It seems everything is more expensive these days. But wine, in most cases, has hung tight. In fact, this year’s edition of the Top 40 Best-Value Wines Under $25 at the LCBO features a couple whose costs have actually dropped since last year.

Each of the wines below (prices range from $9.55 to $24.95) are currently available at the LCBO. But note that some are Vintages releases, meaning their stock is limited and temporary (I have not included a few where access is overly difficult due to low stock, so check the LCBO links below beforehand.)

I am once again indebted to Rick VanSickle of Wines in Niagara, the leading expert on Ontario wines, for kindly contributing some local content.

This is easily the biggest shakeup in the TOP 40 ever, with 16 wines making their first appearance on the list.

As always, the Ontario agency (or winery) that distributes each wine is listed after the description, as is the reviewer and their personal score out of 100.

Let me know if you think a particular wine has been missed. And, as always, feedback is welcomed.

 

SPARKLING

J. de Villebois Crémant de Loire — Loire, France ($20.15)
With grapes culled from 14 different parcels, this was a gold medal winner at this year’s Mundus Vini Grand International Wine Awards. The lone sparkling produced by this sustainable Loire Valley winery, it’s a traditional method Crémant featuring toasted chestnuts, vanilla and caramel on the nose, with a smooth, creamy mouthfeel of fine bubbles. The finish is rich but refreshing. Nice quality for this price. 12.5% alc. 10 g/L sugar. (Profile Wine Group) 89 —Ted McIntyre

Tawse Spark Limestone Ridge Organic Sparkling Riesling 2021 —Niagara Peninsula, Ontario ($24.95)
I’d argue this is as good as Canadian-made sparkling wine gets for under $25. Lively streams of microbubbles lift aromas of lemon sorbet, crisp green apple, fresh brioche and a flicker of garden herbs. On the palate it’s zesty citrus, tangy grape skin, dried pineapple and a dash of pastry crust, with a chalky mineral thread. Vibrant acidity and a soft, off-dry finish deliver both lift and gentle sweetness. It all makes for an ideal food pairing with oysters, fried chicken or even spicy and salty snacks. 19 g/L sugar. 12% alc. (Tawse Winery) 92 —Ted McIntyre

Val d’Oca Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore — Veneto, Italy ($19)
Lively, fine bubbles deliver crisp green apple and lemon, while white peach and wildflower linger in the background. An energetic mineral streak underscores the creamy mousse, lifting the wine to a brisk, mouthwatering finish. Beautifully balanced, it’s effortlessly charming and a perfect match for oysters, sushi, or a festive toast as the holiday season approaches. Elegant for a prosecco. 12 g/L sugar. 11.5% alc. (FWM Canada) 89 —Ted McIntyre

 

WHITE

2027 Cellars Wismer Vineyard Foxcroft Block Riesling 2023 — Niagara, Ontario ($18.95)
Wismer Fox Croft tends to be slightly warmer than other sites on the Twenty Mile Bench, due to the lower elevation, and yields a riper style of Riesling. This is bright and overt on the nose with golden apples, lime-citrus, wet-stone minerality and grapefruit zest. It has lovely texture and energy on the palate with saline/chalky notes, lanolin, grapefruit, ripe apple, a touch of ginger and a vibrant, freshening finish. Stock is getting thin, so grab it where you can. 12 g/L sugar. 12.8% alc. (Paul Henderson Consulting) 93 —Rick VanSickle

Beronia Viura 2024 — Rioja, Spain ($13.95)
Here’s a new LCBO listing that’s crazy-good value—a 100% Viura, the chief white grape in Spain’s Rioja region. A greenish-yellow in the glass, the nose is fennel, lime, grapefruit and tropical fruits. On the palate, it’s super-dry and well balanced—good acidity and stone-fruit flavours but with a smoothness that belies its low price point. Fans of crisp whites really should give this a try. 2 g/L sugar. 12.5% alc. (Woodman Wines) 88 —Ted McIntyre

