After months of sampling and thinning the herd, the 2026 edition of TheLushLife.ca’s annual TOP 40—the best values at the LCBO for under $25—is here. Life may be getting absurdly expensive but thankfully you can still indulge at a reasonable price. Some of these are LCBO general-list products, but a handful are recent Vintages releases, so don’t wait too long to track them down—they may not be around for long.

As in previous years, sugar and alcohol content are listed, along with the Ontario agency representing each label.

Hope you enjoy the list. And, as always, let me know what you think I’m missing!

SPARKLING

Hinterland Whitecap 2025 — Prince Edward County, Ontario ($23.25)

Ontario’s answer to Prosecco has plenty of personality of its own. This Riesling-Vidal blend gets its bubbles through the Charmat method—a second fermentation in a sealed tank rather than individual bottles, keeping the emphasis on fresh fruit. Think pear, green apple and peach, with floral aromas, a citrus tang and a hint of ginger. A creamy texture softens the fizz, and there’s a little sweetness, but enough acidity to keep it refreshing right through the finish. Named for Lake Ontario’s frothy waves, it’s an easygoing pour with more flavour than its modest alcohol might suggest. Try it with spicy foods. 15 g/L sugar. 10.5% alc. (Noble Estates Wines & Spirits) 90

Peller Private Reserve Fracette Rosé VQA — Ontario ($18.95)

Icewine in a dry sparkler? Not what I was expecting either. This rosé belongs to Ontario’s newly regulated Fracette category, which uses Icewine to fuel the secondary fermentation that creates the bubbles. The yeast consumes the sugar, leaving added complexity rather than dessert-wine sweetness. Fresh red berries, orchard fruit and a touch of apricot give it an inviting fruit profile. The process seems to add smoothness and length, while the finish stays crisp and dry. Really impressive for a sub-$20 Ontario bubbly! 5 g/L sugar. 12% alc. (Andrew Peller Ltd.) 90

Pere Ventura Primer Organic Reserva Brut Cava 2023 — Penedès, Spain ($20.95)

There’s more going on here than the price suggests. Made by the traditional method from organically grown Xarel-lo, Parellada and Macabeu, this Spanish sparkler combines apple and citrus with riper apricot, toasted almond and a pastry-like richness. Time on the lees adds a creamy dimension, while firm acidity keeps the fruit and nutty flavours in balance. Dry as a bone (the LCBO Lists 0 sugar, if that’s even possible) but far from lean, it has enough character for the dinner table without needing a special occasion. Try it with fried calamari, roast chicken or salty snacks. 11.5% alc. Get it while it lasts, as LCBO stock is low. (Rogers & Company) 90

Sacchetto Fili Prosecco Brut Millesimato — Veneto, Italy ($16.95)

A silver medallist at the Mundus Vini Spring Tasting, the 2024 vintage of this prosecco is a crowd-pleaser. Right out of the bottle, you get bright, clean aromas of fresh green orchard fruit and citrus. Brut style—clocking in at 11.5% alc. and a balanced 12 g/l residual sugar—it’s dry and crisp. The real standout here is how that crisp green apple finish stretches out, leaving a refreshing, vibrant zip after every single sip. A solid everyday sparkler or a perfect companion for white meats or a fresh seafood dinner. (Woodman Wines & Spirits Ltd.) 89

Veuve Ambal Crémant De Bourgogne Grande Cuvée Brut — Burgundy. France ($24.95)

A non-vintage, Champagne-style bubbly that never fails—and doesn’t require a Champagne budget. Apple, lemon and delicate floral notes mingle with a little toast. The bubbles give it a creamy texture, balanced by refreshing acidity. There’s enough substance for dinner, though I’d happily start pouring while the cooking’s still underway. Celebration-worthy, occasion optional. 10 g/L sugar. 12% alc. (Sylvestre Wines & Spirits) 90

 

WHITE 

Bollini Pinot Grigio 2025 — Alto Adige-Trentino, Italy ($19.95)

