Valentine’s day is almost here, and let’s not forget the most important thing - the wine! Here are 5 Ontario wines to help you celebrate while supporting local:

Tawse Cabernet Franc Icewine 2023 $32.70

The unique qualities Cabernet Franc brings to this beloved national wine style through its terroir-driven excellence is certainly reflected in this bottle. Crafted with grapes from the Creek Shores sub-appellation within the Niagara Peninsula, this Icewine delivers tart red berry and floral aromas. Savoury herb flavours add complexity and layers that meet eye-to-eye with the sweetness this style offers, leaving an intricate, well-balanced palate.

Pair with brownie a la mode.

Domaine Queylus Réserve du Domaine Pinot Noir 2019 $44.05

This is a vegan-friendly Pinot Noir that undergoes wild fermentation before a 16-18 month French oak élevage. It unveils delicate aromas of wildflowers, bay leaf and black caps as it leads to a graceful, focused palate that echos its fresh flowers and forest berry bouquet. A ribbon of tight tannins wrap up this vibrant, juicy Pinot precision just so, resolving with a long, black tea finish.

Pair with mushroom risotto.

Westcott Estate Chardonnay 2022 $26.10

A creamy and bright Chardonnay derived from both Westcott Home Farm and Butlers’ Grant vineyards on the Niagara Escarpment. This wine undergoes wild fermentation followed by a 10 month aging period in French oak prior to bottling.

Mouthwatering aromas of coconut, ripe pineapple and buttered popcorn prelude a well-balanced, gorgeous profile of yellow fruit and ripe citrus impressions. A vibrant, refreshing acidity intertwined throughout gently rides towards a long finish. Drink now thru 2028.

Pair with chicken or shrimp alfredo.

The Roost Wine Co. Silk Purse 2022 $38.95

This sparkling red is a Marquette/ Lucy Kuhlmann cuvée cultivated with estate grapes from this small batch, cool-climate wine focused winery in Georgian Bay, Ontario. Off-dry, with punchy blackberry and raspberry fruit and a dash of savoury herb notes make for a fun, appetizing tasting experience.

Pair this with assorted chocolates, or would also work nicely as a sipper paired with your favourite movie!

Black Bank Hill Runway Rosé 2023 $22.15

From grape to bottle, this rosé that’s comprised of 94% Cabernet Franc and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the Black Bank Hill estate vineyards within the Lincoln Lakeshore sub-appellation of the Niagara Peninsula. A 48 hour skin-maceration paints a ruby-light-trap display that is enough to widen one’s eyes on colour alone. This wine offers exactly what you would expect - zingy cherry and white cranberry, touched with whispers of savoury dried herbs and white pepper. It boasts depth and an energetic edge straight thru to the finish. Drink now.

A perfect pairing for a herb-crusted pork roast.