Great Wines Under $25

Fresh & Balanced

A true Niagara Villages wine focused on a blend of organic, biodynamic and uncertified sustainably farmed vineyards throughout the Peninsula with a focus on Quarry Road (Vinemount Ridge), Cherry Road (Twenty Mile Bench) & the Tintern Vineyard. The grapes are harvested, destemmed, wild fermented "whole berry" for 18 days, before gravity flow takes them into French barrels. This fresh Pinot Noir was then left to age for 16 months in barrel before bottling.

The 2021 vintage is marked by elegance over power, brimming with brightness and approachability straight out of the gate, with not hard edges. Light ruby-red in the glass, high toned aromas of cherry, strawberry, pomegranate, backed by roasted herbs, spice and pepper. Great weight and poise for Ontario, but still the light to medium bodied Pinot Spectrum with balanced tannins and acids holding on to fine and lengthy finish.

Certainly a vintage on the edge, marked by many cold and wet days. However, as every mother does, mother (nature) kicked in and saved the day with a gloriously warm and dry finally to the cooler growing season.

Bright & Creamy

Our favourite bubbly wine is back for its 9th vintage and as always, made in partnership with Lighthall Vineyards in Prince Edward County. This is a small batch “Brut Blanc” Cuvée, made using the Charmat method bottled as VQA Ontario. This vintage shows a blend based on early pick Niagara Peninsula Vidal from Wismer, and 25% Prince Edward County Riesling from South Bay.

We had an instant crush on this new vintage: the beautiful bubbles are so nicely integrated and complement the wild floral aromas of the Vidal, all backed by the bracing acidity and orchard fruit of the South Bay, Prince Edward County Riesling. Dangerously delicious in the glass, this wine is built for both celebration and gastronomy.

The Ward 5 Brut Blanc’s very well balanced acidity makes it perfect to pair with oily and fatty foods, such as cheese boards, salmon, roasted chicken or even fish and chips!

Creamy & Fresh

3XP (Trois-X-P) - Pearce | Predhomme | Pender - is a small-production Niagara Peninsula Chardonnay collaboration between négociants Nicholas Pearce & Will Predhomme with vigneron Paul Pender. This wild ferment Chardonnay is 100% certified organic & biodynamic and is produced with minimal intervention.

We strive to show the delicacy, tension, & purity of expression of Ontario-grown Chardonnay with this small-production collaboration.  Brilliant straw colour, youthful, light-intensity aromas of white peach, green apple, citrus, with delicate integrated subtle lees. Bright lemony acidity on the palate, round mouthfeel, & refreshing. A clean, fresh, & distinctly Ontarian-style Chardonnay.

Ideas for pairing 3XP? This rich Chardonnay calls for all shades of seafood and fish: spaghetti with clams and tons of parsley, halibut, crab cakes... or even pork tenderloin! It's also wonderful as an apéro wine.

Earthy & Floral

Husband and wife duo Ilya and Nadia started Leaning Post winery in Niagara over 10 years ago. Initially a virtual set up, the winery now located on Highway 8, has become a reference producer in Niagara.

A blend of fruit from 4 different Vineyards from 4 different sub-appellations, this wine explodes out of the glass with wonderful mulberry, cherry kirsch, pomegranate, and raspberry followed closely by dried basil and tarragon, layered over mushroom and tobacco leaf. The warmth of the 2020 vintage starts to show with some air, with more fullness and roundness than some previous vintages. The palate in particular shows good fullness in the mouth with glace cherry married to sugar beet, followed closely by damp leaves and dirt mixed with wet stone with traces of spice lingering on the wonderfully long finish. Balanced acidity follows a soft and supple mouthfeel that will age for 3-4 years but can certainly be enjoyed now.

Pair this Pinot Noir with smoky glazed ham or grilled salmon.

Citrusy & Floral

Husband and wife duo Ilya and Nadia started Leaning Post winery in Niagara over 10 years ago. Initially a virtual set up, the winery now located on Highway 8, has become a reference producer in Niagara.

The intense aromatics of this wine leap from the glass, lifted by beautiful, creamy bubbles. Explosive aromas of fresh mandarin orange, Meyer lemon, fresh ginger, and notions of nutmeg and honeysuckle immediately engage the olfactory senses.The palate echoes the nose, but also brings in mango, lychee and rose-petal with the light citrus and floral components wiping through the background. A rich mouthfeel is brought on with this warmer vintage as well as the lees in bottle. Serve well chilled. Pour immediately.