Bollini Pinot Grigio 2024 — Friuli/Trentino, Italy ($19.95)
No simple Pinot Grigio here—in fact, it’s more Pinot Gris in style than I can recall compared to previous vintages. Handpicked from the foothills of Friuli and Trentino in northeast Italy, it has been aged on fine lees for four to five months with weekly stirring to add texture and develop complex aromas (pear, golden apple, acacia flowers, but with mineral tones as well). It’s fresh but rounded. Lemon chicken or pasta primavera are ideal pairings. 89 (Woodman Wines) —Ted McIntyre

Eradus Sauvignon Blanc 2023 — Awatere Valley, Malborough, New Zealand ($19.95)
Capturing the Awatere region’s vibrancy, it brims with intense aromas of grapefruit, lime, lemongrass and green pepper. The palate is zesty and fresh, delivering tropical fruit, crisp apple and a stony minerality alongside characteristic grassy notes, finishing clean and lively. Well-made and food-friendly. 2 g/L sugar. 13.5% alc. (Kolonaki Group) 89 —Ted McIntyre

Fielding Chardonnay 2024 — Niagara Peninsula, Ontario ($16.95)
The 2024 General List Chardonnay at the LCBO has always been made in an unoaked style but it has moved to a barrel-fermented and aged style beginning with this 2024 vintage. This has enticing notes of pear, yellow apples, nectarine, lemon zest and a hint of spice. The palate is rich and creamy with ripe orchard fruits, integrated spices and mouth-watering acidity on the finish. 3 g/L sugar. 12.5% alc. (Fielding Estate Winery) 89 —Rick VanSickle

Leyda Garuma Coastal Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2023 — Leyda Valley, Chile ($18.95)
If you can still find it, this is a fantastic, expressive Sauv Blanc. Named for a small seagull found along the Chilean coastline, it promises vibrant aromatics of citrus, green apple and fresh herbs, driven by the region’s cool Pacific breezes. The palate is crisp and precise, showing zesty lemon and saline minerality, but with a creamy undertone from partial barrel fermentation. Elegant, structured and persistent. 2 g/L sugar. 13.5% alc. (Philippe Dandurand Wines Ltd.) 91 —Ted McIntyre

Marisco Vineyards The Ned Sauvignon Blanc 2023 — Malborough, New Zealand ($16)
Lively and classic, this remains the best-valued Sauvignon Blanc out there. It offers pronounced aromas of kiwi, grapefruit and lime, with undertones of crisp pear and green apple. Fresh, zesty acidity balances a nicely rounded palate, finishing with herbaceous, grassy notes and a pleasant minerality. Crisp, refreshing and approachable, it’s versatile with seafood or salads. (Authentic Wine & Spirits Merchants) 90 —Ted McIntyre

Mount Riley Sauvignon Blanc 2024 — Malborough, New Zealand ($18)
This should add a little zing to a dreary autumn day. Blended from multiple sites, including the Awatere and Wairau Valley, and benefitting from an outstanding vintage, this sauvignon blanc features expressive aromas of grapefruit, passion fruit, gooseberries, and herbs. Drink on its own and pair it up with seafood and salads. 13% alc. 4 g/L sugar. (Woodman Wines) 89 —Ted McIntyre

Skouras Wild Ferment Assyrtiko 2024 — Peloponnese, Greece ($19.95)
This is a crisp and lively white, with bright lemon, crisp apple and a hint of pear layered over flinty minerality. The wild ferment brings a subtle, earthy complexity and savory edge, adding depth to its vibrant freshness. A saline note and balanced acidity carry through its textured, dry finish. While delicious now, it should also age nicely. 2 g/L sugar. 12% alc. (Kolonaki Group) 91 —Ted McIntyre