A Pinot Grigio for people who don’t think they like Pinot Grigio. Pear and apple mingle with delicate white-flower aromas and a faint mineral note. There’s actual flavour here, not just something cold and wet in the glass. The fruit has a gentle roundness, balanced by fresh acidity and a dry finish. An uncomplicated choice for vegetable pasta, grilled chicken or light appetizers. Serve lightly chilled rather than ice-cold. 2 g/L sugar. 12% alc. (Woodman Wines & Spirits) 89

Casal di Serra Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore 2024 — Marche, Italy ($18.95)

An Italian Verdicchio with some substance—and a very reasonable price. Ripe peach, yellow apple and pear mingle with white flowers, lemon peel and a savoury herbal note. There’s a generous, rounded feel to the fruit, but brisk acidity and a lightly salty finish keep it refreshing. The flavours linger longer than you might expect from an under-$20 bottle. I’d put this one on the dinner table with roast chicken, grilled fish or a creamy mushroom pasta. Get this Oct. 24 release while you can. (Connexion Oenephilia) 90

 

Cave Spring Riesling 2024 — Niagara Peninsula, Ontario ($16.95)

A terrific-value Niagara Riesling with more depth than its modest price suggests. Bright grapefruit and lemon mingle with pear, apricot and delicate floral and herbal accents. Dry and medium-bodied, it balances generous fruit with racy acidity and a chalky texture, building toward a lingering, saline-edged finish. At just 11% alcohol, it delivers flavour and structure without weight, with ample fruit to soften its crisp acidity. Pair with goat cheese, sushi, pan-seared trout or lemon-braised chicken. (Cave Spring Cellars) 90

 

Kacaba Unoaked Chardonnay 2025 — Vineland, Ontario ($16.95)

No oak, no fuss, and a silver medal at the 2026 National Wine Awards of Canada. Apple, pear and citrus make this an inviting white, with a little almond and a lightly salty edge. The apple has a touch of baked-fruit richness, but juicy acidity keeps the palate refreshing rather than weighty. A good choice for anyone who likes Chardonnay’s fruit but would rather skip the wood. Pour it before dinner or alongside seafood or pasta in a cream sauce. 2 g/L sugar. 13.5% alc. (Kacaba Vineyards) 89

 

Ken Forrester Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc 2025 —Stellenbosch, South Africa ($18.95)

This South African Chenin has a little flesh on its bones without throwing its weight around. Pineapple and melon are up front, with a mineral streak keeping things lively. It feels lighter on its feet than previous vintages, which I prefer, but it’s still rounded and gently creamy, with a clean, refreshing finish. If lightly oaked Chardonnay is your usual order, and you haven’t yet tried this award-winning wine, it’s a very worthwhile change of scenery. 2 g/L sugar. 13% alc. (Noble Estates Wines & Spirits Inc.) 90

Kew Marsanne/Viognier 2024 — Niagara Peninsula, Ontario ($22.95)

A new release in limited supply, but something special if you can find it. To begin with, this is not your everyday Ontario white, but we’re all the more welcome for it. A gold medallist at the 2026 National Wine Awards of Canada, this blend of 53% Marsanne and 47% Viognier offers ripe peach, pear and orange blossom, with hints of almond, vanilla and white pepper. The texture is creamy and generous, but citrus acidity keeps the richness from becoming too much. There’s a honeyed impression to the fruit, though the wine is dry, and the flavours linger. A particularly good choice if you like a fuller white but want a change from Chardonnay. I’d serve it with roast chicken or pork tenderloin. 2 g/L sugar. 13% alc. (Arterra Wines Canada) 91

Left Field Sauvignon Blanc — Nelson, New Zealand ($16.95)

Imagine passion fruit and nectarine, then add a squeeze of lime, a pinch of cut grass and a cool breeze. It’s not sweet, not heavy, and not trying too hard—it’s just a fresh, fruity, easy to drink, medium-bodied and continually under-priced Sauvignon Blanc. 5 g/L sugar. 12% alc. (Philippe Dandurand Wines Ltd.) 90

Leyda Garuma Coastal Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2024 — Leyda Valley, Chile ($18.95)

While there’s lime and mango there, it’s less about the fruit and more about minerals and herbs. More complex and textured than your standard Sauvignon Blanc. A perennially outstanding value, and a personal favourite. 2 g/L sugar. 13.5% alc. (Philippe Dandurand Wines Ltd.) 91

