Brought to you by
There’s something deeply comforting about British food. Whether it's the buttery crumble of a shortbread biscuit dipped liberally in a mug of tea, or savouring a dram of Scotch whisky (the world’s number one internationally-traded spirit), it’s refined but familiar, classy yet unpretentious. This holiday season, Canadians are invited to rediscover the taste of Britain, a blend of heritage, craft and quiet luxury that feels right at home on festive tables.
English sparkling wine — once a well-kept secret — is having a moment. With four incredible producers now available at the LCBO, the UK’s vineyards are proving that cool-climate expertise and artisanal production can compete with the world’s best.
English Sparking Wine Tasting at the LCBO
Date: November 20–23
Location: Select LCBO stores
Langham, Domaine Evremond, Balfour Winery and Chapel Down each bring their unique expression of British terroir. From crisp orchard fruit to mineral-forward with a hint of brioche, these sparkling wines are quintessentially British and defined by patience, precision and care.
Beyond its vineyards, the UK’s culinary landscape tells a similar story. Take the savoury, strong tang of a mature Welsh cheddar, the honey and spice of marmalade slathered on a thick slice of toast or the classic ritual of brewing the perfect pot of Yorkshire tea.
'A Celebration of 4 Nations' at Denninger's
Dates: November 15 & 22, 2025
Locations: Denninger's Burlington and Denninger's Hamilton
Generations of makers have perfected the balance of sophistication with comfort, resulting in time-honoured traditions that feel like a delicious, warm hug.
Together, these timeless flavours create a cultural bridge. They might bring back the warmth of a grandmother’s kitchen or conjure the charm of Downton Abbey, but above all, British food and drink are steeped in stories that invite you to linger, sip and savour.
Whether you’re pouring a glass of award-winning English sparkling, building a cheeseboard laden with British classics, or breaking a bar of chocolate to share, there’s no better season to celebrate the UK’s finest.
From classic rituals to new traditions, deliciously reimagined, it’s time to raise a glass to Great Britain’s new era of gastronomy.
Sparkling Sips and Snack Pairings
For a thoroughly authentic mouthful, we've paired these English sparkling wines with some delicious bites from Blighty, so you can impress guests royally this season.
Located near the market town of Tenterden in Kent, Chapel Down is England's most prominent producer of sparkling wine. With notes of green apple and pastry, bright, crisp acidity and toasty notes, this blanc de blancs is a sophisticated bottle to pull out this hosting season.
$119.95
Colston Basset Stilton
Stilton can really pack a punch, but Colston Basset Stilton is luxuriously creamy and well-balanced. The cheese from this award-winning dairy based in Nottinghamshire, England, brings a depth and sweetness that pairs like a dream with the wine's fine mousse and citrusy notes.
Nairn’s Rough Oat Crackers
Wholesome and nutty, Nairn’s Rough Oat Crackers, baked in Scotland since 1896, add texture and earthiness to the silk of Kit’s Coty Blanc de Blancs. The natural oat flavour complements the wine’s subtle almond and brioche notes. Add some savoury cheese, and you've got yourself a party.
One of England’s leading sparkling producers, Balfour Winery sits in the Kent countryside, its vineyards rooted in limestone and clay across 200 acres of sustainably managed land. Aromas of white peach and jasmine, lively sherbet notes, and a long, creamy finish with balanced acidity make for a refreshing sip.
$55.95
Mrs Tilly’s Original Fudge
Our mouths water for this award-winning Scottish fudge that's velvety on the tongue and made using a simple family recipe of high-quality condensed milk and butter. Soft, creamy and completely addictive, this will bring out the fruity notes of the Balfour 1503 and is great as a sweet finale.
Snowdonia Red Storm
This vintage Red Leicester has been aged for 18 months, resulting in an intense nutty flavour with sweet caramel notes. Crack open this multi-award-winning cheese from its deep red wax and pair it with the dry and crisp Balfour 1503 to contrast with all of that delicious richness.
Pale golden and citrus-forward, this classic cuvée hails from a pioneering English estate — the first founded by a Champagne house on British soil. Crafted in the traditional method and aged on lees, it delivers a refined, toasty depth that perfectly captures the English expression of elegance.
$99.95
Coombe Castle Wensleydale
Creamy and crumbly, Coombe Castle’s Wensleydale highlights the citrusy freshness of Domaine Evremond’s Classic Cuvée. Made by expert British cheesemakers preserving centuries-old traditions, this Yorkshire cheese’s gentle sweetness balances the wine’s acidity for a very English bite.
Robertson’s Thick Cut Marmalade
Robertson’s Thick Cut Marmalade, crafted in Britain since 1864, is popping with bright orange zest and subtle bitterness that is a dream match for the green apple and brioche notes of Domaine Evremond’s Classic Cuvée. It's the perfect breakfast-inspired pairing.
This rich, pinot noir-dominant sparkling wine from a 34-hectare vineyard on Crawthorne Farm in rural Dorset will make memories this season. Notes of stone fruit, sourdough and nutty undertones, combined with its fine, creamy bubbles and mineral finish makes this an elegant and pairable pour.
$74.95
Collier’s Welsh Cheddar
This Welsh cheddar stands up admirably to the intensity of Langham’s Culver Classic Cuvée Extra Brut. The cheddar’s deep, savoury richness complements the wine’s brioche and citrus notes. Crafted in Wales with traditional methods, Collier’s celebrates miners’ strength and heritage.
Walkers Shortbread Fingers
There's no duo more iconic than a buttery shortbread and a cuppa — but Walkers Shortbread Fingers combined with the delicate sweetness of this English sparkling gives it a run for its money. Baked in the Scottish Highlands, they're the ultimate British pairing.
Check out events.great.gov.uk to learn more and try these British pairings for yourself