Thalia White (Sauvignon Blanc/Assyrtiko) 2022 — Peloponnese, Greece ($13.10)
The No. 1 Greek wine at the LCBO in the category, this white blend is brisk and lively, balancing the zesty citrus and subtle herbal character of Assyrtiko with the tropical and floral tones of Sauvignon Blanc. Hints of mint, minerality and fresh bread add complexity to its medium body and crisp, dry finish. Perfect with seafood or grilled vegetables.11.5% alc. 4 g/L sugar. (Kolonaki Group) 88 —Ted McIntyre

Thirty Bench Winemaker’s Blend Riesling 2024 — Beamsville Bench, Ontario ($22.95)
This is a 100% estate blend from the three blocks—Steel Post, Triangle and Wood Post—of Riesling on the farm. It shows gushing lime, white peach, saline minerality and bright apple notes on the nose. It’s refreshing and lifted on the palate, showing classic Beamsville Bench wet stones and saline minerality, orchard fruits, zesty citrus and mouth-watering acidity to keep it lively on the finish. Can cellar through 2032. 16 g/L sugar. 11/1% alc. (Andrew Peller Ltd.) 92 —Rick VanSickle

Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc 2024 — Malborough, New Zealand ($20)
A standard bearer of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. A little fresher and more aromatic than the 2023 vintage, this latest edition pops with green apple, citrus, passionflower, pineapple and fresh-cut grass. It’s still silky but with vibrant acidity. It still smells like spring and flows like a summer stream. But it’s just fine for autumn and winter too! 5 g/L sugar. 12% alc. (Philippe Dandurand Wines) 91 —Ted McIntyre

Vineland Elevation St. Urban Riesling 2024 — Vineland, Ontario ($22.95)
A perennial all-star. Vibrant, focused and a purity and character derived from some of the oldest Riesling vines in Ontario. It bursts with savoury lemon/lime, green apple and white peach layered over a backbone of mineral and saline nuance. A hint of honeyed sweetness lingers on the palate, while mouthwatering acidity balances the higher sugar content. The finish is long, stony and energetic—a terrific example of Niagara bench terroir with excellent aging potential. Always among the best Ontario wines you can buy for under $25. 36 g/L sugar. 8.4% alc. (Vineland Estate Wines) 92 —Ted McIntyre

 

ROSÉ

Albino Armani Rosé 2024 — Trentino, Italy ($15.95) 
With a name that sounds like a fashion house and a flavour that walks the catwalk deftly without tripping over itself, this rosé is peak summer in a bottle, regardless of the time of year. Its blend of red grapes is sourced from vines grown in the mountainous foothills of the southern Adige Valley in northern Italy, where the harsh mountain climate is moderated by the influence of nearby Lake Garda—the sort of setting that could have been a backdrop for The Sound of Music. The aroma is all delicate white flowers and red berries, with a hint of watermelon and wet stone. It’s dry (just 4g/L of sugar), elegant and dangerously easy to finish—so not so much a sexy pool party as a garden party in the rain. 12.5% alc. (Majestic Wine Cellars) 89 —Ted McIntyre

Gérard Bertrand Côte des Roses Rosé 2024 — Languedoc, France ($19.95)
Blushing softly in its sculpted glass, this French rosé is capped with a glass stopper and presented in a showpiece bottle whose base mimics the intricacy of a blooming rose. While visually impressive, the stopper is a touch cumbersome to remove. But it’s what’s inside that counts. Aromas evoke tangy orchard fruits, wild rose and tart berry. Its palate is lively and mouthwatering, with saline minerality and creamy waves—refreshing and perfect for festive gatherings—be they seaside in the summer or around the table during the holiday season. 2 g/L sugar. 13% alcohol. (FWM Canada) 89 —Ted McIntyre

Le Bijou de Sophie Valrose Rosé 2024 — Languedoc, France ($17.95)
From Côteaux de Béziers in Southwest France, an hour’s drive west of Montpellier, comes this pale and elegant blend of Cinsault (45%), Grenache (40%), Caladoc (10%) and Syrah (5%). Contributing structure and vibrancy to the final product, Caladoc is a rare, drought-resistant crossing of Grenache and Malbec that’s gaining traction for its lower irrigation needs and resistance to disease. 4 g/L sugar. 12.5% alc. (Noble Estates) 89 —Ted McIntyre