Marisco Vineyards The Ned Sauvignon Blanc 2024 — Malborough, New Zealand ($16.95)

Lively and classic, this remains one of the strongest values in Sauvignon Blanc. Passionfruit adds tropical richness to a bright citrus core of grapefruit, lemon and lime, while a peppery green accent gives the fruit a savoury counterpoint. There’s generosity without heaviness, with mouthwatering acidity keeping the palate nimble and the citrus-led finish refreshing. It retains the easygoing appeal you’d expect from The Ned, enough herbal bite to a medium-bodied white. A natural with seafood, goat cheese or fresh salads. 4 g/L sugar. 12.5% alc. (Authentic Wine & Spirits Merchants) 90

Quadrus White 2023 — Douro, Portugal ($23.95)

Founded in 2005 by Toronto brothers Tony and Mario Amaro of Opus Restaurant, Quadrus shows that the Douro Valley can produce compelling table wines beyond its famed Ports and bold reds. From terraced, schist-rich vineyards about 650 metres above the river, high-elevation fruit brings freshness, tension and a clear sense of place. This crisp, aromatic blend of Malvasia, Rabigato and Viosinho offers citrus, orchard fruit, honey, white flowers and a salty mineral edge. Medium-light in weight and lively, it pairs well with seafood, grilled fish or lighter poultry—an appealing introduction to the Douro’s increasingly impressive dry whites. (Halpern Enterprises). 3 g/L sugar. 13% alc. 91

Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc —Malborough, New Zealand ($19.95)

Unmistakably Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, this impresses year after year. Passionfruit, grapefruit and lime alongside lemongrass and fresh herbs. Fruit from the warmer Wairau Valley supplies the tropical flavours, while the cooler Awatere Valley contributes the citrus and herbal character. Apple and a faint stony note round out the palate, with refreshing acidity balancing the ripe fruit. It’s expressive without being heavy, and an easy bottle to open with seafood, a chicken salad or something involving goat cheese. 5 g/L sugar. 12% alc. (Philippe Dandurand Wines) 90

Vineland Estates Elevation St. Urban Vineyard Riesling 2024 —Vineland, Ontario ($22.95)

Electric is the word for what Vineland Estates calls its “white wine soul.” Drawn from Canada’s oldest intact Riesling vineyards (1979), this vibrant white bursts with lemon-lime zest, crisp apple and white peach over a foundation of wet limestone. A touch of honeyed sweetness rounds the fruit, while brisk, mouthwatering acidity keeps everything beautifully focused. The interplay of sweetness, citrus and stony minerality gives it both immediate appeal and impressive staying power. Pair with Thai green curry, aged Ontario cheddar or simply another glass. A benchmark Niagara Riesling and terrific value despite its price increase. (Vineland Estates Winery) 31 g/L sugar. 8.4% alc. 92

ROSÉ

Gérard Bertrand Côte Des Roses Rosé 2025 — Languedoc, France ($19.95)

The rose sculpted into the bottle’s base makes this an easy gift, although the glass stopper still takes a little wrestling. Fortunately, there’s more here than clever packaging. The 2025 brings together tart red berries, citrus and a touch of flowers, with enough rounded fruit to cushion its mouthwatering acidity. A faint saltiness adds interest on the finish. Refreshing without feeling thin, it’s a rosé I’d happily carry from the summer patio to the holiday table. Try it with grilled shrimp, salmon or a spread of appetizers. 2 g/L sugar. 13% alcohol. (FWM Canada) 89

Speck Bros. Wine Three of Hearts Rosé 2025 — Niagara Peninsula ($19.95)

One assumes it must be decent when it has its own website—though a silver medal at the 2026 National Wine Awards of Canada makes a stronger case. Strawberry, white peach and a floral touch make an inviting introduction, with raspberry and melon rounding out the palate. There’s enough body to give it some presence, balanced by refreshing acidity. Pour alongside shrimp tacos, white pizza or a charcuterie board—no patio required.

