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There’s something magical about dining outdoors. Food tastes brighter. Conversations linger longer. And with the right bottle of wine in hand, the moment becomes a memory. Whether you’re setting up a picnic in the park, hosting a backyard dinner or watching the sun dip behind the horizon from your balcony, these wines are ready to match the mood. Crisp, chillable and packed with personality, each bottle brings its own spark to summer dining.
All of these wines are available at the LCBO — ready to be picked up, chilled and served for an unforgettable outdoor meal.
1. Cuvée Françoise Crémant de Limoux Brut Rosé Sparkling (France)
Crafted in the traditional method of champagne but hailing from the sun-drenched hills of Limoux, this elegant pink fizz is a vibrant expression of French winemaking heritage. Limoux proudly claims its spot in history as the birthplace of sparkling wine, with production predating champagne by over a century.
Maison Antech, a family-run estate with more than 500 years of history, blends chardonnay, chenin blanc and pinot noir in this crémant, aging it on lees for 18 months to build finesse and flavour. Expect a lively, expressive wine bursting with red berries, cherry blossom and a clean, juicy finish. Named after Françoise, the sixth-generation family member shaping the future of the estate, this sparkling is as thoughtful as it is celebratory. And the best part? It rings in at under $30.
Perfect Moment: A late afternoon garden gathering
Pair With: Smoked salmon crostini with lemon-dill cream
2. Sprucewood Shores Beach Glass White VQA (Canada)
From Ontario’s only beachfront winery, this bottle captures the essence of lakefront living. A blend of pinot grigio and riesling, it sings with citrus, pear, melon and creamy lemon curd, rounded by hints of smoke and crushed stone. The Mitchell family, who run Sprucewood Shores in the EPIC wine region, are committed to crafting wines that elevate life’s most memorable moments — wines to enjoy with friends and family. Whether it’s a sun-soaked lunch or an evening by the lake, their wines are made to bring people together in celebration of the everyday.
The Beach Glass label tells a quieter story — one of reflection, restoration and simple joy. It's a brand that invites you to carve out time for yourself, to sip and savour at your own pace. Inspired by colourful glass treasures washed ashore, Beach Glass White feels like a seaside breeze in a bottle. It brings the sound of waves and warm lake air to your glass, even if you’re sipping in the city. Each vintage captures the beauty of Ontario summers — bright, fresh and full of possibility. They're beautiful wines, inside and out.
Perfect Moment: Watching the sunset with your feet in the sand
Pair With: Grilled peach salad with burrata and fresh basil
3. Drea's Rosato VQA Niagara Peninsula (Canada)
From Andrea Kaiser, daughter of Canadian wine pioneer Karl J. Kaiser, this bold Rosato pays homage to legacy and innovation. Crafted from Dornfelder — a grape her father adored for its resilience and rich fruit — this deep-hued rosé is bone-dry, zippy with sour cherry and raspberry, and lifted by mint and soft herbs.
The saignée method yields intensity without heaviness, and Drea’s commitment to crafting expressive, character-driven wines shines through. With accolades from Decanter and recognition from Michelin-starred lists, Drea’s Rosato is a unicorn: structured, soulful and refreshingly different.
Perfect Moment: A romantic picnic in the park with cheese and conversation
Pair With: Prosciutto-wrapped melon and marinated olives
4. Ferzo Pecorino Superiore DOC (Abruzzo, Italy)
Pecorino is one of Italy’s most under-the-radar white grapes, and Ferzo crafts one of the best expressions on the market. The wine opens with aromas of acacia blossom, sage and ripe pineapple. On the palate, it’s textural and mineral, layered with yellow apple and quince, balanced by a signature coastal salinity.
Ferzo, meaning a patch of sailcloth, reflects the winery’s mission to unite the finest vineyard parcels across Abruzzo into one striking bottle. Cold maceration and temperature-controlled stainless steel fermentation preserve purity and fragrance, while the region’s mountain-meets-sea climate adds vibrancy and depth — another steal of a wine that brings the joys of Italy to the glass at under $20.
Perfect Moment: A sun-drenched seafood feast on the patio
Pair With: Grilled shrimp skewers with citrus-herb marinade
5. Wakefield Estate Shiraz (Clare Valley, Australia)
Wakefield delivers a robust yet balanced shiraz from Clare Valley, where hot days and cool nights create ideal conditions for flavour development and natural acidity. This Shiraz is plush and expressive, with notes of blackberry, dark cherry, plum and mocha, accented by hints of pepper and oak spice. Aged for 12 months in American oak barrels, it boasts a fleshy mid-palate, velvety tannins and a long, generous finish.
The Taylor family has been producing wine since 1969 and remains proudly family-owned. Their deep respect for the land is reflected in their commitment to sustainable winemaking, from water conservation to biodiversity efforts in their vineyards. This bottle is a perfect example of Australian Shiraz done right — bold, polished and made for sharing.
Perfect Moment: A backyard BBQ with sizzling meats and bold flavours
Pair With: Chargrilled lamb burgers with rosemary aioli
6. Graffigna Elixio Rosé (Argentina)
This vibrant blend of malbec and syrah is from Argentina’s historic Graffigna winery, established in 1870. Located in the high-altitude valleys of San Juan and Mendoza, Graffigna blends tradition with innovation, producing wines that reflect both place and purpose. The Elixio Rosé is no exception — it’s a playful, fruit-forward wine brimming with freshness.
Aromas of raspberry, cherry and strawberry sorbet lead into a lively palate that’s silky and refreshingly dry. This rosé is tailor-made for easygoing summer moments, bringing elegance and charm to even the most casual get-togethers. Its name, "Elixio," is a nod to transformation — a reminder that even the smallest moments can become something magical when shared over a good glass of wine.
Perfect Moment: Brunch on the balcony or a sunlit aperitivo hour
Pair With: Watermelon and feta salad with mint and lime
