It has been a wickedly hot and humid week here in Southern Ontario—the kind of weather that makes one think of patios and decks and sipping on fresh, crisp whites and rosés. And then remembering to drink lots and lots of water.

Here’s a six-pack of those very wines—all quite affordable, with only one over the $20 mark (and even that one offers superb bang for the buck)!

Guigal Côtes du Rhône Rosé 2022 — Rhône, France ($21.95)
One international wine region that continues to offer up great value is Rhône, France. And here’s the first of two on this list. Although a very dry rosé at just 2 g/L of sugar, it doesn’t scrimp on character. A blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah, it offers a nose of strawberry, redcurrant and watermelon, but the spectrum turns to raspberry, cherry and a touch of pink grapefruit on the palate. It’s round and elegant, with some nice length to the finish. It says 14.5% alc. on the label, although the LCBO lists it as 13.5%. I’m inclined to agree with the LCBO, given how there was no hint of an alcoholic content nearly that high throughout my tasting experience. But even at 13.5%, you might want to be careful here, as this is delightfully drinkable, whether on its own or paired with salads, salmon, poultry, etc. 91

Chapoutier Belleruche Côtes-du-Rhône White 2023 — Rhône, France ($17.95)
This is a Grenache Blanc-based blend that includes Roussanne, Viognier, Clairette and Bourboulenc. Harvest is carried out at night by machine to prevent and limit oxidation of the juices and preserve the aromatic components, which include pear, cantaloupe, apricot and fennel. Despite it being unoaked, there’s a creaminess to the palate thanks to five months of aging on fine lees (and likely the Viognier component in the mix). But there’s a balancing acidity here too, with citrus, herbs and black licorice on the palate. 14% alc. It’s on sale until June 23 for $15.95! 89

Zacharias Assyrtiko 2022 — Peloponnese, Greece ($18.95)
Sometimes you have to break out of your rut and try something new. For those who love dry whites with a little bite to them—particularly fans of Sauvignon Blanc, dry Riesling and Chablis—give this newly released Assyrtiko a shot. Notes of lemon curd, jasmine, flint, spice and grass are complemented by minerality, lemon and stone fruit on the palate, as a lively acidity dances across the tongue like Zorba the Greek. It admittedly has some bitterness to the finish, so might not be to everyone’s taste, but it’s well priced and worth a try. 88+

Lab White Lisboa 2023 — Portugal ($10.70)
This Moscatel-dominant white, which includes splashes of Sauvignon Blanc, Arinto and Fernão Pires, is a relatively new arrival at the LCBO. The 13 g/L sugar is higher than I’d prefer, but it’s certainly a blend that’s striving to be your friend. It’s flexible, fresh, medium bodied and refreshing, with a perfumed nose of tropical fruit and melon and just enough acidity in the glass to hold its own as a patio sipper—or you can pair it up with appetizers, chicken and fish. And you certainly can’t go wrong with the sub-$11 price! 12% alc. 87

Harmony & Terra Chardonnay — Lodi, California ($16.95)
The name on the label has a three-fold meaning. Not only does it refer to a new winemaking collaboration between Woodbridge, Ontario-based Majestic Wine Cellars and Thomas Allen Vineyards in Lodi, California, and to the sustainable winemaking practices that go into its production, but humanity in general, as 25¢ of every Harmony & Terra wine bottle sold goes to a not-for-profit. In that regard, to celebrate Pride Month this June, “25 cents per bottle of proceeds will be donated to Rainbow Railroad, a Canadian organization helping LGBTQI+ people who face violence and oppression simply because of who they love or who they are,” the company notes. Even without that feel-good aspect, this chardonnay is worth your money—especially at just $16.95. Expect the textbook buttery nose with notes of pineapple and pear, but with a thankfully tight acidity and mineral tone on the palate to keep it, well, in “harmony.” 13% alc. 89

Albino Armani Rosé 2023 — Trentino, Italy ($15.95)
Released earlier this month, this dry (4 g/L of sugar) rosé is an undisclosed blend of red grapes from the foothills of the Adige Valley just north of Verona in Northern Italy. Its pale champagne pink hue suggests what is to follow—something completely unforced and natural from a winery that takes sustainability very seriously. Matured in stainless steel, this is a laid-back, mineral-driven rosé with subtle notes of strawberry/cherry and wet leaves. Great as a dry aperitif, but I’d also fancy it with a goat cheese salad or to quell a spicy pizza. 12.5% alc. Solid value. 88+