 

RED

13th Street Burger Blend (Red) — Niagara Peninsula, Ontario ($15.95)

What began in the late 1990s as a casual experiment, blending virtually every red grape in the winery’s cellar, has evolved into something considerably more purposeful. Revived after a long hiatus, Burger Blend is now a non-vintage marriage of Gamay Noir and Pinot Noir, designed with the tangy, savoury condiments of a backyard burger in mind. Light on its feet, with bright red berry fruit, juicy acidity and savoury character, it’s refreshingly unburdened by the weight and muscle of many red blends. The name may undersell it, but don’t underestimate what’s in your glass. A surprisingly accomplished Ontario red. 4 g/L sugar. 13.5% alc. 89

13th Street Gamay 2025 — Niagara Peninsula, Ontario ($19.95)

Gamay at its most appealing: fresh, juicy and wonderfully food-friendly. Look for bright red cherry, raspberry and wild strawberry, with a hint of pepper and earthy savouriness. Lively acidity gives it a refreshing lift, while soft tannins keep the texture supple. This is a lighter-bodied red that doesn’t need a special occasion or a complicated food match. Slightly chilled, it’s an excellent candidate for the dinner table or patio. A gold medal winner at this year’s National Wine Awards of Canada. 3 g/L sugar. 12% alc. 91

Altanza Reserve 2019 — Rioja, Spain ($22.95)

A classic Rioja Reserva with plenty of muscle and character. Made entirely from Tempranillo and aged for 21 months in French oak before further bottle ageing, it delivers a robust, full-bodied mix of ripe raspberry and cherry, layered with cedar, tobacco, leather and touches of balsamic and roasted coffee. There’s no shortage of that unmistakable Rioja spice, while the long, lingering finish holds your attention. Even better, it opens up and improves with time in the glass. A seriously satisfying Reserva. Get it while it’s in stock and pair it with a winter stew. (Profile Wine Group) 91

Arboleda Carmenère 2023 — Aconcagua Valley, Chile

Generous plum and dark berries mingle with Carmenère’s distinctive green-pepper, herbal and earthy-spice aromas. Cocoa, coffee and tobacco enrich the palate, where ripe fruit and rounded tannins soften that savoury streak without hiding it. Fresh acidity balances the richness, with peppery notes lingering through the finish. That leafy, green-pepper character isn’t for everyone, but I love the contrast it brings to the plush fruit. Pour alongside grilled lamb, smoky sausages or mushroom-topped burgers. Seeing as it’s a bit of an animal right now, if you forget about this bottle for a year in your cellar, it wouldn’t hurt. 3 g/L sugar. 14% alc. (Mark Anthony Wines & Spirits) 90

Beronia Elaboracíon Especial 2024 — Rioja, Spain ($18.95)

A longtime personal go-to, this 100% Tempranillo combines generous cherry fruit with liquorice, chocolate and a roasted-coffee accent. There’s satisfying weight here, but freshness keeps the richness in check, while rounded tannins give the fruit a supple frame. Its texture owes something to the winemaking: malolactic fermentation in American oak is followed by six months of barrel ageing with periodic lees stirring, adding breadth without obscuring the fruit. A substantial yet approachable Rioja for roast lamb, grilled steak or a plate of cured meats. 3 g/L sugar. 14% alc. (Woodman Wines & Spirits Ltd.) 90

Beronia Viñas Viejas 2022 — Rioja Spain ($24.95)

If you see Beronia on the label, buy it. This Spanish winery consistently delivers terrific value, and its limited edition old-vine Tempranillo is no exception. Released September 26, it’s made from hand-picked grapes grown in some of Rioja’s oldest and most lauded vineyards. It offers a smoky, brooding character straight out of a 1960s film noir. Dark berries, plum, warming spice and licorice emerge like clues in a slowly unfolding mystery, with firm tannins and a savoury, oak-kissed finish revealing added layers. And like a complex movie, it should age well. A little breathing time is suggested to open up this big, dry red. This was a September Vintages release, so don’t wait long. 2 g/L sugar. 14% alcohol. (Woodman Wines & Spirits Ltd.) 92

Cantini di Illasi Campobrun Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore 2023 — Veneto, Italy ($17.45)

