As we gear up to celebrate Canada Day and Independence Day, what better way to toast these festive occasions than with a selection of refreshing, budget-friendly wines?
Whether you’re firing up the barbecue, enjoying outdoor festivities, or watching the fireworks, we’ve curated a list of wines that tick all the boxes. From whites, rosés, to light reds, we’ve got you covered with popular as well as lesser-known regions that deliver delightful flavours, even when served ice cold.
Get ready to raise a glass and celebrate in style without breaking the bank!
Crisp and Refreshing Whites
Riesling from the Finger Lakes, New York: The Finger Lakes region produces exceptional Rieslings with vibrant acidity, citrus flavours, and mineral undertones. They are a delightful match for grilled seafood and summer salads.
Sauvignon Blanc from the Okanagan Valley, Canada: The Okanagan Valley offers refreshing Sauvignon Blanc wines with zesty acidity, tropical fruit flavours, and herbal notes. Enjoy them with grilled vegetables or lighter grilled meats.
Pinot Gris from Oregon: Oregon’s Pinot Gris wines showcase vibrant acidity, stone fruit flavours, and a hint of floral aromas. They complement grilled shrimp, scallops, or light summer pasta dishes.
Grüner Veltliner from Austria: This white varietal offers zesty acidity, bright citrus flavours, and herbaceous notes, making it a perfect companion for grilled seafood or poultry. Looking for convenience and ease of opening? Austrian winemakers commonly use screw-top bottles so they should be easy to find.
Vinho Verde from Portugal: Known for its light effervescence, Vinho Verde is a versatile and affordable option. With its vibrant acidity, delicate citrus flavors, and low alcohol content, it pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables, salads, and seafood.
Vermentino from Italy: Hailing from coastal regions, Vermentino wines offer a refreshing and crisp profile, featuring citrus and stone fruit flavours. They pair excellently with grilled shrimp or chicken skewers, and their screw-top closures make them a convenient choice for outdoor celebrations.
Chenin Blanc from Loire, France: Chenin Blanc showcases a range of styles, from dry to slightly off-dry, with flavours of tropical fruits and honeyed notes. Its versatility and ability to complement a variety of foods, including grilled peaches or barbecue chicken, make it a crowd-pleasing option.
Vibrant and Fruity Rosés
Gamay Rosé from Beaujolais, France: This light-bodied and fruit-forward wine offers flavours of red berries and a refreshing acidity. It pairs wonderfully with grilled salmon, hot dogs or burgers, and its screw-top bottles ensure effortless enjoyment.
Pinot Noir Rosé from Oregon: Oregon’s Pinot Noir rosés display bright acidity, red berry flavours, and a hint of spice. They pair wonderfully with grilled salmon, grilled chicken, or summer fruit salads.
Blaufränkisch Rosé from Austria: Blaufränkisch, a lesser-known grape, produces delightful rosés with bright acidity and vibrant red fruit flavors. Enjoy it alongside grilled sausages or charcuterie platters for a fantastic match.
Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo from Italy: Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo rosés, made from the Montepulciano grape, exhibit flavours of strawberry, watermelon, and a touch of herbs. These wines are incredibly versatile and pair well with an array of barbecue fare, from savoury salads, to grilled vegetables, chicken or pork.
Light and Juicy Reds
Beaujolais from France: Made from the Gamay grape, Beaujolais wines are known for their light body, vibrant fruit flavours, and low tannins. They pair exceptionally well with grilled sausages, burgers, or even barbecue chicken.
Zweigelt from Austria: An indigenous Austrian grape variety, Zweigelt produces light-bodied red wines with flavours of black cherries and subtle spice. Its versatility makes it an excellent choice for grilled vegetables, pork chops, hot dogs or even pizza.
Barbera from Piedmont, Italy: Barbera wines are known for their bright acidity, juicy red fruit flavors, and approachability. Pair them with grilled ribeye steaks or tomato-based barbecue sauces for a delectable match.
Carmenere from Chile: Carmenere offers a unique flavor profile with notes of dark fruit, tobacco, and spices. This wine complements grilled meats, such as lamb or beef, and its screw-top bottles make it easy to open and enjoy.
Pinot Noir from the Okanagan Valley, Canada: The Okanagan Valley produces elegant and fruit-driven Pinot Noir wines with flavours of red cherries, earthy undertones, and silky tannins. They pair beautifully with grilled salmon, roasted poultry, or mushroom-based dishes.
Shiraz from California: California Syrahs offer rich black fruit flavours, peppery notes, and a velvety texture. Pair them with grilled lamb chops, barbecue pork, or flavourful grilled vegetables.
