The LCBO’s 2025 trend report saw sales of Ontario wines grow in the absence of U.S.-produced bottles, while shoppers also increasingly bought non-alcoholic wines.duha127/iStockPhoto / Getty Images
Questions about when Canadians will regain steady access to California cabernet, Kentucky bourbon and other American alcohol remain uncertain as we approach 2026. Consumers in Alberta and Saskatchewan saw bottles return to shelves in June, while Nova Scotia, Manitoba and other provinces recently released backstock set to expire for sales with net profits going to benefit charitable causes.
It appears a new free-trade agreement between the United States, Mexico and Canada must be signed before J. Lohr, Jim Beam and friends are welcome again at LCBO outlets. Then we’ll see if customers re-embrace old favourites or continue to support local products and other alternatives they’ve come to appreciate.
According to LCBO’s 2025 trends report released Dec. 4, the absence of U.S.-produced wines helped boost Ontario wine sales by 56 per cent. France (+18 per cent), Australia (+17 per cent) and Italy (+10 per cent) also benefited from increased demand.
With guests souring on U.S. wines, Canadian sommeliers recommend made-at-home alternatives
The LCBO also noted increased sales of 126 per cent for non-alcoholic wines, which have successfully swung from niche products to mainstream acceptance. (Ontario’s liquor board reported 73 per cent growth in 2024.)
Mindful drinking trends are also influencing the spirits world as lighter, low-alcohol cocktails featuring cordials, liqueurs and aperitifs are embraced over traditional base spirits such as gin, vodka or rum. As spritz culture continues to evolve, the two-ounces pour of gin is being left out of lighter expressions using St-Germain, Amari and other aperitifs as the base.
The embrace of low-alcohol cocktails is also giving vermouth a boost in popularity, served on its own or with tonic, while sherry-based cocktails, such as the Sherry Cobbler (dry oloroso or amontillado sherry and simple syrup poured over muddled orange slices) are also returning to fashion.
The six bottles recommended this week speak to evolving tastes as much as trends. Interest in sparkling wine continues to grow, which prompted the tasting notes for consistent best value Bailly Lapierre Réserve from Burgundy and the stylish Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Blanc de Blancs.
The current release of Martini & Rossi Vibrante L’Aperitivo Non-Alcoholic Vermouth highlights the growth in zero-proof products, while proper red wines from Canada, Chile and Italy offer a mix of appealing regional styles that attest to the raising calibre of wine produced today.
Bailly Lapierre Réserve Brut Crémant de Bourgogne (France), $24.95
Rating: 90
Produced with chardonnay, pinot noir, gamay and aligoté grapes, this multivintage bottle-fermented sparkling wine from Burgundy offers decent complexity as part of its fruity character. The style is refreshing and approachable, making this a great value bubbly for any occasion. This has 12 per cent ABV and 10 g/litre r.s. Drink now. Available at the above price in Ontario, $29.99 in British Columbia, $26.95 in Quebec, $29.99 in Prince Edward Island.
Castellare di Castellina Chianti Classico 2023 (Italy), $29.95
Rating: 90
A mix of spicy and earthy notes add interest to this juicy cherry-laced expression of Chianti Classico. A small addition of canaiolo enhances the floral and fruity components of this straightforward and satisfying red wine. This has 13.1 per ABV and 3 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2028. Available at the above price in Ontario, various prices in Alberta, $29.70 in Quebec.
Errazuriz Max 150 Years Anniversary Edition Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 (Chile), $19.95
Rating: 90
This 100 per cent cabernet sauvignon from the Aconcagua Valley shows classic herbal and floral notes along with ripe red and black fruit flavours. The style leans more to traditional Bordeaux balanced expressions then California charm. Expect an approachable cabernet with tremendous complexity on offer for its price. This has 13.5 per cent ABV and 3 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2032. Available at the above price in Ontario and Quebec, $24.49 in British Columbia, various prices in Alberta, $23.99 in Saskatchewan, $21.99 in Manitoba, $20.97 in Nova Scotia, $24.99 in Prince Edward Island.
Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne 2019 (France), $66.95
Rating: 92
Made with 100 per cent chardonnay and aged for six years prior to release, this well-made champagne broadcasts textbook lemon zest, pear and toast aromas and flavours. The focused and refreshing character is marked by persistent fine bubbles and carries through to a lingering finish. This has 12 per cent ABV and 8 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2030. Available at the above price in Ontario, $68.95 in Quebec.
Martini & Rossi Vibrante L’Aperitivo Non-Alcoholic Vermouth (Italy), $16.95
Rating: 87
The team at Martini & Rossi launched this aromatized non-alcoholic aperitivo in 2020 as a line extension of its wide range of standard vermouths. The mix of botanicals, which include artemisia and bergamot, add depth and fragrance to the sweet and zesty citrus character. The flavours aren’t as pronounced as Aperol or other popular amaros, so there’s a bit of a letdown when used for a spritz or booze-free riff on a Negroni (Nogroni?). This is best enjoyed mixed with tonic water or citrus and soda water. This has 0.4 per cent ABV and 140 g/litre r.s. Drink now. Available at the above price in Ontario, various prices in British Columbia (private stores), $17.15 in Quebec.
Sandhill Syrah 2022 (Canada), $25.99
Rating: 91
Sandhill blends syrah grown in vineyards in the Okanagan and Similkameen valleys to produce this complex and full-bodied red. Its ripe and savoury character suggests a winning array of dark fruit, pepper, floral, meaty and vanilla flavours. A smooth texture and satisfying finish add to the quality and appeal. This has 13.3 per cent ABV and 2 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2028. Available at the above price in British Columbia, various prices in Alberta, $24.99 in Manitoba, $20.95 in Ontario, sold as a case of 12, smallwinemakers.ca.