Ripasso is often described as baby Amarone because it gains extra body, flavour and richness from a second fermentation on the grape skins left over from Amarone production. Well, consider this an adolescent Ripasso, given that it seems to have had more of a brief love affair than a lasting relationship with that leftover Amarone pomace. The result is added texture and depth than a Valpolicella Superiore, but without the weight and concentration of a more substantial example. A blend of 60% Corvina, 25% Rondinella, 10% Corvinone and 5% Molinara, it strikes a pleasing balance between Valpolicella freshness and Ripasso richness, with a moderate alcohol level of 13%. A particularly strong vintage for this bottling. 8 g/L sugar. (Profile Wine Group) 89

Casa Ermelinda Touriga Nacional Reserva 2022 — Peninsula de Setúbal, Portugal ($19.95)

Released September 26, this 100% Touriga Nacional comes from a multi-award-winning Portuguese winery now in its fifth generation. There’s plenty to like here, with ripe red currant and cherry flavours accompanied by an intriguing medicinal note. Rich and concentrated, with firm tannins and a savoury edge, it’s a lot of wine for under $20. The bad news is that stock is low. Grab it if you can find it. (Woodman Wines & Spirits) 90

Casa Santos Lima Confidencial Tinto Reserva 2020 — Lisboa, Portugal ($15.95)

I’m starting to wonder exactly how many bottles of this red wine Casa Santos Lima produced, because this is the third straight year of reviewing the 2020 vintage. The good news is that it’s still a smash hit at this price, and isn’t slipping in the least. A secret 10-grape red blend, it featured six months of partial aging in 250-litre barriques of French and Portuguese oak. There’s plum, vanilla and dark wild berries on the nose. Chocolate, cinnamon, earth and spice complement the mix. I still wish it were a tad drier, but the 9 g/L of residual sugar remains in balance. This is a perennial can’t-miss for red wine fans at a party. 13.5% alc. (Majestic Wine Cellars) 89 

Castello di Gabbiano Chianti Classico 2023 —Tuscany, Italy ($19.95)

A polished, medium-plus-bodied Chianti Classico. Bright sour cherry and ripe plum lead, joined by dried herbs, cedar, a touch of earth and the characteristic Sangiovese savouriness. Firm but refined tannins and lively acidity give it structure, while a 10% contribution from Merlot and indigenous varieties rounds out the blend. 3 g/L sugar. 13.5% alc. (Mark Anthony Wines & Spirits) 89

Chateau Hyot Castillon 2022 — Côtes de Bordeaux, France ($17.95)

From the Right Bank of the Garonne and Gironde rivers comes Chateau Hyot blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. It shows blackberry, black cherry, cedar, olive and a touch of earth and cocoa, with tannins that give it shape without feeling harsh. The main appeal here is balance: enough fruit to stay generous, enough firmness to feel properly made. It drinks well now, especially with food, and a short decant should help it open up a bit more. 3 g/L sugar. 13% alcohol. (Majestic Wine Cellars) 89

Fantini Sangiovese 2025 — Puglia, Italy ($11.95)

How a $12 wine finishes matters just as much as how it starts, and this one delivers at both ends. Aided by a strong vintage, there’s juicy strawberry and cherry to get things rolling, with mouth-watering acidity keeping each sip lively. The finish is clean, with no rough edges spoiling this fantastic bargain. Nothing complicated—just a cheerful red that earns its place at the table. Bring on the tomato-based pasta, pizza or charcuterie, or enjoy a glass on its own. (Profile Wine Group) 88

Farina Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore 2022 — Veneto, Italy ($18.45)

Strawberry, dried cherry and plum jam lead this inviting, medium-bodied Ripasso, with chocolate and pepper, while lively acidity and supple tannins keep the richness in check. It’s rounded rather than heavy, offering an approachable balance of fruit, spice and earth. At 13.5% alcohol and 8 g/L residual sugar, it has enough generosity for easy sipping but feels most at home alongside meat-sauce pasta, braised beef or aged cheese. (Majestic Wine Cellars) 89

LAN Crianza 2021 — Rioja, Spain ($18.95)

