Let’s celebrate the life, beauty and hope that warmer weather brings.
Evolve Dealcoholized Sparkles 2025, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A. A bright, lively non-alcoholic sparkling wine with inviting aromas of green apple, citrus zest and white peach, followed by delicate floral and brioche undertones. The palate is light to medium-bodied, dry and effervescent, with crisp acidity and a clean, refreshing finish. Because the alcohol has been removed, the focus stays squarely on pure fruit expression and delicate bubbles that feel celebratory without the buzz. Evolve Cellars specializes in crafting dealcoholized wines that retain real vineyard character, using gentle techniques that preserve aroma and flavour while removing alcohol, making this sparkler ideal for mindful celebrations or anytime you want the experience of wine without alcohol. Food pairings: Fresh strawberries and mint, where the wine’s fruitiness and bubbles lift the sweet, juicy flavours. Or enjoy it with a light goat cheese crostini, where its crisp acidity balances creamy richness beautifully. Alcohol: 0.24%. Sweetness: Dry. 750 ml. Drink: 2026–2028. Score: 90/100. $22.99.
Vineland Estates Winery Game Changer Riesling 2024, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada. A crisp, refreshing white with expressive aromatics of lime zest, green apple and white peach, complemented by delicate floral and mineral hints. The palate is light to medium bodied, dry and vibrant, with lively acidity that carries bright citrus and orchard fruit through to a clean, refreshing finish at about 11.5% alcohol. This Riesling showcases cool-climate purity and balance, making it easy to enjoy on its own or with food. Fascinating fact: The Game Changer Riesling name reflects the winery’s aim to offer an exciting, approachable Riesling style that highlights direct fruit expression and refreshing energy, perfect for both everyday sipping and adventurous pairings. Serve it well-chilled. Food pairings: Citrus-marinated shrimp, fresh oysters, spicy Thai salad, goat cheese crostini. Available from the winery and at Rabba Fine Foods. Alcohol: 9%. Sweetness: Medium Dry. 750 ml. Drink: 2026–2028. LCBO: 48830. Score: 93/100. $18.25.
Saintly The Good Sparkling, Ontario V.Q.A. Saintly The Good Sparkling is a bright and lively sparkling wine with fresh aromas of green apple, pear and citrus blossom, accented by subtle floral and brioche notes. The palate is light to medium-bodied, dry and crisp with fine bubbles and vibrant acidity that lead to a clean, refreshing finish at around 12% alcohol. This style delivers joyful fizz and pure fruit character with a playful, easygoing personality. Saintly wines are crafted to be approachable and balanced, with The Good Sparkling designed as a versatile, celebratory wine that works equally well for special occasions or everyday moments. Serve it well-chilled in a flute or tulip glass. Food pairings: Fresh oysters, prosciutto-melon skewers, grilled shrimp, creamy brie. Alcohol: 12.5%. Sweetness: Extra Dry. 750 ml. LCBO: 25515. Score: 91/100. $18.95.
Two Sisters Vineyards Eleventh Post 2020, Niagara River, Niagara-On-The Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada. Two Sisters Eleventh Post won the Gold Medal at the National Wine Awards of Canada. Founded by sisters Angela and Melissa Fata Marotta, with the Eleventh Post marking the spot where they decided to build their dream winery. They’ve since opened a second winery, Stone Eagle. The Eleventh Post is a classic Bordeaux-blend of Cabernet Sauvignon for structure, Merlot for plush fruit and Cabernet Franc for earthiness. It offers plush black-cherry and cassis layered with anise, cinnamon and clove; fresh 2019 energy balanced by velvet tannins—enjoy with lamb or aged cheddar through 2028+. Food pairings: Roast duck, roast Mediterranean chicken, veal Porterhouse. Alcohol: 14%. Sweetness: Extra Dry. 750 ml. Drink: 2025–2028. LCBO: 20935. Score: 93/100. $48.00.
Caves d’Esclans Whispering Angel Rosé 2025, Côtes De Provence, Provence A.C., France. From Sacha Alexis Lichine, Caves d’Esclans Whispering Angel rosé continues to be a crowd-pleaser. Bone-dry and medium-bodied, it is a juicy Grenache, Cinsault, Rolle, Syrah and Tibouren rosé wine blend with fresh red berry, strawberry, citrus zest, grapefruit, and dried herbs wrapped up in mouth-watering acidity. The name Whispering Angel comes from the cherub carvings in the chapel at Chateau d’Esclans where it’s made. It’s a seriously great benchmark wine, like your photogenic friend who also happens to have a PhD. This is world-class Rosé is celebrating it’s 20th vintage. Food pairings: Chill and enjoy it with roast duck, a charcuterie platter, salmon burgers. Alcohol: 13%. Sweetness: Extra Dry. 750 ml. Drink: 2026–2027. LCBO: 325076. Score: 93/100. $29.95.
Carolans Irish Cream, Ireland. Carolans Irish Cream, Ireland is a smooth and indulgent cream liqueur that opens with rich aromas of vanilla, honey, caramel and a hint of toasted oak. The palate is creamy and velvety with flavours of sweet vanilla toffee, light coffee and gentle spice from Irish whiskey, finishing with a silky, lingering sweetness at around 17% alcohol. It’s made from real farm fresh Irish cream and sweetened with naturally harvested honey. Carolans was awarded Platinum at the 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, which means it’s won Double Gold three years in a row. That’s like winning the deliciousness Olympics. Carolans takes its name from the famous blind Irish harpist Turlough O’Carolan. Serve it chilled, over ice, or in coffee. Pair with chocolate truffles, tiramisu, pecan pie, espresso brownies. Alcohol: 17%. 750 ml. LCBO: 108357. Score: 92/100. $29.95.
Rossi Limoncello, Sicily, Italy. This gorgeous limoncello is a lovely digestif to help settle your stomach after a big meal. It’s made from the finest Sicilian lemon peels. It opens with a rush of sunlit lemons, a touch of pithy bitterness and a cool, silky sweetness that glides across the palate with finesse. Its texture is plush yet refreshing, finishing with a clean snap of citrus that keeps it lively rather than cloying. Serve chilled or on its own. Let the lovely citrus aromas unfold as it warms slightly. Balanced, vivid flavour and pure charm. Alcohol: 32%. Sweetness: Sweet. LCBO: 469643. Score: 92/100. $27.95.
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.
2025 Finalist for the International Wine and Spirits Competition Wine Communicator of the Year.
