I am all about supporting local business right now, and most Ontario wine enthusiasts are probably aware that a gaggle of the province’s wineries are providing added incentive by offering free delivery. But there are many non-Ontario facilities that will also deliver right to your door, free of charge. That includes some of the most celebrated wineries in Canada, including Nova Scotia’s Benjamin Bridge. As far back at 2013, Master Sommelier John Szabo referred to the Benjamin Bridge Reserve Brut as, “very likely the finest sparkling wine to have yet been issued from Canadian soil.” Seven years later, it’s still arguably the benchmark of Canadian bubbly, with the 2012 vintage currently selling for $74.50.
This is also a unique opportunity for Ontarians to sample many of the sumptuous wines of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, which has a built-in climatic advantage over Ontario that allows its grapes to ripen much longer, and in a desert-dry environment. When it comes to premium wines in this country, B.C. tends to dominate. At last year’s WineAlign National Awards, B.C. entered 61% of the wines and took home 61% of the medals. Ontario entered 36% of the wines and won 35% of the medals. Now, there are simply more B.C. wineries and wines, so the overall success rates would appear proportionate.
However, B.C. thumped Ontario 16-5 in the Platinum Awards category (the highest level of award), and downed Ontario 97-43 for Gold Medals.
Unfortunately, the LCBO doesn’t exactly allow a parade of these great B.C. wines onto their shelves. But with several top-flight wineries out west now waiving delivery charges, this is a rare chance to pay wine shop cost for a host of wines that would rank anywhere from 92 and up.
“We’re definitely seeing a lot more orders from around Canada, including Ontario and the East Coast,” notes Dan Wiggins, Guest Experience Assistant Manager with Kelowna’s CedarCreek Estate Winery, the 2019 Intervin Winery of the Year. “But we’re glad to share our wines right now while the country is in lockdown.”
Not that they come cheap. Premium wines and expensive land add up to premium prices out west. But here are some I’d recommend if you don’t find the price too steep for your pocketbook.
BEST OF BC
I’ve fallen for Penticton, B.C.’s Painted Rock Winery, and access to their portfolio is hard to come by in Ontario. Toronto’s Lifford Wine & Spirits does distribute it locally, but there’s typically a big premium to get it here, so the chance to purchase these wines for winery prices is serious stuff. Everything is great here, especially the big bold reds (try the 2017 Small Lot Cab Franc for $44.99, the 2016 Syrah for $39.99 or the 2016 Red Icon blend for $54.99).
Nearby Tightrope Winery took first place overall in the Syrah category at the international Judgment of B.C. last year, with their 2016 vintage coming out on top. The 2017 edition is now available for a very affordable $32.09.
Prefer something white? Meyer Family Vineyards is famed for their single-vineyard Chardonnays. Their 2016 Tribute Series claimed top honours for Chardonnays at the same Judgment of B.C. competition. The 2018 vintage (now available) rings in at $30.50. They’ll delivery free for full cases or orders of $300 or more.
If you are looking for something really exclusive to show off to your friends, 70 minutes due south in Penticton is the exclusive, by-invitation-only Martin’s Lane Winery (pictured at top). There is no minimum order here—they’ll deliver a single bottle to you, if you like. Mind you, we’re talking $100 and up in this rarified air (try the 2015 Simes Vineyard Pinot for $100). If you like it, and you’re not put off by the price tag, it’s distributed in Ontario by Mark Anthony Wine & Spirits.
Want a more affordable Okanagan wine? Mission Hill Family Estate will also ship as little as a single bottle for free. And remember that you can’t find the vast majority of their good stuff at the LCBO! Try the Reserve Merlot ($26.95) or Simes Valley Riesling ($35).
But when it comes to bang for the buck, it’s hard to beat Ontario wine. And that includes some stellar Prince Edward Country stuff, like Rosehall Run’s award-winning Ceremony Blanc de Blanc or JCR Chardonnay ($36 each)..
Unless otherwise noted, the list of those offering free delivery are all Ontario wineries.
Wineries Offering Free Shipping To Ontario
Benjamin Bridge (Nova Scotia: free across Canada. 3/6/12 bottle orders)
CedarCreek Estate Winery (Kelowna, B.C.) (no minimum)
CheckMate Artisanal Winery (Oliver, B.C.)
Colchester Ridge Estate Winery
Front Road Cellars at Blueberry Hill
Grange of Prince Edward Vineyards and Winery
Martin’s Lane Winery (Kelowna, B.C.) (no minimum order)
Meadow Vista Honey Wines (Kelowna, B.C.) (Min. $100+ using code: BUYLOCAL)
Meyer Family Vineyards (Okanagan Falls, B.C.) (12 bottle min.)
Mission Hill Winery (West Kelowna, B.C.) (no minimum order!)
Niagara Teaching College Winery
North 42 Degrees Estate Winery
Painted Rock Estate Winery (Penticton, B.C., 1-case min. order)
Sperling Vineyards (free across Canada)
Tightrope Winery (Penticton, B.C.)
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