Great Wines Under $25

Juicy & Fresh

Keint-He Winery & Vineyards is a boutique winery located in Prince Edward County. The winery has a strong focus on varietals that are typically grown in Burgundy, specifically Pinot Noir and Chardonnay; through which they truly express the best of the County with wonderful individual expressions. Keint-He’s approach to winemaking is as down-to-earth as it gets and their quality is second to none.

This delicate, dry rose is bursting with fruit, both on the nose and palate. Vibrant cherry and strawberry are immediately present on the nose, transitioning to strawberry and fresh watermelon at the forefront of the palate. Nuttiness and ripe raspberry are followed by a finish of refreshing acidity. A wonderful choice for holiday meals, including turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy and stuffing.

Food and patio friendly - enjoy with summer salads, grilled chicken and salmon.

Creamy & Fresh

3XP (Trois-X-P) - Pearce | Predhomme | Pender - is a small-production Niagara Peninsula Chardonnay collaboration that was started in 2015 by négociants Nicholas Pearce & Will Predhomme with vigneron Paul Pender.

The 2021 3XP is a blend of french oak barrels from mostly Tawse Estate all farmed using sustainable, organic and/or biodynamic practices. A large portion is from the infamous Quarry Road Vineyard blended with select barrels from other sites such as Limestone Ridge, Cherry Avenue and a small portion (8%) sourced from like minded sustainable growers.

We strive to show the delicacy, tension & purity 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 & limestone acidity on the palate with a round & refreshing mouthfeel. A clean, fresh, textured... distinctly Ontarian-style Chardonnay.

Ideas for pairing 3XP? This full throttle 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.

Fresh & Balanced

Emblematically Niagara, this vibrant Chardonnay is made with organic, biodynamic and sustainably-farmed grapes from the Niagara Peninsula. The 2021 Crew Sauvage a blockbuster; 100% Tawse Estate fruit, mainly from the Robyn's Block young vines (2 Cadus puncheons, 4 barrels) which were showing best in the initial tastings with Moray and Jessica. This created the baseline for cuvée which was then blended with 3 beautifully balanced barrels from the Tawse Hillside vineyard and 2 immensely structured barrels from the Robyn's Block Old Vines parcel; the oldest Chard on the property. Et voila, another star is born.

Expect straw gold in the glass with gorgeous orchard fruits, apple and peach on the nose with notes of marine, hazelnut, lemon custard, and blonde caramel essence. This elegant wine offers a lovely texture on the palate, rich and round with biscuits and cream, while boasting a lip-smacking acidity with an herbal tea tannin.

This world class Niagara Chardonnay is ready to pair with just about anything, but we are thinking white fish in beurre blanc, cream based pastas or fresh salads garnished with lots of cheese.

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!

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.

Aromatic & Fresh

The vineyards of Fattoria di Sammontana are located along the hills that border the Arno River, 20km to the south west of Florence. Today, the family - now in its fourth generation - runs the farm according to organic and biodynamic practices, with the intent to fully preserve and sustain the traditions and winemaking history of the land.

Prunecchio is the name of an old vineyard plot on the Fattoria di Sammontana estate planted with Sauvignon Blanc, Trebbiano and Malvasia. It is has aromas of yellow plums, quince, gooseberries, and acacia flowers on the nose. On the palate, it's fresh and well balanced. 

This wine is perfect as an aperitif, or with fish dishes, pasta and all kinds of salads and green veggies. A must try with shrimp scampi!

Floral & Subtle

Cascina Castlèt has belonged to the Borio family for generations; Mariuccia, the current owner, inherited it from her father in 1970. Mariuccia focuses on her terroir and the local varieties.

The vineyards of the estate are spread over 31 hectares, and are all located in Costigliole d'Asti. The clusters of Barbera were hand-harvested and unveil a rather aromatic wine with a crunchy fruitiness. The wine evokes blackberry and cherry on a delicately floral background. Balanced and delectable, there is even a subtle note of minerality.

A wine that will pair perfectly with white and red grilled meats, salami and young cheeses.