This reliable Rioja greets you with a firm handshake: grippy tannins, mouth-coating weight and plenty of dark fruit. Dried black cherry and blackcurrant jam meet earthy, leathery notes, with the cherry lingering through a satisfying finish. It’s bold without being all bluster, giving the fruit a savoury edge—and Cabernet drinkers a good reason to stray from their usual aisle. (Profile Wine Group) 89

Luccarelli Primitivo 2025 — Puglia, Italy ($12.05)

Medium-bodied and fruit-forward, with ripe plum and dark berry flavours backed by black liquorice, a touch of spice and an intriguing pencil-shaving note. There’s plenty of Primitivo’s characteristic warmth, though the alcohol makes its presence felt. A straightforward, easy-drinking southern Italian red with enough savoury character to work alongside grilled meats, pizza or a hearty pasta. 11 g/L sugar. 14.5% alc. (Noble Estates Wines & Spirits) 87

M. Chapoutier Belleruche Côtes Du Rhône 2024 — Rhone, France ($17.95)

A good reminder that satisfying French reds needn’t cost a fortune. This Grenache/Syrah blend brings together plum, blackberry and black cherry, with pepper, dried herbs and a savoury hint of olive. Generous fruit gives it an easygoing feel, but there’s enough tannin and acidity to keep it from turning soft or heavy. Medium-bodied, with a gently spicy finish, it’s the sort of red I’d put on the table with sausages, a mushroom burger or lamb chops. Plenty of Rhône character for less than $20. 3 g/L sugar. 13.5% alc. (Philippe Dandurand Wines) 90

Monte Antico Toscana 2021 — Tuscany, Italy ($17.95)

A regular on this Best Value list, this Vintages Essential release is a blend of 85% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot. 13% alc. 7 g/L sugar. My favourite vintage of this wine in years—more structured, darker red fruits—most prominently raspberries and black cherry, followed by liquorice, a little leather and a gentle shake of spice. There’s enough body to feel satisfying, but the silky texture, soft tannins and balancing acidity keep it from becoming a heavyweight. Less fruit-bomb swagger, more easygoing Tuscan charm. The screwcap adds convenience. Celebrating its 50th anniversary next year. (Woodman Wines & Spirits Ltd.) 89

Tarapacá Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, Maipo Valley, Chile ($19.95)

Here’s a reliably rock-solid Chilean Cabernet. Ripe blackcurrants, cassis and dark plum lead the charge, with cedar, vanilla and a peppery edge adding complexity. Plenty of structure and firm tannins. Polished, generous and decidedly good company. 4 g/L sugar. 14% alc. (Philippe Dandurand Wines Ltd.) 90

Vincente Faria Animus Douro Red 2024 — Douro, Portugal ($13.50)

There’s plenty of dark fruit packed into this modestly priced Portuguese red: blackberry, blackcurrant, black cherry and plum all get a turn. It’s rich and generously built, landing just above medium-bodied, but mouth-watering freshness keeps things moving. Best of all, the flavour sticks around for a thoroughly satisfying finish. A small outlay for a wine with plenty to say. (Profile Wine Group) 89 

Wakefield Jaraman Shiraz 2024 — South Australia ($24.95)

The blend of Clare Valley and McLaren Vale Shiraz marries cool-climate peppery spice and structure with warmer-region richness. There’s less of the forward After Eight mint than previous vintages, allowing the fruit and spice to take centre stage. Ripe blackberry, dark cherry and cracked pepper mingle with hints of liquorice and savoury spice, finishing with supple tannins and lingering warmth. Perfect with pepper steak—or any steak, for that matter. (Profile Wine Group) 91

Wineryart Demuerte One 2023 — Yecla, Spain ($20.95)

From Winery On Creations in eastern Spain’s Yecla region comes this slap-you-in-the-face blend of Monastrell and Cabernet Sauvignon. Subtle as a chainsaw, with 14.5% alcohol and 8 g/L sugar, it’s nevertheless an alluring, full-throttle red, with dark berry fruit, ripe plum and a spicy, warming finish. A welcome substitute for Canadians missing their big California Cabs, it arrives just in time for Halloween and Día de los Muertos. And—in keeping with its unshy qualities—it features a luminescent label that glows in the dark! (Majestic Wine Cellars) 90