Well, tomorrow’s the big day—the 2025 edition of the TOP 40 Best-Value Wines at the LCBO. But culling the herd is always difficult—this year in particular. In all the years I’ve been piecing together this annual list, I’ve never had so many agonizing cuts as this time around. It got to the point where I seriously contemplated simply making it a Top 50 for 2025.

But it’s a big enough group to begin with—and so 40 it shall remain.

Below are the unlucky 13 that were the final cuts—all priced under $25 (I’m admittedly not positive I made the right choice in a couple cases). Suffice it to say that each of the following still represents excellent bang for the buck.

(Note that the wine’s Ontario agency, the reviewer and reviewer rating are listed at the end of each description.)

Beronia Elaboracion Especial 2023 — Rioja, Spain ($18.95)
Price has been steadily climbing on this one, but it’s still a superb value for a well-structured big red. This 100% Tempranillo is produced in a unique way—slowly barrel-fermented until malolactic fermentation begins, then rested on its lees for nine months. This accounts for its brooding garnet hue in the glass. The nose is rich too—black cherries, black currants, licorice, coffee, smoke. On the palate, it’s denser, fuller-bodied and more tannic than its little brother, the Beronia Rioja. This is a long-time go-to wine for me personally. 3 g/L sugar. 14% alc. (Woodman Wines) 89 —Ted McIntyre

Berton Vineyards The Black Shiraz 2022 — Australia ($16.05)
Here’s a shiraz with universal party appeal (and with a classy-looking, understated metal label, in case you’re planning to gift it). Pouring an inky, dense purple, it shows powerful aromas of blackberry, ripe plum, toasty coffee and spicy oak. The palate is rich and full-bodied, with layers of plum, blueberry, mocha and black pepper, underpinned by ripe, dense tannins and a long, chocolate-tinged finish. Though it seems sweetish, it’s just 5 g/L sugar. 14% alc. (Authentic Wine & Spirits Merchants) 88 —Ted McIntyre

Château Juvenal Les Ribes Du Vallat 2022 — Rhone, France ($24.95)
Getting low in stock, this Rhône blend is dominated by Grenache (70%) but with the remaining 30% of Syrah still evocative, showcasing wild strawberry, red berry, blue fruits and Provençal herbs—notably the region’s classic garrigue (think of an earthy aromatic mix of wild Mediterranean herbs like thyme, rosemary, lavender, sage and juniper). On the palate, it’s medium-bodied with fruit-packed palate. Great depth to this one. There’s no hiding the heat of the alcohol, though. 3 g/L sugar. 15% alc. (Signature Wines & Spirits) 89
—Ted McIntyre

El Tocador Old Vines Tempranillo 2023 — Castilla y Léon, Spain ($11.95)
Dark cherry, blueberry jam and vanilla aromas lead into a palate of juicy berries, milk chocolate and hints of coffee. Medium-bodied, it’s smooth and supple, with gentle oak influence, layered black fruit and ripe tannins on the palate. It lacks the oomph and finish of your typical Tempranillo, but it’s a solid Spanish red for burgers and nachos at this price point. 3 g/L sugar. 14% alc. (FWM Canada) 86 —Ted McIntyre

Garzón Single Vineyard Albariño 2024 — Uruguay ($25.30)
Ok, technically it’s 30 cents over the $25 ceiling, but we’re gonna look the other way. This Uruguayan white opens with crisp aromas of nectarine, lemon peel and mango, giving way to stone fruit and white blossoms. The palate is charged with citrus, tropical fruit and a briny mineral backbone (attribute those last two characteristics to the vineyards’ proximity to the Pacific Ocean). Marked acidity and elegant texture define the finish. Pair it up with seafood or ceviche. 2 g/L sugar. 13% alc. 2 g/L (Mark Anthony) 90 —Ted McIntyre

Gloria Grillo 2023 — Sicily, Italy ($15.90)
A very safe wine for entertaining, this organic white is made from Sicily’s native Grillo grape. It’s punchier in its aromatics than your standard Pinot Grigio, and without the acidic edge of a typical Sauvignon Blanc. There are citrus, peach, pineapple, honeysuckle and light floral notes, offering a bright, golden yellow colour in the glass, and a juicy, near-medium-bodied, crisp palate. Refreshing and unoaked, it suits seafood, salads and fresh cheeses. 7 g/L sugar. 12.5% alc. (Authentic Wine & Spirits Merchants) 88 —Ted McIntyre

