoring 90 across the board and is well -received by consumers. Showing the French elegance you expect from the Loire, look for creamy lemon, papaya and tangerine zest. The palate is lively with white peach and lemon. Enjoy with Chicken Saltimbocca. (XD - 4 g/L)
BACHELDER L'ARDOISE NIAGARA CHARDONNAY 2024 Niagara Peninsula, ON, Canada Vintages #302083 $26.95 From older vines and from one of Niagara's star producers, this spent 16 months in oak. It is rich and complex with subtle oak and Niagara's signature limestone minerality. (XD - 2 g/L)
Best Buy Red Wines Under $40
MAXWELL THE ORCHARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2023 McLaren Vale, South Australia Vintages #49388 $19.95 I always suggest that if you are missing your California Cabs, Australian Cab may be the next best substitute. This one has generous fruit with herbs and spices on the nose. The palate is rich and supple with chalky tannins. The finish is 'robust and lingering'. At its best: now to 2033. Score - 92 (Sam Kim, wineorbit.co.nz) (XD - 3 g/L)
TAPIZ ALTA COLLECTION SAN PABLO VINEYARD MALBEC 2023 Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina Vintages #450155 $20.95 This is an energetic, robust wine showing dark fruit with violet and spicy aromas. The palate is smooth with fine tannins. Enjoy with Ribs with Rhubarb BBQ Sauce. Score - 94 (Jacobo Garcia-Andrade Llamas, jamessuckling.com, April 13, 2025) (XD - 3 g/L)
YALUMBA SAMUEL'S COLLECTION SHIRAZ 2023 Barossa, South Australia Vintages #12907 $21.95 Sam Kim calls this an enticing wine with black and purple fruit spice, cedar and licorice. The palate is plush and textured with fine tannins and a persistent finish. Enjoy with Double Bourbon Bacon Burgers. Score - 93 (Sam Kim, wineorbit.co.nz) (XD - 3 g/L)
PUELLES RESERVA 2016 DOCa Rioja, Spain Vintages #10720 $21.95 I am starting to look forward to each vintage release of this Puelles. The aging has been done for you here. From old vines and matured 2 years in oak, it has layered dark fruit with spice and well-resolved tannins. A very attractive pour to enjoy with tapas such as Sherry Meatballs. Score - 93 (Rod Phillips,) (XD - 2 g/L)
VAUCHER PÈRE & FILS CHÉNAS 2024 Beaujolais, France Vintages #48376 $21.95 A Beaujolais is a perfect summer wine to serve slightly chilled for patio dining. This one gets a 94 from Rod Phillips, who describes it as elegant with cherries, plums and berries under some spicy notes. It is perfectly balanced, bright and juicy. Pair with Montreal Spice Lamb Chops. (XD - 2 g/L)
BRIGALDARA VALPOLICELLA RIPASSO SUPERIORE 2023, Veneto, Italy Vintages #16090 $22.95 Look for savoury herbs and spiced orange zest mixed in the blackberry profile. The palate is silky with ripe red and black fruit and a mineral finish. Enjoy with Duck Ragu. Drinking window: 2026-2032. Score - 92 (Eric Guido, vinous.com, Sept. 25, 2025) (XD - 4 g/L)
WAKEFIELD JARAMAN SHIRAZ 2024 Clare Valley/McLaren Vale, South Australia Vintages #377036 $24.95 This is always a reliable bet for quality. Sourcing the fruit from 2 regions adds complexity. Look for black fruit, raspberry, vanilla, chocolate and oak with pepper spice. This is a bold but elegant wine that would be welcome at any BBQ, party or dinner. (XD - 3 g/L)
KEINT-HE PORTAGE PINOT NOIR 2021 VQA Prince Edward County, ON, Canada Vintages #373415 $24.95 This gets high praise and a 90 from Natalie Maclean. It is complex with strawberry, cherry and raspberry over savoury herbs, spice and smoke. Elegant with a long finish, enjoy now through 2028. (XD - 2 g/L)
CHÂTEAU FONTIS CRU BOURGEOIS MÉDOC 2020
Bordeaux, France
Vintages #41081 $27.95
AOC
This is scoring low 90s among respected critics. Equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, look for ripe, dark fruit with spice, walnut and earthy tones. The palate is sleek and polished with fine but firm tannins. Spice and cedar on the finish make for a classic Médoc!
of spiced cedar. Try after 2024. Score - 90 (jamessuckling.com)
(XD - 3 g/L)
CHANSON BOURGOGNE PINOT NOIR 2023 Burgundy, France Vintages #50575 $30.95 Here is the chance to experience a classic Pinot Noir. It is generous and juicy with classic cherry and rose aromas. Oak spice and vanilla add complexity. Slightly tart with great energy and excellent length, enjoy with Duck Breast with Cherry Port Sauce. Score - 91 (David Lawrason, winealign.com) (XD - 2 g/L)
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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.
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