Earthy & Juicy

The French have a very beautiful expression for wines like this, they call it “vin de soif”, which essentially means a wine that is measured by the purity, honesty and, especially, by the joy and refreshment it provides. “La Pinada” is just that kind of wine, it showcases the fruit, freshness and balance of a genuine single varietal Bobal. The grapes are exclusively sourced from a single parcel called La Pinada planted in 1958, growing on alluvial and clay soils.

With a fresh and fruit-forward nose, the wine displays aromas of blackberry, dark cherry, blossom, and a hint of earthy minerality. On the palate it is juicy, focused and well balanced, with a crunchy acidity and some light drying tannins.

Enjoy this vin de soif with just about any dish.

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.

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!

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...

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!

Fresh & Zesty

Nestled in the heart of Empordà, La Vinyeta is a small production winery and olive grower driven by a young spirit of hard work and big dreams. The project’s origins can be found in two old Carignan and Grenache vineyards which Josep and Marta bought from an old winemaker from the town. They started producing their first bottles of wine in 2006. Today, La Vinyeta is one of the most highly regarded projects in the area, not just for the quality and diversity of the wines but also for their dynamism, humility, and commitment.

This is a white blend made from old vines of Macabeo (60%), Grenache Blanc (30%), and Malvasia (10%). The vineyards are organically farmed, without artificial irrigation.

On the glass, it has a yellow colour with green tones, sign of its youthfulness. On the nose, it has a high aromatic intensity, combining fruity notes of pineapple and stone fruit, with a final persistence of citric aromas. The palate is fresh, with a vibrant acidity and a salty hint of the calcareous soils.

Pair this wine with roast fish with cannellini beans and green olives

Meaty & Round

Nestled in the heart of Empordà, La Vinyeta is a small production winery and olive grower driven by a young spirit of hard work and big dreams. The project’s origins can be found in two old Carignan and Grenache vineyards which Josep and Marta bought from an old winemaker from the town. They started producing their first bottles of wine in 2006. Today, La Vinyeta is one of the most highly regarded projects in the area, not just for the quality and diversity of the wines but also for their dynamism, humility, and commitment.

This is a red blend made from old vines of Carignan (65%), and Grenache (35%). The vineyards are organically farmed, without artificial irrigation.

On the glass, it has a cherry colour with violet tones. On the nose, it has a high aromatic intensity, combining aromas of ripe red fruit and lactic notes. On the palate, it is meaty, with nicely integrated tannins, medium-bodied, and with a great acidity.

Pair this wine with chorizo and chickpea braised chicken thighs.

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.

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 - only 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.

Full Bodied & Structured

This product is currently available online as part of the Classics program. Please feel free to contact us at info@npwines.com if you need any assistance locating stock.

In 1984 Neil Ellis sourced grapes from vineyards not of his own and produced wine in rented cellar space. These grapes were sourced in the Stellenbosch district and meant a lot of nosing around the restrictive quota system prevalent at the time.

Today, the experience and knowledge of the past are applied to modern techniques and technologies for a new generation of winemaking. “Our vision remains to make distinctive, refined wines that are expressive of their terrain and rank amongst South Africa’s finest. A pursuit of quality, nothing less.”- Neil Ellis

The grapes were sourced from a south-west facing trellised vineyard grown
in decomposed granite and Table Mountain sandstone. These small, distinctive sites are enclosed in the valley of Jonkershoek where the south facing slopes are significantly cooler than the surrounding area of Stellenbosch.

Intense dark colour. A pretty subtle, intriguing and appetizing nose with
blue and blackberries and typical cedar aromas from the Jonkershoek
Valley. The palate is nervous and fresh, followed by a well defined tannin
structure. This is a wine built to last and early drinking would benefit with
decanting.

Pair with Venison and ribeye on the bone

Fresh & Fruity

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.

