The Oct 11 2025 LCBO Vintages Release has something for everyone in the Cheap and Cheerful section alone! But don't miss out on a couple of outstanding premium selections.
Good wine doesn't have to be expensive! Get better value for your wine dollars with the recommendations below - and they're free!
Jump to:
If you try a recommended wine - this is your chance to be a critic! If you find another gem you would like people to know about add that too!
Please leave a comment below so others can benefit!
Cheap And Cheerful
Cheap and Cheerful Sparkling Wine Winners:
VILARNAU BARCELONA RESERVA BRUT ORGANIC CAVA DO, Penedès, Spain, traditional method, Vintages # 515254 $16.95 It is hard to go wrong with a Cava Sparkling wine. They are well-made and approachable. This 'stylish' Cava is a blend of Viura, Xarel-lo and Parellada. Look for apple, toasty notes and hints of jasmine. This could be the opening act to your Thanksgiving or it could carry you through the meal. Score - Double Gold (Sakura Japan Women's Wine Awards, 2022) (D - 9 g/L)
Cheap and Cheerful White Wine Winners:
FLEURON DE LA REBOURGÈRE SUR LIE MUSCADET-SÈVRE ET MAINE 2023, Loire, France Vintages #557207 $16.95 This is a work-horse of a wine that pairs well with appetizers, lunch or light dinner. Look for fresh citrus and mineral tones. 8 months on the lees add texture and intensity. Perfect for serving a crowd at Thanksgiving.
Score - Gold (Concours Général Paris, 2024) (XD - 2 g/L)
ZUCCARDI SERIE A TORRONTÉS 2024 Salta, Argentina Vintages #389262 $17.95
This is an aromatic wine showing orange blossom, grapefruit and lychee aromas. The palate is medium-full bodied with subtle fruit. Score - 92 (Jacobo Garcia-Andrade Llamas, jamessuckling.com) (XD - 2 g/L)
Cheap and Cheerful Rosé Wine Winners:
FEATHERSTONE ROSÉ 2024, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Vintages #117861 $16.95 This gets 89 points from Sara d'Amato of winealign.com, who calls it 'a clever overachiever.' A blend of Cabernet, Gamay, and Pinot Noir, look for a lively palate with crisp minerality and juicy strawberry and cherry notes. A bit of chalky texture adds complexity. If you can't decide between red or white wine for your holiday table, try this! Or, serve it with Strawberry Balsamic Crostini. (D - 9 g/L)
Cheap and Cheerful Red Wine Winners:
JOSÉ MARIA DA FONSECA ANTICICLONE 2022, Vinho Regional da Península de Setúbal, Portugal Vintages #44949 $13.95 This Castelão and Aragoñez blend ranked #66 in Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2024! Alison Napjus of winespectator.com gives it a 90 and describes black cherry and blackberry flavour along with espresso, tobacco and graphite hints. Tannins are fine. Enjoy with Fennel and Sausage Pasta. (XD - 7 g/L)
MALMA FAMILY RESERVE PINOT NOIR 2023, Patagonia, Argentina Vintages #46775 $17.95 This is getting enthusiastic reviews and scoring consistent low 90s among critics. It is on the heavier end of the of the Pinot Noir spectrum, but elegant and fresh nonetheless. Look for cranberry and cherry fruit notes, fine tannins and undertones of leather and beef. Another candidate for Thanksgiving dinner or Duck Risotto. Score - 93 (Ines Salpico, decanter.com, July 19, 2025) (XD - 3 g/L)
JIP JIP ROCKS SHIRAZ 2022, Padthaway, South Australia Vintages #673897 $16.95 This is a fan favourite whenever it appears. It is scoring 90-94 among respected critics. Is is big and loud, showing blackberry, spice, chocolate and vanilla. Opulent and elegant, it is a steal at this price. Single vineyard. Score - 94 (Melbourne International Wine Competition, 2023) (XD - 4 g/L)
Best Buy Fortified Wines