 

RED

13th Street Gamay, Noir — Niagara Peninsula, Ontario ($19.95)
One of the grapes Ontario does really well is Gamay Noir, and this is a prime example. Bursting with red raspberry, cherry and plum, and accented by fresh herbs, black pepper and stony minerality, it arrives with lively acidity and light tannins, with that pepper-dusted fruit hanging out for a long, vibrant finish. Crowd-pleasing, food-friendly and a superb value. 3 g/L sugar. 12% alc. (Noble Estates) 90 —Ted McIntyre

Anciano No. 7 Reserva Rioja 2018 — Rioja, Spain ($17)
Aged for seven years, this Reserva showcases mature dark cherry, toffee, floral and nutty notes, with integrated hints of toasted oak and spice. Silky-smooth with supple tannins, its peppery edge lifts layers of dried fruit and earthy complexity. The extra bottle aging adds depth and character, making it immensely drinkable and harmonious now. 2 g/L sugar. 14% alc. (Authentic Wine & Spirits Merchants) 90 —Ted McIntyre

Arboleda Carménère 2022 — Aconcagua Valley, Chile ($18.95)
Velvety and generous, this Chilean Carménère opens with lush blackberry, ripe plum and distinctive green bell pepper. Earthy undertones weave with tobacco, cocoa and subtle smoky spice, while peppery accents add lift. Featuring supple tannins and juicy acidity, it’s richly layered and inviting on the palate. Pair it up with roast lamb and grilled vegetables. 2 g/L sugar. 14% alc. (Mark Anthony Group) 90 —Ted McIntyre

Beronia Tempranillo 2023 — Rioja, Spain ($14.95)
Here’s a vibrant, medium-bodied Tempranillo with lively aromas of strawberry, cherry and cocoa over a subtle mineral base. Gentle acidity and moderate tannins give it a smooth texture, while notes of cedar and spice add complexity to its fresh fruit profile. It finishes clean and pairs nicely with grilled lamb, Spanish tapas, pizza, hamburgers, etc. Super value. 14% alc. 3 g/L sugar. (Woodman Wines) 88 —Ted McIntyre

Brigaldara Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore 2022 — Veneto, Italy ($22.95)
Stock is low, so find it and buy it—no questions asked. Sensational value. Dried cherry, strawberry, spice and touches of camphor and cedar. Medium-bodied and dry, it shows smooth tannins and bright acidity, with a polished finish that’s both savoury and fresh. 4 g/L sugar. 14.5% alc. (Rogers & Company) 92 —Ted McIntyre

Casa Santos Lima Confidencial Reserva 2020 — Lisboa, Portugal ($15.95)
Casa Santos Lima must have produced an awful lot of bottles of Confidencial in 2020, because this is the same vintage I reviewed last year, and it is at least as good as it was then. A secret 10-grape red blend, it features six months of partial aging in 250-litre barriques of French and Portuguese oak. There’s plum, vanilla and dark wild berries, inching into dark red fruit, on the nose. Additional notes of chocolate, earth and spice complement the mix. I wish it were a little drier, but the 9 g/L of residual sugar, as always, is in balance. This is a perennial can’t-miss for red wine fans at a party. 13.5% alc. (Majestic Wine Cellars) 89 —Ted McIntyre

El Goru Red Blend 2022 — Jumilla, Spain ($14.95)
A blend of predominantly Monastrell (Mouvèdre in Franc) with Syrah and Petit Verdot, this is a monster wine that will sell over 100,000 bottles this year. It’s rich with ripe cherry, black plum and wild blueberry, all woven with smoky oak, creamy vanilla and hints of cinnamon. Plush tannins and a whisper of gamey, cured meat run through the palate, lending a savory dimension alongside its concentrated fruit. A bold table companion. 14% alc. 4 g/L sugar. (Kolonaki Group) 90—Ted McIntyre

