Several of this month’s selections are available exclusively from top-notch Ontario wineries. You can order these wines from the websites noted or by calling the wineries. They’ll ship directly to your doorstep. This is an important way you can support these small family farms. Every bottle of 100% Canadian wines contribute $90 to the economy versus just $16 for an import. Patriotism never tasted so good!
180 Estate Winery Sparkling Rosé 2023. Ontario V.Q.A., Canada. This wine is bursting with wild strawberry, cherry blossom, and a hint of citrus zest. 180 Wines is a boutique, family-run winery created by Marzia and
Bob who did a complete “180” on their lives, leaving corporate careers in Toronto to start a winery during the height of the pandemic. I have to say, they’ve got guts: quit two stable jobs to start making wine while the world is ending. But they were right! Their daughters Taylor and Sara now help run the vineyard, the bistro, and even host line dancing and vinyl music nights. This sparkling pairs beautifully with fresh berries and soft cheeses like goat’s milk chèvre or triple cream brie. It’s a picnic in a glass, with the soundtrack of summer playing in the background. Food pairings: Grilled chicken, charcuterie, roasted turkey. Buy from the winery at https://www.180wines.ca. Alcohol: 11%. Drink: 2025-2027. $28.00.
Inasphere Estate Wines Pinot Grigio 2023. Norfolk County, Ontario, Canada. Their Pinot Grigio is crisp and dry, with mouth-watering notes of lime zest, green apple, and a hint of minerality. Its racy acidity will cut through the melting cheese and fries in poutine faster than a lumberjack can holler timber! Or try it with the Canadian soft cheese. It’s like a sparkler on your palate—perfect for fireworks and fresh air. This family-run farm turned vineyard takes full advantage of Norfolk’s breezy microclimate, and the tasting patio has a gorgeous panoramic view of the vineyard, farm, Lake Erie and the Inner Bay. They’re a combination of a working farm and winery, not only offering wines, but also their fresh produce grown. Consider visiting them for a local farm to table experience. Buy from the winery at https://inaspherewines.ca. Alcohol: 11%. Sweetness: Extra Dry. 750 ml. Drink: 2025-202791/100. $19.95.
Terrazas de los Andes Reserva Malbec 2022. Mendoza, Argentina. This Malbec is gorgeous cool-climate red wine with aromas of ripe blackberry, mulberry, ripe dark fruit and spicy flavours finishing long on the palate with food-friendly acidity. Tannins are structured. Pair with grilled steaks. Food pairings: Chicken herb-rubbed roast, hamburger, roasted veal, sausages. Alcohol: 14%. Drink: 2024-2026. LCBO: 29280. Score: 93/100. $19.95
The Good Earth Vineyard & Winery Riesling 2022. Lincoln Lakeshore, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada. It’s juicy and vibrant with notes of lemon zest, green apple, and a racy acidity that wakes up your senses. It’s a beautiful expression of Niagara, showing how well Canadian wines can hold their own next to the European classics. Serve this wine with Thai dishes, tangy barbecue, or a fresh mango salad. It’s a food-lover’s dream. You can also pair this with any of the dishes that the restaurant makes including a salad of Japanese lime cucumber, burrata, beer nuts, confit chili and shallot and mint; tempura asparagus with blackened lemon and tonnato; roasted Giannone chicken with baby leeks, shitake, fingerlings and cauliflower puree; or pan-roasted salmon horseradish with honey glazed beets, green garlic, labneh and salmon roe. Buy from the winery at https://goodearthfoodandwine.com. Alcohol: 9.5%. Sweetness: Medium. Drink: 2025-2027. Score: 90/100. $25.00.
M de Minuty Rosé 2024. Côtes De Provence, Provence A.P., France. Predominantly sourced from Grenache with complementary Syrah, Cinsault, and Tibouren, M de Minuty 2024 exudes a cultivated charm and a spirited character. Its aromatic profile unfolds with sparkling lemon–lime nuances interlaced with earthy herbal whispers and a trace of oceanic brininess, while a brisk acidity propels an unforgettable, invigorating finish. Produced from grapes specifically intended for rosé and swiftly pressed into tanks, the wine reveals dynamic hints of scarlet fruit and subtly sweet orchard tones, culminating in a persistent, mineral-inflected close. An impeccable match for a decadent fig and prosciutto tart or a fragrant herb-roasted chicken dish, this versatile wine invites a delightful summer repast. Food pairings: Salmon steaks from the grill, pasta Primavera, spring greens. Alcohol: 12.6%. Drink: 2025-2026. LCBO: 575316. Score: 91/100. $28.95.
Hester Creek Character Red 2023. Okanagan Valley, British Columbia V.Q.A., Canada. This deep-purple blend of Petit Verdot, Malbec, Syrah and Merlot delivers cedar-spiced black fruit aromatics and peppery intrigue. On the palate, savoury blackberry layers meld seamlessly with well-integrated oak, while mellow tannins and vibrant acidity carry through to a poised, lingering finish. Perfect alongside ossobuco, roasted pork tenderloin, fall-off-the-bone ribs or a hearty meaty pasta. Food pairings: Ossobuco, pork tenderloin, ribs, meaty pasta. Alcohol: 13.7%. Drink: 2025-2027. LCBO: 46452. Score: 93/100. $32.95.
Adamo Estate Winery Grand Meritage 2020. Mono, Ontario, Canada. Their Grand Meritage, which comes from Mono, Ontario, a stunning, emerging wine region just 45 minutes north of the GTA. This bold, full bodied red really stands out with intense fruit flavours—think blueberries, blackberries, black cherries, and even a hint of dates. It’s rich and complex, with a great balance of elegance and structure. Food pairings: Lamb burger or grilled eggplant with goat cheese. Adamo Estate Winery is set against the backdrop of Hockley Valley Resort, a perfect weekend escape. Enjoy a spa day, and of course, savour their wine. Adamo focuses on sustainable farming and low-intervention winemaking. They offer winemaker dinners, movies in the vineyard, and a wonderful wedding venue! Buy from the winery at https:// adamoestate.com. Alcohol: 13.3%. Drink: 2025-2027. Score: 95/100. $53.00.
Natalie MacLean offers Ontario’s most popular online wine and food pairing courses, tasting classes, expert reviews and mobile apps at nataliemaclean.com.
Natalie is the author of the new, bestselling book, Wine Witch on Fire: Rising from the Ashes of Divorce, Defamation, and Drinking Too Much.
Host of the award-winning podcast Unreserved Wine Talk on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music.