CASTELGREVE VIN SANTO DEL CHIANTI 2021, DOC, Tuscany, Italy Vintages #922757 $24.95 375mL We don't see Vin Santo on our shelves every day, so if you are a fan of sweet dessert wine or with charcuterie, listen up! A blend of Tuscan Trebbiano and Chianti Malvasia grapes, and aged in small barrels, it is showing toffee, caramel and dried fruit. Serve it lightly chilled with biscotti or Italian Christmas Pudding. (S - 98 g/L)
Best Buy Sparkling Wines
CARPENÈ MALVOLTI 1868 BRUT CONEGLIANO VALDOBBIADENE PROSECCO SUPERIORE, Veneto, Italy Vintages #727438 $19.95 You can't go wrong with a Prosecco from one of the best DOCGs and a respected producer. Look for a vibrant mousse with dry and crisp minerality. (D - 8 g/L)
Best Buy White Wines
BOTTEGA SOAVE CLASSICO 2023, Veneto, Italy Vintages # 44729 $18.95 From 100% Garganega grapes from the volcanic hills of Soave and Monteforte, this dry, crunchy white is showing apple and citrus with some floral and herbal notes. Hints of almond appear on the finish. A great turkey wine or pair with Chicken Piccata. (XD - 2 g/L)
QUINTA DA RAZA ALVARINHO 2023 Vinho Verde, Portugal Vintages #31789 $19.95 This is getting enthusiastic mid 90s scores across the board. Look for ripe honeysuckle and pear with some refreshing fruit and citrus on the palate. Score - 94 (Decanter World Wine Awards, 2024) (XD - 3 g/L)
MATETIC EQ COASTAL SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 DO Valle de Casablanca, Chile Vintages #10433 $18.95 This gets a 95 score from Patricio Tapia of guiadescorchados.cl. From the coast, with one-third fermented and aged in barrels, a third in concrete eggs, and the final third in stainless steel tanks, it is firm and juicy and intense. Some salinity is a nod back to its maritime origins. (XD - 2 g/L)
BLAAUWKLIPPEN CHARDONNAY 2023 WO Stellenbosch, South Africa Vintages #45188 $19.95 This is a rich barrel-fermented Chardonnay that also spent 11 months in oak. Look for waxy, citrus notes on the nose and a rich, round, savoury palate. Another great Thanksgiving dinner choice. Score - 94 (Christian Eedes, winemag.co.za, Oct. 18, 2024) (XD - 3 g/L.
NVIVO X, BY SARAH JESSICA PARKER BLEND 6 SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024
Marlborough, South Island, NZ, Vintages #14278 $21.95 This wine is no stranger to Top 10 or Top 100 lists year after year. This vintage gets a 95 from Sam Kim of wineorbit.com, who describes melon, lime and apple on the nose and a succulent, fruity palate with terrific intensity. The finish is long and satisfying. (XD - 7 g/L)
BACHELDER L'ARDOISE NIAGARA CHARDONNAY 2023 VQA Niagara Peninsula, On, Canada Vintages #302083 $25.95 This wine is getting consistent high praise among critics. From limestone and shale soils, it showcases its terroir. Fermented and aged in barrels, it is showing honeysuckle and ripe apple and pear on the nose, along with vanilla and cinnamon. The palate is creamy with a mineral finish. Elegant and perfect for your Thanksgiving turkey or Cornish hen. Score - 91 (nataliemaclean.com) (XD - 3 g/L)
CAVE SPRING CSV CAVE SPRING VINEYARD ESTATE GROWN RIESLING 2022
VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, ON, Canada
Vintages #566026 $34.95
This lovely expression of Ontario Riesling gets an impressive 94 points from Magdalena Kaiser, decanter.com. She describes it as intensely complex, showing apricot, honeysuckle and beeswax. The palate is dry, harmonious and textured from time on the lees. Acidity is in perfect balance.
Drinking window:
2024-2032. (XD - 3 g/L)
Best Buy Red Wines
ETCHART CAFAYATE ESTATE MALBEC 2022 Salta, Argentina Vintages #42748 $18.95 This is an easy-going pour with violets, green tea and forest aromas. The palate has generous plum and rich blackberry on the finish. Enjoy with Ribs with Spicy Blackberry Sauce. Score - 93 (International Wine & Spirit Competition, 2023) (XD - 3 g/L)
If you can't find that one, FINCA LAS MORAS PAZ MALBEC 2022, Valle de Pedernal, San Juan, Argentina, Vintages #520486 $18.95 will be a similar choice.
