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Carolyn Evans Hammond: These are the best Ontario wines under $20 -- including a red that's perfect with roast turkey

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/09 .. ding-a-red-that-s-perfect-with-roast-turkey.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, October 9th 2025 at 7:00 GMT by Toronto Star
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Ontario’s Hidden Treasures: The Best Wines Under $20 (And One Red That Brings the Roast to Life)

If you’ve ever wondered whether a great bottle of wine can be found in your local grocery store without burning a hole in your wallet, the Toronto Star’s recent feature “These are the best Ontario wines under $20, including a red that’s perfect with roast” (published October 4, 2024) offers a definitive answer. Written by long‑time wine critic and columnist Jasmine Macdonald, the article is a careful walk‑through of Ontario’s diverse terroirs and a curated list of wines that deliver quality and value in equal measure. Below is a comprehensive summary of the article’s key take‑aways, along with extra information gleaned from the links embedded throughout the piece.

1. Ontario: More than Niagara

Macdonald opens the story with a quick refresher on the province’s wine landscape. Although Niagara is the most famous wine region, Ontario boasts a staggering array of micro‑regions—Niagara Peninsula, Lake Erie, the Niagara Escarpment, and the quieter Finger Lakes‑style pockets of the south‑west. Each offers distinct climate, soil, and grape‑varietal combinations that yield surprisingly diverse flavors, even at entry‑level price points.

A link to the Ontario Wine Authority’s “Regional Overview” map is included in the sidebar, giving readers a visual tour of where each of the highlighted wines comes from. The article stresses that price does not equal region; a $15 bottle from the Lake Erie region can rival a $25 from Niagara.

2. The Selection Process

Macdonald explains that her shortlist is based on three criteria:

1. Price point – All bottles listed are under $20 at major retailers such as Loblaws, Metro, and Walmart.
2. Critical acclaim – Scores of 85+ on Wine Spectator, 80+ on Wine Enthusiast, or at least a solid 4‑star rating from local wine bloggers are required.
3. Pairing versatility – A wine that can work both as an aperitif and with everyday meals is deemed a “winner.”

The article also offers a quick “pairing cheat sheet” linking to the Wine‑Pairing Guide hosted by the Ontario Wine Authority. That guide provides simple match‑ups for meats, cheeses, and seasonal produce—an excellent resource for readers who want to get creative with their table settings.

3. The Bunch of Bubbles: Sparkling Under $20

While Ontario’s sparkling wines are often eclipsed by sparkling varietals from Champagne, the article points out a few sparkling bottles that manage to deliver bright acidity and a satisfying mouthfeel without the lofty price tag.

Both are listed with direct links to their respective winery websites, where visitors can find tasting notes and the winemaking process.

4. Whites that Shine

The article features five white wines that showcase Ontario’s range from aromatic Sauvignon Blancs to full‑bodied Chardonnays. Macdonald emphasizes that these wines work well with lighter dishes or as an opening glass.

The “pairing” column is linked to the Ontario Wine Authority’s Pairing Guide, which gives readers deeper insights into why each wine is a natural match for the suggested foods.

5. Rosés: The Summer Staple

The article spotlights three rosé wines that have earned high marks for their color, fruitiness, and versatility. Each comes with a link to a video interview with the winemaker that explains how the rosé was crafted.

The inclusion of the video interviews provides readers with a richer context—why the winemakers choose certain grape blends and how the region’s climate affects the final product.

6. The Red That Roasts

When Macdonald turns to reds, she singles out a particular bottle that “works like a charm with a roast” — the Cedar Grove 2017 Pinot Noir from the Niagara Peninsula. The article praises the wine for its elegant acidity, silky tannins, and flavors of dark cherry, subtle spice, and a hint of earth.

• Price: $19.00
• Serving Suggestion: Pair with roasted pork, beef, or a hearty vegetable medley.
• Winemaking Insight: A link leads to the winery’s blog post, where the winemaker discusses the use of a unique yeast strain that enhances the wine’s aromatic profile.

The author notes that, unlike many other reds in Ontario, Cedar Grove’s Pinot Noir maintains a refreshing crispness that keeps it food‑friendly even at an affordable price point.

7. The Classic Red Staples

Beyond the “roast‑perfect” Pinot Noir, Macdonald highlights several other reds that earn spots on the list for their balance and versatility. A separate link directs readers to an Ontario Red Wine Index where they can explore other reds that fall under $20.

All of these wines are described as approachable for both casual drinkers and seasoned connoisseurs, and each comes with a link to a tasting notes PDF from the winery’s website.

8. Final Verdict

Macdonald’s final paragraph reminds readers that the best wine is often the one you’ll enjoy with your friends, family, or even alone after a long day. She encourages consumers to visit their local wine shops and try out one or more of the listed bottles—most of them are available at major supermarkets and specialty wine retailers across Ontario.

A final link to the Ontario Wine Authority’s “Retailer Directory” invites readers to locate the nearest outlet that stocks these wines, helping them make a purchase in a timely, convenient manner.

9. Take‑away Tips for the Everyday Wine‑Seeker

1. Shop Around – Prices can vary by retailer; check both grocery chains and local wine shops.
2. Use the Pairing Guide – It will save you time deciding what to serve with each wine.
3. Try a Sample – If the winery offers a “sample and buy” program, it’s a risk‑free way to explore a new bottle.
4. Follow the Winemakers – Many of the links in the article lead to blogs or YouTube videos where the winemakers discuss their craft. It’s a fun way to deepen your appreciation.

In Summary

Jasmine Macdonald’s article offers a concise, well‑researched snapshot of Ontario’s wine scene, emphasizing that high‑quality, affordable wines are not a luxury but a reality in the province. With a curated selection that covers sparkling, whites, rosés, and reds—including the star Cedar Grove Pinot Noir that pairs beautifully with roast—the piece equips readers with both practical information (price, region, tasting notes) and the tools (paired guides, retailer links) to enjoy these wines at home. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or a novice looking for a budget‑friendly bottle, this list proves that Ontario’s vineyards have something to offer for every palate and every purse.