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The holidays are the perfect time to uncork something special, enjoy seasonal sips and raise a glass to all the festive joy. Whether you're shopping for a wine lover or a cocktail enthusiast, these holiday picks are sure to spread cheer. From white and red wines to whiskies and cocktails, these exceptional choices are available at the LCBO, ready to be wrapped up and gifted to make this season even brighter.
White wines for the holiday season
Winter is no reason to put away white wines. As the myth that whites are only for summer fades, these wines shine during the holidays, offering versatility for festive pairings and adding refreshing elegance to your celebrations.
Foss Marai Extra Dry Prosecco
Hailing from the hills of Valdobbiadene, Foss Marai is a true gem of excellence in Italian sparkling wine. This prosecco delights with crisp notes of green apple, ripe pear and delicate white flowers, complemented by a soft, creamy effervescence and a touch of sweetness. Perfect for festive brunches, it pairs beautifully with smoked salmon canapés, creamy brie or even a selection of holiday finger foods. Sparkling wines like Foss Marai are holiday essentials — always ready to toast to good cheer or elevate any festive moment.
Mer Soleil Chardonnay
Hailing from Monterey County, mostly from the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, Mer Soleil Chardonnay is a radiant expression of its coastal terroir. Part of the esteemed Caymus Vineyards family for over 30 years, this creamy, full-bodied wine entices with notes of golden apple, vanilla and a whisper of toasted oak. Bright lemony undertones, influenced by nearby lemon trees, add a vibrant, zesty touch. Its distinctive character makes it a holiday favourite, pairing effortlessly with mushroom wellington, buttery lobster tails or roast turkey with herb stuffing. Chardonnay and the holidays? A perfect match indeed!
Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc
From New Zealand’s largest certified organic vineyard, Dog Point delivers a stunning Marlborough sauvignon blanc that defines the region’s style. Founded by Ivan and Margaret Sutherland with James and Wendy Healy, this family-owned estate combines sustainability with winemaking expertise. Bursting with tropical fruit, zesty citrus and stony minerality, this vibrant wine offers precision and purity in every sip. Perfect with fresh oysters or goat cheese salad, it also complements roast lamb and spiced noodle dishes — a true testament to its versatility.
Cozy reds for pairing and sipping
Red wines, from fruity to bold, are perfect for the holidays. Their warmth and depth make them ideal for cozy nights and festive meals, whether paired with seasonal dishes or enjoyed by the fire.
Conundrum Red
A velvety California blend from the Caymus family, Conundrum Red masterfully combines zinfandel, petite sirah and cabernet sauvignon for a bold yet approachable experience. Bursting with ripe cherries, plum, cocoa and a touch of baking spice, it features smooth tannins and a playful, rich character. Designed with food in mind, this sibling to Conundrum White pairs effortlessly with honey-glazed ham, grilled octopus or spicy vindaloo, and shines alongside dark chocolate truffles. For a fun twist, serve it slightly chilled to elevate its vibrant fruit notes — a true pairing gem.
Cave De Lugny Bourgogne Pinot Noir AOC
Cave de Lugny, a cooperative of Burgundian grape growers with a history dating back to the late 1800s, creates wines that showcase Southern Burgundy’s charm. Their Bourgogne Pinot Noir offers delightful aromas of cherry, raspberry and cranberry, with hints of earthiness and lilac. Dry with medium tannins, it delivers vibrant red fruit flavours. With a bit more depth than your typical pinot, it’s ideal for elevating a holiday meal. Pair it with creamy mushroom risotto or roast duck with cranberry sauce for a perfect match.
Hess Collection Allomi Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Napa Valley and cabernet sauvignon are a classic match, but there’s more to the region than meets the eye. In 1978, Donald Hess pioneered winemaking at elevation on Mount Veeder, believing the volcanic slopes offered ideal conditions for rich, complex wines. This full-bodied cabernet showcases dark plum, black currant and cedar, with soft tannins and a hint of milk chocolate, vanilla and cedar. Balanced and elegant, it’s a great gift and pairs wonderfully with grilled ribeye steak or hearty winter stews.
