Valentine’s Day seems to be one of those holidays that you either love to love, or love to hate. Either way, I know that I know Spring is around the corner-ish every February 14th and that’s reason enough to enjoy a beautiful glass of wine. I am actually astonished to have found out that Julio got me a gift this year while I haven’t gotten around to thinking about or buying one for him. Thankfully I’m a fabulous gift giver & experience curator. And of course when in doubt, a beautiful bottle of wine and some romance are the perfect option. For those of you in the same place, I thought I would do the hard work and curate the ultimate wine list for Valentine’s Day 2023 for your BFF, special someone, or for that solo soak in the tub.
Rosewood Winery & Meadery is a favourite now and forever. If I had to choose a few items from their catalogue they would absolutely include White Rabbit which is fabulously balanced and I’ve been buying it for years, Nebulous is a pink fantasy you’ll love, and of course Pinot Noir which is one of my favourite varietals.
Queenston Mile Vineyard is located in one of my favourite wine regions in Canada and the couple of bottles I would absolutely stock up on would include MILE WHITE, PINOT NOIR ROSÉ and several bottles of GRAND MILE. Who doesn’t love a perfect bottle of bubbles?!
We’ve been fans of Lakeview Wine Co. for years so you know I had to select some of my favourite for that special someone. Serenity Pinot Noir was one of my favourite Rosés of 2022 and it continues to impress me, EastDell Chardonnay is the perfect expression of a cool climate Chardonnay and I keep it chilled all year round, and of course Twenty Bees Sparkling is perfect for that romantic night in.
I got introduced to 180 Estate Winery last year and it was love at first sip. The 180 Sparkling Gamay Rosé is fabulous with cheese and some snuggles, The 2018 Kitchen Zinc is a playful blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Viognier, Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Muscat. And I couldn’t forget The 2021 Bourbon White which is a flavour profile I’ve never encountered as it is aged in Bourbon Barrels!
You’ll remember I shared some love for Alvento Winery many times and if I had to pick a few bottles that I think you’d love this Valentine’s Day they would include The 2018 Chardonnay, The 2019 Cabernet Franc Icewine for the sweet toothed lovers, and The 2018 Austero which is velvety perfection.
We had the pleasure of visiting Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery a few years ago with friends on a trip to Niagara and I fell in love with their wines. If I had to pick my personal favourites they would absolutely include The 2011 Brut Vintage, The 2021 Ravine Rosé which is nothing short of majestic, and The 2020 Ravine Merlot which many of you know is one of my favourite red varietals.
The wines from Pillitteri Estates Winery have never let me down when I needed to make a moment special for Julio and I. I’d encourage you to try the 2021 SUNSET ROSÉ, The always food friendly 2021 CARRETTO GEWÜRZTRAMINER RIESLING FUSION and my personal fave 2021 MARKET COLLECTION SPARKLING BRUT which I promise you’ll fall in love with.
Famously known for their Riesling, Cave Spring Vineyard holds a very special place in my heart and has since before I launched the blog a decade ago. I’m currently all about the 2020 GAMAY ESTATE, NV BLANC DE BLANCS by the fireside with some sultry music, and of course The 2019 RIESLING CSV which is nothing short of perfect.
We know that Lola & I have had a love affair for years, but that just goes to show how much I adore Pelee Island Winery & Vineyards Inc. Bella Sparkling Pinot Noir Rosé VQA is perfect for the lovers out there, The Empress Orange – Skin Fermented White is for those wine enthusiasts looking for something a bit more unique, and of course one of my favourite Rosés ever The LOLA Blush Sparkling Rosé VQA.
Another winery that has always held a special place in my heart is Trius Winery – one of the first wineries I ever visited, their wines are timelessly perfect for any occasion. If I had to pick the bottles I am loving right now that I think you’ll love to love, The Trius Showcase Wild Ferment Chardonnay 2020 VQA is magnificent for Chardonnay lovers, Trius Rosé 2021 VQA won’t last because it’s just too good to resist, and of course The Trius Showcase Brut Nature VQA will impress anyone who sips it this Valentine’s Day.
Of course those are a just a few of the wineries and wines I’m loving now, but it’s a great list for those of you needing some inspiration and guidance while planning for something special. For those of you needing a little more guidance you can of course check out the VQA matchmaker tool and ask your local LCBO employee what their favourite is!
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Photos: Daniel Reyes Cocka and aforementioned participating brands
Don’t forget to be kind & laugh a little more this year
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