A to Z Wineworks was started in 2002 by Oregon wine industry veterans: Deb Hatcher (Eyrie), Bill Hatcher (Domaine Drouhin Oregon), Sam Tannahill (Archery Summit) and Cheryl Francis (Chehalem). The two couples worked in the Hatcher's kitchen to build the original blend honoured by Food & Wine magazine as the Best American Pinot Noir under $20. Recognition for A to Z wines as offering dependable quality for great value continues today making A to Z the top-selling Oregon wine brand.

The A to Z Oregon Pinot Gris is refreshing and lithe on the palate. Aromas of Meyer lemon, lemon verbena, tangerine, apricot, peach, apple, pear, quince, melon and honeysuckle add a hint of sweetness to the air around it. The weight is impeccable with perfect balance and integration hitting all points of the palate. Incredibly versatile at the dinner table with flavors of golden apple, roasted coconut, citrus and pineapple appealing to the last splash in the glass.

Seriously, this wine goes with just about everything, all the time, including nothing, which is sometimes a fine option, too.

Youthful & Complex

This product is available online as part of the Vintages Online and Flagship Exclusives program. Please feel free to contact us at info@npwines.com if you need any assistance locating stock. 

In 1984 Neil Ellis sourced grapes from vineyards not of his own and produced wine in rented cellar space. These grapes were sourced in the Stellenbosch district and meant a lot of nosing around the restrictive quota system prevalent at the time.

Today, the experience and knowledge of the past are applied to modern techniques and technologies for a new generation of winemaking. “Our vision remains to make distinctive, refined wines that are expressive of their terrain and rank amongst South Africa’s finest. A pursuit of quality, nothing less.”- Neil Ellis

Op sy moer translates as “sur lie” or “on the lees”, meaning instead of going their separate ways, the wine and the lees stay in touch for some light flirting. This is a blend of Palomino and Chenin Blanc with a complex nose of citrus zest, quince and sliced apple peel. Fresh and vibrant on the palate with lovely texture and a long creamy finish, thanks to the lees contact. This is a wine that will keep evolving in the glass as with bottle aging. For best results store cork down and 3-5 days before enjoying, turn the bottle cork up to allow the lees to settle.

Pair with Paella or Porkbelly with an apple sauce

Fresh & Lively

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.

A to Z Wineworks was started in 2002 by Oregon wine industry veterans: Deb Hatcher (Eyrie), Bill Hatcher (Domaine Drouhin Oregon), Sam Tannahill (Archery Summit) and Cheryl Francis (Chehalem). The two couples worked in the Hatcher's kitchen to build the original blend honoured by Food & Wine magazine as the Best American Pinot Noir under $20. Recognition for A to Z wines as offering dependable quality for great value continues today making A to Z the top-selling Oregon wine brand.

The delicately coloured A to Z Oregon Chardonnay has a fresh, lively nose like fresh cut apples and distinct tropical notes (honeydew, kiwi, quince, kumquat, Meyer lemon, pineapple) and undertones of spring flowers, lemongrass and marjoram. The juicy, vibrant palate has a touch of minerality, something like wet stones drizzled with honey, and a natural fruit sweetness building length and presence. Tank aging on lees gives this wine a creamy texture and an interesting, broad mid-palate.

Pairs well with fresh, vibrant, and lively foods that sparkle with acidity like Baja fish tacos or heavier foods that need a bit of a high note lift such as roasted monkfish and trout.

Smooth & Spicy

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.

The Watkins family embarked on an incredible journey into the wine industry back in 1997. It all began when David Watkins and Ros Watkins, purchased a plot of land in Currency Creek, South Australia. Their vision was clear from the start: to create a vineyard of unparalleled quality and prestige. With determination and passion, the Watkins family spent the next 22 years transforming their dream into an impressive 485 hectares of premium vineyards across four renowned regions of South Australia: Adelaide Hills, Currency Creek, Langhorne Creek, and McLaren Vale. 

The nose is fairly lifted with baked blackberries and black cherry fruit, menthol, licorice and vanillin spice notes. Full bodied on the palate, texturally dense but smooth and lively with fine tannins. This is a large and in charge, classic Aussie Shiraz. 

This wine will match beautifully with the bold flavours of grilled and barbequed foods.