Fantini Casale Vecchio Lot 23 Montepulciano D’Abruzzo DOC Organic 2024 — Abruzzo, Italy ($11.80)
Aroma-packed and approachable, this organic Montepulciano balances vivid blackberry, plum and red cherry with layers of licorice, spice and dried fig. Medium-bodied and velvety, it offers gentle tannins, lively acidity and a touch of vanilla from oak aging. Superb value and crowd-pleasing polish—ideal for casual sipping or pairing with pizza. 5 g/L sugar. 14% alc. (Profile Wine Group) 88 —Ted McIntyre

Farina Valpolicella Ripasso 2022 — Veneto, Italy ($18.35)
The finished blend of Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara, Corvinone and Oseleta undergoes a second fermentation on the leftover Amarone grape skins and lees, adding oomph to layers of cherry preserve and dark plum. Throw in a dusting of cocoa, backed by soft tannins and supple acidity. Hints of licorice, pepper and toasted spice weave throughout the palate, while a gentle richness suggests dried fruit and nutmeg. Hovering between medium and full bodied, it’s perfect for roasted meats or hearty pastas. Great value. 13.5% alc. 7 g/L sugar. (Majestic Wine Cellars) 90 —Ted McIntyre

Garzón Reseva Tannat — Uruguay ($21.95)
Grown just 18 kilometres from Uruguay’s Atlantic coast on breezy, granite-rich slopes in Maldonado, Garzón Reserva Tannat 2023 pours deep purple and unleashes dense dark fruit, wild herbs and a flash of violet. Robust tannins and taut acidity drive a long, mineral finish shaped by the ocean’s cooling effects. 14.7% alc. 5 g/L sugar. (Mark Anthony Group) 90 —Ted McIntyre

Henry of Pelham The Painted Wagon Pinot Noir Reserve 2024 — Niagara Peninsula, Ontario ($21.95)
Full disclosure—I probably wouldn’t guess Pinot Noir in a blind tasting. As opposed to the usual floral, pretty profile of classic pinots, this is a more muscular, fruit-forward version. Elegant and expressive, it unfolds with waves of ripe raspberry, cherry and clove, lifted by subtle tobacco and cedar. The palate is supple and balanced, with more of that plush fruit, earthy undertones and a hint of spicy oak. Its savoury finish is long and polished. 5 g/L sugar. 13% alc. (FWM Canada) 90 —Ted McIntyre

Louis Bernard Côtes-du-Rhône Villages 2022 —Rhone, France ($16.95)
Lots of character in this Rhône blend, with ripe black cherry, dark plum and hints of peppery spice and charcoal. Generous fruit is layered with garrigue and mineral, while gentle tannins frame a long, silky finish. Full-bodied, yet harmonious, it’s ideal with grilled meats or hearty fare. Balanced acidity and polished texture ensure great versatility. 4 g/L sugar. 14% alc. (Authentic Wine & Spirits Merchants) 89 —Ted McIntyre

Luigi Bosca Malbec 2024 — Mendoza, Argentina ($19.95)
This vintage opens with aromas of ripe blackberries, violets and subtle dried herbs. On the palate, juicy plum, crushed berries and a dusting of cinnamon flow over supple tannins and bright acidity. Hints of spice and wildflowers add complexity. Balanced and versatile, with fine tannic structure, lively character and good length. 3 g/L sugar. 13.7% alc. (FWM Canada) 89 —Ted McIntyre

Masi Campofiorin 2021 — Veneto, Italy ($24.95)
Made in the Ripasso style (refermenting Valpolicella wine on the leftover pomace from Amarone production for added richness and complexity), this is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Ripe cherry and field berry fruit, with vanilla and hints of sweet spice. Smooth tannins and bright acidity balance its elegant, near full-bodied frame. Pair it up with pasta and grilled meats. 6 g/L sugar. 13% alc. (Authentic Wine & Spirits Merchants) 91 —Ted McIntyre