Henry of Pelham The School House Cabernet-Merlot Reserve 2024 — Niagara Peninsula, Ontario ($19.95)
A very near miss to the Top 40 here. Tons of ripe, lush, blackberry, blackcurrant, plum and black cherry fruit are shoehorned into the bottle. Secondary notes of vanilla, cedar, mocha and baking spice. Medium to full-bodied and dry, with more of that mouthwatering fruit and subtle oak in the glass. 4 g/L sugar. 13% alc. (FWM Canada) 89 —Ted McIntyre

Kacaba Unoaked Chardonnay 2024 — Vineland, Ontario ($15.95)
This has a pure, aromatic nose of ripe pear, nectarine, white peaches and golden apples. It’s clean and juicy on the palate with a melange of orchard fruits, a creamy texture and a touch of citrus on a lifted, vibrant finish. Good value LCBO wine! 2 g/L sugar. 13.5% alc. (Kacaba Vineyards) 88 —Rick VanSickle

Malivoire Che Bello Sparkling — Niagaea Peninsula, Ontario ($19.95)
Called me old-fashioned, but I have never been a fan of a crown cap on a bottle of sparkling wine. That said, I am a fan of this wine—a lively, Prosecco-styled bubbly crafted from 83% Seyval Blanc and 17% Chardonnay. Made using the Charmat method, with secondary fermentation in a pressurized tank, it is vegan-friendly and certified organic. Expect inviting aromas of peach, pear and citrus, with notes of brioche and tangerine. Crisp acidity, creamy mousse and a long, refreshing finish, with a touch of sweetness. 19 g/L sugar. 11% alc. (Noble Estates) 89 —Ted McIntyre

Monte Antico 2020 —Tuscany, Italy ($17.95)
There’s a rustic smell of Tuscany in this red blend—a Chianti-like Sangiovese (85%) but with 10% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon enriching the medium-bodied mix. Aging includes a year in oak and more than three years in the bottle now. It’s food-friendly (perfect with pizza!) but just light enough to be a sipper too. And this was a great vintage in Tuscany to boot. Monte Antico has been on this best-value list before and likely will be again. 13% alc. 7 g/L sugar. (Woodman Wines) 88 —Ted McIntyre

Peninsula Ridge Inox Chardonnay 2024 — Beamsville, Ontario ($16.95)
There’s more to this than you’d expect at the price. Vibrant aromas of green apple, citrus and delicate white blossoms on the nose, expressing the purity of Niagara fruit. Cool-temperature fermented and aged in stainless steel, it spent four months on its lees, preserving freshness and building texture. The palate shows off that crisp, unoaked and fruit-driven style, finishing with striking minerality. 2 g/L sugar. 12.5% alc. (Michael Andrew Brands) 90 —Ted McIntyre

Perez Cruz Cabernet Sauvignon Gran Reserva 2023 — Maipo Valley, Chile ($15.95)
If there are three wines here that I’m having second thoughts about—that maybe should have been included among the Top 40 for 2025—this is among them. Fabulously priced, it pours deep ruby red, with uplifting aromas of cassis, blackcurrant, cherry and blackberry, accented by mint, wild herbs and spice. The palate is full-bodied and well-structured, delivering vibrant dark fruit, with hints of toast and vanilla, wrapped in smooth, rounded tannins and a persistent finish. Super value. 3 g/L sugar. 13.4% alc. (Charton Hobbs) 89 —Ted McIntyre

Vasse Felix Filius Chardonnay 2023 — Margaret River, Western Australia ($23.95)
Had it not been so low on stock, this would definitely be among the Top 40. But keep it on your radar—a modern Margaret River Chardonnay, bursting with peach blossom, mandarin orange, green apple, nectarine and lemon. Aged in oak for 7.5 months, it opens creamy and juicy with layered citrus, hints of almond, toasty oak and tingly acidity, with a strong mineral backbone. As polished as your marble countertop. 2 g/L sugar. 12.5% alc. (Breakthru Beverage Group) 92 —Ted McIntyre