Whiskies worth gifting and enjoying
Whisky is having a moment. The pandemic shifted more people towards exploring this spirit, and its popularity continues to grow. Much like wine, whisky carries a sense of regionality, offering both collectible and enjoyable options for enthusiasts.
Cabot Trail Maple Whisky
Cabot Trail Maple Whisky from Quebec blends aged Canadian rye whisky with pure maple syrup, creating a smooth, flavourful drink with notes of caramel, honey, maple and rye spice. Enjoy it on the rocks, in cocktails or with coffee (or even ice cream!). Made with Grade A Canadian maple syrup and a touch of toasted oak, this whisky captures Canada’s maple tradition and the adventurous spirit of explorer John Cabot. With its rich history and unique flavour, it’s a perfect gift with a story to tell.
Writers’ Tears Inniskillin Icewine Cask Finish Irish Whiskey
This unique Irish whiskey, aged in Canadian ice wine casks, blends honeyed apricot, spice and oak flavours. A collaboration between Walsh Whiskey and Inniskillin Winery, it’s a triple-distilled mix of single pot still and single malt whiskeys, finished for 12 months in icewine hogsheads. This limited edition release for the holidays delivers stone fruit aromas, with notes of honey, vanilla, caramel and oak spice. It’s medium-bodied with a long, smooth finish. Pair it with charcuterie, cheese or homemade fruit loaves. It's a perfect gift for whisky and wine collectors alike!
Nikka From the Barrel Japanese Whisky
In 1918, Masataka Taketsuru, the founder of Nikka, became the first Japanese person to master whisky making in Scotland. This expertise is evident in Nikka From the Barrel, a blended whisky first released in 1985. Crafted from over 100 malt and grain whiskies, it’s aged through a "marriage" process for harmony. With bold spices, caramelized pear and a smoky finish, this whisky has heat. Its unique square bottle and rich flavour profile make it a perfect gift for whisky lovers who savour a complex, slow-sipped dram.
Cocktails made for holiday moments
Who doesn’t love a festive cocktail? Whether for a post-dinner sip or a punch-bowl drink for guests, these spirits are must-haves for your home bar. Plus, we've included a signature cocktail for each one to bring them to life in your glass.
El Dorado Golden Rum Cream Liqueur
Crafted on the banks of Demerara, El Dorado rum represents over 300 years of Caribbean rum-making tradition. Their Golden Rum Cream Liqueur combines five-year-old rum, cream and natural spices for a smooth, velvety sip. With rich notes of spice, toffee and rum, it’s a perfect fit for the holidays. Try it in a festive Eggnog cocktail — simply mix 2 oz of El Dorado Golden Rum Cream Liqueur with store-bought or homemade eggnog and top with freshly grated nutmeg for a delicious twist on this holiday classic.
Chambord Royale
Rich, fruity and elegantly floral, Chambord is a holiday must-have. Handcrafted in France’s Loire Valley, this luxurious liqueur combines blackberries, raspberries, Madagascan vanilla, Moroccan citrus peel, honey and cognac. It offers lush aromas and flavours of ripe berries, black currant and vanilla, with a hint of herbs and a velvety, long finish. It's perfect for the festive moments of the holidays. Elevate your toast with a Chambord Kir Royale: Mix ½ oz Chambord and 4 oz cava for effortless sparkle.
Fords Gin
Fords Gin is a classic London dry crafted with a thoughtful blend of botanicals like juniper, coriander, jasmine and citrus, delivering bright, aromatic layers of citrus, juniper and floral notes, finishing smoothly with vanilla and grapefruit. Found in top bars worldwide, its versatile nature makes it a favourite among cocktail enthusiasts. Designed for bartenders, the ergonomic bottle features hash marks for easy measuring. It's perfect for the holidays in a batched Negroni: Serve equal parts gin, Campari and sweet vermouth over ice, garnished with a rosemary sprig for a festive twist.
