Fresh whites and rosés from the 2025 harvest are in plentiful supply as Canadian winemakers stock their shelves in anticipation for the tourist season. Visitors can also anticipate the arrival of premium selections on store shelves following an extended period of aging in the cellar.
This new batch of bottles is released at a time when Canadian wines continue to enjoy commercial advantages in the absence of popular American brands. Wine drinkers continue to embrace local wines like never before, particularly those that are reasonably priced and suitable for a wide variety of occasions. Consumers in B.C. are eager to see how the vineyards have recovered after the lost 2024 vintage in most of the province’s vineyards (but not on Vancouver Island).
The recommendations for this week concentrate on youthful rosés and whites that have been recently released and have impressed in recent tastings. A unique pinot blanc from Niagara’s chardonnay and pinot noir specialist Thomas Bachelder and the debut chardonnay from Blue Grouse’s new winemaker Stacy Hornemann are also noteworthy releases to buy now.
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Bachelder Kirby Old Vines Pinot Blanc 2023 (Canada), $34.95
Rating: 93
Thomas Bachelder breaks from his tight focus on chardonnay and pinot noir with this delicious expression of pinot blanc from the Kirby family’s vineyard in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Based on a core of bright and juicy pear and golden apple fruit, this is a refined white wine with chalky texture and a lingering, refreshing finish. Only 99 cases were produced and the LCBO bought most of the inventory. This has 13-per-cent alcohol by volume and 0-grams-a-litre residual sugar. Drink now to 2030. Available in Ontario.
Blue Grouse Chardonnay 2024 (Canada), $31.99
Rating: 91
This is the first chardonnay produced in Cowichan Valley by Californian winemaker Stacy Hornemann, who previously worked at Trefethen Family Vineyards, Mumm Napa and Stonestreet Estates before moving to Vancouver Island. It offers a satisfying barrel fermented character that balances juicy and vibrant flavours, with youthful citrus and slate notes. The style leans into the cool climate structure, with savoury elements added by aging for 10 months in older oak. This has 12-per-cent ABV and 0.4 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2034. Available at the above price in British Columbia or $32.99, direct bluegrouse.ca
Domaine Queylus Rosé 2025 (Canada) $24.95
Rating: 90
Domaine Queylus produced its 2025 rosé from cabernet franc grapes that were farmed and harvested early to produce a mouth-watering dry wine. The grape variety adds a floral note to the aroma and engaging sweet and tart berry and passionfruit flavours on the palate. The winemaking team is clearly on board with the refreshing style, opting to release magnum (1.5 litre) bottles for summer get-togethers ($59.95). This has 12.5-per-cent ABV and 3 g/litre r.s. Available at the above price in Ontario, $26.95 direct, queylus.com.
Fielding Rosé 2025 (Canada), $17.95
Rating: 88
This rosé was made from a blend of gamay and pinot noir grapes, which were harvested separately from vineyards in Niagara, fermented in stainless steel and bottled quickly to retain the fresh fruit intensity. Fielding’s style is dialled in at this point to present bright red fruit and citrus flavours that are balanced and refreshing, with a crisp finish adding to its appeal. This has 12.5-per-cent ABV and 2 g/litre r.s. Drink now. Available at the above price in Ontario, $15.95 direct, fieldingwines.com.
Hillside Unoaked Chardonnay 2025 (Canada), $27
Rating: 89
Chardonnay grapes from the Wildwood Vineyard on the south end of the Naramata Bench were used to produce Hillside’s first chardonnay release. It’s made in a bright and textural style, following spontaneous fermentation (without the addition of yeast) in stainless steel. The finished wine offers refreshing and enjoyable peach and citrus fruit flavours with floral and saline notes. This has 13.2-per-cent ABV. Drink now. Available at the above price direct, hillsidewinery.ca
LaStella Vivace Pinot Grigio 2025 (Canada), $24.99
Rating: 91
The latest edition of the Vivace label leaves a lasting impression with its refined texture and balance. This is crisp and lighter bodied as the pinot grigio label would suggest, but with more depth of flavour and interest than most. Nicely balanced citrus (grapefruit, tangerine) and green apple fruit flavours are enhanced by wet stone and yeasty/earthy notes. This has 12.5-per-cent ABV and 3 g/litre r.s. Drink now. Available at the above price direct, lastella.ca, various prices in British Columbia and Alberta.
Le Vieux Pin Vaila Pinot Noir Rosé 2025 (Canada), $29.99
Rating: 91
This dry and distinctive rosé is produced from 100-per-cent pinot noir grapes from vineyards in the Skaha Bench, Okanagan Falls and Oliver sub-regions. The harvested grapes spent 23 hours on the skins before pressing and fermentation and aging in stainless steel to preserve fruit flavours and focus in the finished wine. Expect a vibrant mix of cherry and berry fruit with rhubarb and citrus notes. This is made in a refined and refreshing style that’s bound to please at the dinner table or on the patio. This has 12.5-per-cent ABV. Drink now. Available at the above price direct, levieuxpin.ca
Tawse Grower’s Blend Riesling 2023 (Canada), $21.95
Rating: 91
A blend of riesling from different vineyards in 2023, this straightforward white wine displays the typical Niagara sweet and sour flavour profile. Look for peach and apricot flavours with lime zest and green apple notes. The wine’s zesty acidity is balanced by the honeyed sweetness, which doesn’t taste anything like the level of residual sugar listed below. This has 10-per-cent ABV and 28 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2033. Available in Ontario.