Creamy & Fresh

3XP (Trois-X-P) - Pearce | Predhomme | Pender - is a small-production Niagara Peninsula Chardonnay collaboration between négociants Nicholas Pearce & Will Predhomme with vigneron Paul Pender. This wild ferment Chardonnay is 100% certified organic & biodynamic and is produced with minimal intervention.

We strive to show the delicacy, tension, & purity of expression of Ontario-grown Chardonnay with this small-production collaboration.  Brilliant straw colour, youthful, light-intensity aromas of white peach, green apple, citrus, with delicate integrated subtle lees. Bright lemony acidity on the palate, round mouthfeel, & refreshing. A clean, fresh, & distinctly Ontarian-style Chardonnay.

Ideas for pairing 3XP? This rich Chardonnay calls for all shades of seafood and fish: spaghetti with clams and tons of parsley, halibut, crab cakes... or even pork tenderloin! It's also wonderful as an apéro wine.

Bold & Floral

Located on the hills that rise from the Adriatic Sea and neighbouring the coastal town of Vasto in Abruzzo, the Jasci family has been growing grapes and producing wine for three generations. In 1980, the family decided to convert the farm to organic, becoming one of the first ten wineries in all of Italy to be certified. 

This vegan-certified wine is made from hand-picked Montelpulciano grapes cultivated at 250 meters in the sunny hills of Abruzzo. The healthy grapes macerate on the skins for 15 days and age in concrete tanks. Expect intense floral aromas of violet on the nose that intermingle with fruity notes of strawberry and black currant, backed with fragrant hints of cinnamon and vanilla. On the palate is full-bodied, round and with a long fruity aftertaste.

This bold Montepulciano d'Abruzzo pairs well with flavourful dishes, such as hoisin and balsamic glazed lamb chops or seared mushrooms with garlic and thyme.

Waxy & Floral

Lighthall Vineyards is a small, proud, low volume and high quality winery located in enchanting Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada. All their wines are produced in a non-interventionist manner and fuelled by passion as hearty as our vines. They also make cheese, designed to pair with their wines.

One of Lighthall's most aromatic wines, this off-dry Riesling is bursting with kiwi, starfruit, nectarine, and a lovely bouquet of white flowers. The classic Jolly-Rancher and crisp green apple punch follows through on the palate with vivacious acidity. Pairs
excellently with spicy south-Asian cuisine, curries, and tacos.

With the little touch of residual sugar in the wine, it makes a great match for foods
with a bit of heat. Spicy curries, Guaitiao (Thai noodle soup), Shrimp with noodles,
or Chicken Masala with mango chutney for example. Leaner white fish like bass,
pickerel, red snapper served with a fresh salad of greens with citrus segments makes a
great summertime match. Creamy fresh cheeses like Brie, Camembert, or Crottin all
are great, while classic Germanic foods like weisswurst, pretzels, and spaetzle also
work well.

Nutty & Waxy

Lighthall Vineyards is a small, proud, low volume and high quality winery located in enchanting Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada. All their wines are produced in a non-interventionist manner and fuelled by passion as hearty as our vines. They also make cheese, designed to pair with their wines.

This wine is unmistakably County Pinot Gris. The aromas of pear and cantaloupe yogurt are delicate, rich, and inviting. The use of an Alsatian yeast strain and our method of partially fermenting in old French oak barrels give a smooth and rich mouthfeel, while the waxy finish of unctuous confit apple with a hint of nutmeg keep you coming back for more.

Choucroute garnie, foie gras, pork dishes, veal parmiggiano, chicken with cream sauces, and a traditional turkey dinner are all wonderful. Pizza bianca with a cream base, taleggio and pear is delightful, while meatier fish like halibut, cod, trout, or arctic char are ideal for the fish lovers. Chèvre and brie make great cheese options.

Spicy & Bold

Finca Aylés is located in the northeast of Spain, near the city of Zaragoza, halfway between Madrid and Barcelona.  The wine project of the Ramón Reula family began its journey in the 1980s and ended with the reunification of various properties that had belonged to the Finca Aylés since the Middle Ages. Today, Aylés is one of the largest private historical farms in Aragón.  

Expect the unexpected with this delicious Garnacha from Aragón! It exhibits a dense ruby/purple-tinged colour as well as delicious, crunchy black cherry and raspberry fruit with notions of cocoa & vanilla thanks to a slight stay in oak barrels. It's medium to full bodied, pure, fruity and savoury. 

It's the perfect wine to pair with rich meats and anything on the BBQ. For something really special, try it with Smoked Pork Carnitas.

