As the LCBO seeks to distinguish its liquor stores from other alcohol retailers, shoppers can expect to see an increase in the availability of Ontario craft wines and spirits at its outlets and online.
“We are fully committed to the expansion of VQA shelf space,” Aaron Campbell, the LCBO’s newly appointed interim president and CEO, told those assembled at last week’s Ontario Craft Wineries’ 2026 Spring Wine Forum.
Campbell, who replaced retiring CEO George Soleas Feb. 1, says Ontario wines, especially craft products, have been identified as a major driver of traffic and transactions. As a result, the board is examining the space allotted to Ontario and VQA wines before and after the tariffs, as well as the current situation, where local wines have filled shelves emptied by the removal of U.S. wines.
Figures announced at the conference saw sales of VQA wines increased by 63 per cent, with the biggest gains made by chardonnay and pinot grigio, followed by cabernet merlot blends and baco noir. (Campbell noted that overall liquor sales in Ontario were flat over the past year.)
The Ontario Craft Wineries includes more than 100 members which produce over one million cases of wine each year. Attendees at the forum also included Ontario tourism and hospitality organizations.
“We’re seeing a lot of momentum there, and it falls on us, and all of you in this room, in particular, to maintain that momentum when and if U.S. products are returned to shelves,” he says.
Campbell also outlined plans for the LCBO to provide increased education and training on product knowledge to enhance customer service regarding homegrown wines. He believes that a wide selection of products and knowledgeable staff differentiate the LCBO’s shopping experience from that of competing grocery and convenience stores.
The LCBO acts as both as a major retailer of beverage alcohol in Ontario and the exclusive wholesaler to authorized businesses and hospitality licensees (bars and restaurants.) “Our business is seeing a tremendous shift and a lot of change,” says Campbell.
Two years ago, 80 per cent of LCBO operations were retail and 20 per cent were wholesale. Campbell reports that the wholesale sector has grown to 40 per cent, as alcohol sales have expanded to other channels.
This week’s recommendations focus attention on four exciting Canadian white wines, including two new releases from the Okanagan’s 2025 vintage and two current releases stocked by LCBO Vintages outlets.
Culmina Dilemma Chardonnay 2022 (Canada), $39.99
Rating: 91
When Don and Elaine Triggs moved from Niagara to the south Okanagan to establish a winery, they settled on parcels of land at a higher elevation on the Golden Mile Bench. The former owner of Vincor International planted vines to produce a complex red blend from Bordeaux grape varieties, as well as white wines made with grüner veltliner, riesling and chardonnay. The fruit from the chardonnay vines planted at the highest location go into a wine called Dilemma, which always has depth and concentration, with citrus, pear and nutty notes mingling with spice and savoury notes. The 2022 vintage offers a complex array of rich toasty and tropical flavours with refreshing zesty citrus notes, and it’s drinking nicely now. This has 13.5 per cent ABV and 3 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2029. Available at the above price in Ontario, $35.99 in British Columbia (2023 vintage).
Hester Creek Old-Vine Trebbiano 2025 (Canada), $26.99
Rating: 91
Produced from a block of trebbiano vines planted by Joe Busnardo in 1968 – some of the earliest European grape varieties planted in British Columbia – this is one of Hester Creek’s signature wines from the Golden Mile Bench region of the Okanagan. The old vines weathered the cold snaps experienced in 2023 and 2024 and are producing grapes again for this bright, citrussy white wine with pleasing floral aromas. A touch of residual sweetness adds body, balancing the mouthwatering lemony acidity that complements the pear and melon flavours. This has 12.9 per cent ABV and 5 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2028. Available at the above price in British Columbia or direct, hestercreek.com.
Hillside Unoaked Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (Canada), $26
Rating: 90
Hillside’s new sauvignon blanc is made with grapes grown in Naramata. While previous versions were fermented and aged in oak barrels, this one has a brighter and fruitier New Zealand style. To enhance the fragrant passionfruit and grassy aromas and flavours of the finished wine, the winemaking team left the grapes and juice to macerate overnight before fermentation in a stainless-steel tank. This process produces a clean and crisp white wine with an appealing character that’s ideal for warm-weather sipping. This has 12.8 per cent ABV and 3 g/litre r.s. Drink now. Available direct, hillsidewinery.ca.
Tawse Quarry Road Organic Riesling 2023 (Canada), $24.95
Rating: 93
Tawse planted riesling vines at their Quarry Road vineyard in 2007. The site, which also produces exceptional single-vineyard chardonnays and pinot noirs, is cooler than many other parts of Niagara because it is higher up the escarpment and farther from Lake Ontario. The mix of warm days and cool nights during the growing season contribute to the wine’s concentrated flavours and crisp acid profiles. This exuberant, off-dry white wine reflects the personality of the riesling variety from Ontario. Its generous flavours are based on ripe, juicy peach, balanced by bright citrus, a complex floral bouquet and a clean, lingering finish. This has 10.5 per cent ABV and 24 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2036. Available at the above price in Ontario or direct, tawsewinery.ca.
