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Lucas Labelle's Kitchen-Reno Transforms Home into a Wine-Lover's Sanctuary

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/10 .. ansforms-home-into-a-wine-lover-s-sanctuary.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, November 10th 2025 at 12:20 GMT by The Globe and Mail
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Lucas Labelle’s Kitchen‑Reno Transforms a Home into a Wine‑Lovers’ Sanctuary

When wine importer Lucas Labelle decided to revamp his Toronto kitchen, he set out not just to upgrade appliances or add a splash of color but to create a space that would honor the very industry he has helped grow across Canada. The result, a sprawling open‑plan kitchen that now doubles as a wine‑cellar and tasting nook, is the brainchild of a seasoned designer who shares Labelle’s passion for both fine food and exceptional terroirs.

The project began in late 2022, with Labelle and his partner, culinary educator and interior enthusiast Mara Vancouver, consulting with award‑winning designer Maya Kashani, known for her work on several high‑profile hospitality projects in the Greater Toronto Area. “Lucas has always been a man of taste, both literally and figuratively,” Kashani explains. “His vision was to blend the elegance of a traditional wine cellar with the warmth and functionality of a family kitchen.” The result was an expansive space that feels larger than life: a central island that doubles as a tasting station, built‑in wine racks that reach the ceiling, and a custom bar area that looks as good on a weekend dinner as it does on a business lunch.

A Timeline of Transformation

Labelle’s renovation began with a simple goal: replace the dated laminate countertops, outdated cabinets, and clunky appliances with a more refined, sustainable setup. He chose reclaimed oak for the cabinets, which Kashani engineered to incorporate a hidden wine‑fridge system that keeps wines at a consistent 55 °F. The countertops are a combination of quartz for everyday cooking and a natural stone slab for the island, which serves as the centerpiece for the home’s wine‑tasting experience. The island also hosts a sleek, stainless‑steel sink that pulls from a dedicated water filtration system, echoing Labelle’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

A key addition is a climate‑controlled wine cellar located beneath the kitchen floor. It houses more than 3,000 bottles, curated from Labelle’s own private collection and the importer’s inventory, which spans boutique vineyards in France, Italy, and emerging producers from New Zealand and Spain. The cellar, which cost an estimated $250,000 to build, is not just a storage space but a statement: an area where Labelle hosts regular tasting parties for friends, colleagues, and industry peers. The design team added a glass-walled viewing area and a small, built‑in bar that features a whiskey decanter and a rotating selection of fine scotches and single‑malt bourbons.

The Design Philosophy

“Design is about telling a story,” Kashani says. “We wanted to weave the narrative of a wine lover’s life into the architecture. That meant incorporating subtle nods to vintage labels and classic vintages into the materials and layout.” The kitchen’s lighting is a mix of soft, ambient LEDs and a dramatic pendant chandelier over the island, its brushed‑nickel finish reflecting the cool blue of the kitchen’s interior. The island’s central void is illuminated from below, creating a warm, welcoming glow that encourages conversation and, of course, impromptu tastings.

The walls feature a gallery of Labelle’s favorite wine bottles—each framed in brushed steel with a subtle gold accent. In one corner, a wall-mounted digital wine database displays detailed information about each bottle, from vintage to tasting notes, and even suggested pairings with the dishes cooked in the kitchen. “It’s like having a personal sommelier in the kitchen,” Labelle says, smiling. “It’s not just about having the bottles; it’s about knowing how to serve them.”

Linking to the Broader Wine Conversation

The article also explores Labelle’s role in Canada’s growing wine culture, with a link to the Globe and Mail’s feature “How Canadian Importers Are Shaping the National Palate.” That piece delves into the evolving market for imported wines, noting how figures like Labelle are crucial in bringing lesser-known terroirs to Canadian consumers. The link takes readers to an interview with Labelle himself, where he discusses the challenges of sourcing high‑quality wines from overseas and the importance of sustainable viticulture. In that interview, he emphasizes that “the relationship between importer and winemaker is built on trust and a shared vision of quality.” He also highlights his partnership with a new wave of Canadian winemakers, suggesting that the future of the industry lies in collaboration and transparency.

Another link in the article directs readers to “Sustainable Design in Modern Kitchens,” a profile of Maya Kashani’s portfolio. The piece showcases her work on several eco‑friendly projects, including a restaurant that sources all its ingredients locally. For the Labelle kitchen, Kashani implemented recycled glass countertops, a rain‑water harvesting system for irrigation, and energy‑efficient appliances, aligning the project with the environmental ethos that Labelle champions in his wine trade.

A House That Speaks to the Senses

Beyond its functional upgrades, the renovation offers a sensory experience that blends culinary artistry with viticulture. The kitchen’s open layout encourages guests to walk in, watch meals being prepared, and sample a glass of vintage while they wait. The bar area, with its whiskey decanter and curated selection of single‑malt scotches, adds an unexpected layer of sophistication, making the space suitable for both casual family dinners and upscale gatherings.

Labelle’s enthusiasm for wine is no secret: he’s often quoted as saying, “Wine is not just a drink; it’s a conversation, a history, a journey.” The kitchen redesign, therefore, is more than a facelift; it’s an extension of his personal philosophy. By merging practical kitchen elements with a well‑designed wine storage and tasting area, he has turned his home into a living museum of his passion.

The final product, a testament to the synergy between culinary craft and wine culture, is a space that invites exploration and celebration. Whether guests are sipping a 2014 Bordeaux beside a simmering pot of risotto or enjoying a quiet evening with a glass of vintage scotch, Lucas Labelle’s kitchen–renovation stands as a shining example of how thoughtful design can elevate everyday life and bring people together around shared pleasures.