Rich & Elegant

Château Tour de Gilet is located in Ludon-en-Médoc, just south of Margaux on the Bordeaux left-bank. Prestigious Grand Cru Classé estates, such as Château Cantemerle, scatter around this small village. Built on the foundation of an ancient abbey from the 12th century, Château Tour de Gilet has been well-known for its outstanding value.

This Bordeaux Supérieur is a Merlot-dominated blend with 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. The nose is intense and elegant, rich in black fruit, blackcurrant and blackberry, and a vibrant sweet spice aroma, completed with pastry and floral nuances. The palate is supple, generous and round, supported by fine and silky tannins, well-integrated oak and excellent balance.

This bold wine goes very well with roasted meats. Our favourite pairing? Delicious burgers with blue cheese!

Fruity & Mineral

Built in the 15th century, the Château de la Grange-Barbastre belonged to the Barbastre family, Lord of the Grange, until the end of the 16th century. The property passed to the de Goulaine family in 1777.

Planted on slopes facing south and southeast, this Muscadet Côtes de Grand Lieu sur Lie is cultivated on the best soils of the estate and from vines that are over 40 years old.

Aged on its fine lees for 11 months, the nose is elegant with hints of white flowers, lemon zest, ginger and salty minerality. The contact with the lees for an extended period of time to develop a beautiful creamy texture balanced out by bracing acidity. 

Muscadet Sur Lie is an exquisite pairing with oysters or any other type of shellfish. A true classic pairing would be 'moules frites' - mussels tossed in shallots, white wine and herbs with a side of french fries!

Fresh & Juicy

Vignobles Arbeau was started in 1878, when Anne Arbeau's great-great-grandmother purchased the estate. 

About 50% of the estate is planted with Negrette and the remaining vines are a mix of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Malbec, and Fer Servadou (an alternative name in Gaillac for Braucol!). The Arbeau family practices sustainable farming and hopes to gain organic certification in the near future. They use native yeasts and there is no filtration.

Braucol is a native grape of the South West, and the Arbeau famille cultivates it along the Tarn River. This wine with spicy blackberry flavours is fresh with acidity and gentle with tannins. Light smokiness adds interest. It is ready to drink.

This wine goes very well with red meat, meat in sauce, game, strong cheeses such as Livarot, Munster...

Fresh & Flavourful

This product is available in select LCBO retail stores as part of the Vintages program. Please feel free to contact us at info@npwines.com if you need any assistance locating stock.  If you would like to make use of NPW's services sourcing a case(s) for delivery, please note that shipping will take approximately 2-3 weeks from the time the wine is ordered.

Great Heart is the staff empowerment project of Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines, known for their multi-award winning Leeu Passant and Mullineux wineries. Aimed at improving the livelihoods of those who work for the company as well as their families, the Great Heart wine brand is collectively owned by the winery staff and a portion of all sales under this label go directly to them. They're committed to sustainable and ethical farming to preserve the natural environment & well-being of the community. 

Grapes for the 2021 Chenin Blanc come from two sustainably farmed vineyard parcels of dry land, bush vine Chenin grown in the decomposed Granite soils of the Paardeberg mountain in the Swartland. Vines here are up to 40 years old.

This Chenin has a nose of green and yellow citrus, stone fruit and hint of flint. The palate has lovely texture with a full mouthfeel typical of the Swartland. This is balanced by a vibrant acidity and some pithy character. The wine has a fresh, mineral finish. Drinking beautifully now and over the next 5 years.

Pairs well with seafood, poultry, salads and even slightly spicy dishes. This wine is vegan friendly! 

Rich & Fruity

Cantine Paradiso is located is the South of Italy, in the region of Puglia. Angelo Paradiso, the third generation of winemakers in the family, manages the vineyards and the winery.

This wine is a blend of Nero di Troia and Primitivo, two native grapes to Puglia. It has an intense purple colour in the glass. On the nose, it delivers pronounced notes of ripe dark fruit, hints of spices and some floral notes. The palate is juicy with soft tannins and a really nice acidity. It is a very easy-drinking and enjoyable wine.

This wine pairs perfectly with tomato-based dishes: pasta bolognese, veal parmigiana, pizza... But would also be a great pairing with curries and spicy barbecue dishes too!

Sappy & Herbal

This product is currently available in select LCBO retail stores as part of the Vintages program. Please feel free to contact us at info@npwines.com if you need any assistance locating stock. If you would like to make use of NPW's services sourcing a case(s) for delivery, please note that shipping will take approximately 2-3 weeks from the time the wine is ordered.