DOMAINE BRUNELY CAIRANNE 2022 Rhone, France Vintages #15520 $18.95 Cairanne is just a stone's throw from Chateauneuf du Pape so it will make an economical choice for a similar experience. Look for smoky, meaty notes that carry to the palate and join some savoury notes. It is more rustic than your typical Cairanne so plan to enjoy with a meal such as Cassoulet. Score - 90 Matt Walls, decanter.com (XD - 5 g/L)
TAGARO CINQUENOCI PRIMITIVO 2021 Puglia, Italy Vintages # 39121 $18.95 Gambero Rosso has suggested in the past that Primitivo is one of the best values in Italian wine going. It is the same as the Zinfandel grape we know from California, but the similarity ends there. The Italian version is more subtle and more elegant. This gets a 92 from Zekun Shuai of jamessuckling.com, who describes sweet spice, herbs and dried fruit on the nose. There is a tight tannic framework and a fruity finish. Plan to enjoy with Tuscan Ribs with Balsamic Glaze. Drink now or hold. (XD - 11 g/L)
FAMILLE LAFAGE CUVÉE NICOLAS VIEILLES VIGNES GRENACHE NOIR 2022
IGP Côtes Catalanes, Rousillon, France Vintages # 354191 $19.95 This gets a 91 from James Suckling, who calls it ' Mellow and joyful with a seductive finish.' Look for cherry, cassis and cola notes over oak spices. Full-bodied with fine tannins and creamy, fruity core. (XD - 3 g/L)
BEST'S BIN NO. 1 GREAT WESTERN SHIRAZ 2022 Victoria, Australia Vintages #222323 $19.95 This gets a 95 score from James Suckling and made # 59 on his Top 100 Wines of Australia 2022. It is 'an impressive wine that punches well above its price point'. Look for savoury herbs and forest floor along with peppery, cherry and oak spice. The palate shows dark fruit and licorice with smooth tannins. Drink now or over the next 8-10 years. (XD - 2 g/L)
CREEKSIDE RED TRACTOR CABERNET/MERLOT 2020 VQA Niagara Peninsula, ON, Canada, Vintages #11851 $19.95 Here is a chance for folks to get to know their 'own backyard' at a very reasonable price. This Cab/Merlot blend won Double Gold at the All Canadian Wine Championships 2023. From Niagara's 'stunning' 2020 vintage, look for layers of dark and red fruit, oak spice, savoury herbs along with hints of chocolate. Enjoy with Pork Osso Bucco. (XD - 6 g/L)
ZONTE'S FOOTSTEP BLACKBERRY PATCH CABERNET 2022 South Australia, Vintages #353193 $19.95 If you are missing your California Cabs - give this one a try. It has dark plum, blackberry and thyme on the nose. The palate is fine with polished tannins, beautifully structured and harmonious, according to Sam Kim of wineorbitz.co.nz. Score 93 (XD - 3 g/L)
ELDERTON BAROSSA SHIRAZ 2022
Barossa, South Australia
Vintages #713024 $27.95
This is an entry level wine as Elderton wines go, so it is a chance to experience a great wine from a respected producer. David Sly of decanter.com gives it a 94 and describes it as follows:
' A heady waft of ripe red berries and a freshly mown meadow framed by eucalyptus trees sets the
stage for a grand red berry entrance - plush, opulent and proud. This has rich redcurrant and blackberry speaking in a loud, clear voice, with the solid fruit platform propelled by a firm acid seam. It finishes tight, aided by a cluster of fine grained tannins, which suggests a long, fruitful life in the cellar. Drinking window: 2026-2039. [Decant for one hour to enjoy tonight.] (XD - 3 g/L)
Score - 94 (David Sly, decanter.com, July 16, 2024)
Related Recipes
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-$30ish 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 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 tastes 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.
laser marking machine
This guide is a treasure trove of wine enthusiasm! Who doesnt want to dive into 100 wines ranked by people who clearly *love* their job? Descriptions like opulent and elegant are so evocative, you can almost taste the... well, the opulence. The Best Buy labels are like finding hidden gold coins in the wine aisle – pure joy! And the dessert wine section? A siren call for the sweet tooth in all of us. While I might quibble over the need for so many perfect pairings, its a delightful, slightly overwhelming reminder of the wonderful world of wine out there, especially when its all conveniently listed with Vintages numbers. Cheers to that!