Oenops Apla Dry Red Blend 2022 — Drama, Greece ($19.95)
Explore the world a little with this Xinomavro blend from Greece. Vibrant, with forest floor herbs, strawberries and raspberries on the nose. Its medium body delivers bright acidity, lightly grippy tannins and an elegant, savoury finish. Deliciously fresh and modern—and versatile when it comes to food pairing or simply sipping. 3g/L sugar. 13% alc. (Nicholas Pearce Wines) 91 —Ted McIntyre

Pascual Toso Limited Edition Malbec 2023 — Mendoza, Argentina
 ($16.95)
Partly matured eight months in American oak, this Mendoza Malbec boasts deep violet colour and an expressive bouquet of blackberry, plum and wildflowers, complemented with mocha, smoke and spice. The palate melds dark fruit, vanilla and licorice over chewy tannins, with a rich, rounded finish. 2 g/L sugar. 13.5% alc. (Authentic Wine & Spirits Merchants) 90 —Ted McIntyre

Pasqua Passimento 2022 — Vento, Italy ($15)
Crafted in the appassimento style—using partially dried Merlot and Corvina grapes to intensify richness and aroma—this red is a deep ruby hue in the glass. It offers generous cherry and ripe plum fruit on the nose, accented with cocoa, coffee and licorice, layered with vanilla and spice. On the palate, plush black and red fruits are driven by streamlined acidity and velvety tannins. A lot here for the price. 14% alc. 10 g/L sugar. (Mark Anthony) 88 —Ted McIntyre

Rua N2 2023 — Alentejo, Portugal ($9.55)
Named after Portugal’s iconic national highway, this red blend of Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Nacional and Aragonez carries expressive notes of cherry, chocolate and fig, followed by layers of blackberry, dried fruit and cocoa. Its mouthfeel is plush, and despite the higher sugar content, it’s much less sappy and sweet than you’d typically expect at this price point. But, seriously, I need a corkscrew to open a sub-$10 wine? 12g/L sugar. 13.5% alc. (Profile Wine Group) 87 —Ted McIntyre

The Foreign Affair The Conspiracy 2023 — Niagara Peninsula, Ontario ($19.95)
The Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot grapes were harvested, fermented and aged separately before final blending. The Ripasso-style wine was then repassed over the skins of appassimento Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and aged in American and French oak barrels for 10 months. It has a juicy, fruit-laden nose of black cherries, wild raspberries, plums, smoky/earthy notes and spice. It’s smooth and has some structure on the palate, with an overt and sassy melange of dark and red fruits, anise, raisins, pepper, toasted vanilla and spice on a bright finish. Can cellar through 2030. 4 g/L sugar. 12.8% alc. (Corby Spirit & Wine) 90 —Rick VanSickle

Tarapacá Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 — Maipo Valley, Chile ($18.95)
This bold, polished red offers intense cassis, blackberry and plum, layered with dark chocolate, graphite, olive and cedar. Supple tannins and lively acidity provide balance, while spicy vanilla and earth accents add depth. Long and flavourful, it’s ideal with grilled meats or aged cheese. 4 g/L sugar. 14% alc. (Philippe Dandurand Wines) 90 —Ted McIntyre

Volcanes de Chile Tectonia Grenache/Petite Sirah/Mourvèdre 2021 – Central Valley, Chile ($24.95)
A new release in Vintages, this Chilean gem erupts with personality—ripe blackberry, cracked pepper and smoky volcanic flair. The Grenache’s brightness meets Petite Sirah’s muscle, wrapped in Mourvèdre’s earthy grip. Lively acidity keeps it dancing, while the tannins are well integrated. Pair it up with grilled meats and rich dishes. 3 g/L sugar. 14.5% alc. (Woodman Wines) 91 —Ted McIntyre