Sister’s Run is serious fun and serious wine. The talented, young winemaker Elena Brooks (of Dandelion Vineyards and Heirloom Vineyards fame) wears steel cap work boots every day of course, but carries a pair of high heels in back of the ute for emergencies - like last minute invitations to accept trophies at gala wine show dinners and the like! 

The Old Testament vineyard is located in the heart of the Coonawarra. The resulting wine produced suggests ripe mulberry and blueberry aromatics with gentle notes of  shaved pencil and menthol on the nose. Soft red berry fruits begin to unfold on the palate, finishing with a spiced-liqueur like quality, carried by velvety tannins and perfectly judged acidity.  

Serve with leg of lamb or other rich dishes - try a country steak and shoe string fries.

Mineral & Fresh

This product is available in select LCBO retail stores as part of the Vintages program. Please feel free to contact us at info@npwines.com if you need any assistance locating stock. When making use of NPW's services sourcing a case(s) for delivery, please note that shipping will take approximately 2-3 weeks from the time the wine is ordered.

Radford Dale is one of South Africa’s leading independent Wineries. Based on the Helderberg Mountain in Stellenbosch and specializing in producing site-specific, natural wines.  Named by Decanter Magazine as the Best Chenin produced in South Africa, this is one of the greatest representations of how Chenin can and should be made.

The fresh vibrancy of white peach and apple aromas on the nose, hint at the wine’s sophisticated elegance and a touch of cinnamon and adds to its complexity. A generous mid palate of quince, pineapple and a weighty feel reward while the bright acidity refreshes with an interesting tang and persistent clean, mineral finish.

Because of Chenin Blanc’s awesome acidity and inherently sweet fruit flavor, you’ll find it pairs well with foods that have a sweet and sour element. Southeast Asian cuisine or pork chops with apples - also give it a try with grilled or barbecued shrimp! 

Perfumed & Lithe

This product will be available in select LCBO retail stores as part of the Vintages program. Please feel free to contact us at info@npwines.com if you need any assistance locating stock. If you would like to make use of NPW's services sourcing a case(s) for delivery, please note that shipping will take approximately 2-3 weeks from the time the wine is ordered.

Great Heart is the staff empowerment project of Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines, known for their multi-award winning Leeu Passant and Mullineux wineries. Aimed at improving the livelihoods of those who work for the company as well as their families, the Great Heart wine brand is collectively owned by the winery staff and a portion of all sales under this label go directly to them. They're committed to sustainable and ethical farming to preserve the natural environment & well-being of the community. 

Grapes for the 2020 Great Heart Swartland Red came from dry farmed bush vine (goblet) parcels in the Swartland, aged 16-40 years. Consisting of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon & 18% Shiraz, the perfumed nose has notes of plums, mulberries, cloves and black pepper. The palate is full but firm and fresh with lovely fruit, spice and length. 

Pair with braised or roasted meats, such as braised short ribs or match with herb-infused dishes & grilled veg. 

Robust & Structured

This product is available in select LCBO retail stores as part of the Vintages program. Please feel free to contact us at info@npwines.com if you need any assistance locating stock. When making use of NPW's services sourcing a case(s) for delivery, please note that shipping will take approximately 2-3 weeks from the time the wine is ordered.

The Carbone family, based in Melfi near Mount Vulture in the heart of Basilicata, values their unique terroir which is rich in volcanic soil. Situated on the slopes of the ancient volcano, their vineyards benefit from an ideal aspect. Coupled with an optimal microclimate that's marked by significant temperature variations, this setting imbues Aglianico with its unique character that's deeply rooted in the region. Luca and Sara have carried on the winemaking tradition since 1974, prioritizing continuity and terroir expression. Their philosophy centres on the fertile land of Mount Vulture, respecting organic vineyard rhythms and employing modern cellar techniques to maintain the wine's character. Teaming up with oenologist Sergio Paternoster, they create authentic wines that mirror the region's history and vibrant essence.

Aglianico is a wonderful grape variety – sometimes referred to as the 'Nebbiolo of the South'. This rendition exudes fragrant herbal notes, sweet & savoury spices and hints of dried black fruits. Robust and full-bodied on the palate, the tannins maintain their classic firmness but are finely polished, complemented by well-judged acidity. In addition to the baked fruits, there's a subtle smoky black tapenade nuance that enhances the fruit character. The wine concludes with remarkable length, underscoring its complexity and hidden gem status.

While showing nicely now, this style may benefit from moderate aeration before drinking. The big tannic structure will be a solid match with mature, firm cheeses and roasts or braised meats. For those who prefer a softer style, leave this bottle to rest in the cellar and return to it in the next 5 years.