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There are many reasons to get together this month, with celebrations, such as Thanksgiving, Oktoberfest and Halloween punctuating the social calendar. Here are four reliable Canadian wines to have on hand for celebratory dinners and parties this month, including the special occasion-worthy Osoyoos Larose red from the Okanagan.
Henry of Pelham Baco Noir 2025 (Canada), $16.95
Rating: 88
Henry of Pelham’s early interest in the unassuming baco noir has given the Speck family a unique selling opportunity around the world. This fruity, full-bodied red, which balances a mix of tart and sweet red fruit and peppery flavours, has become one of Niagara’s biggest exports. This has 13-per-cent ABV and 12 g/litre r.s. Drink now. Available at the above price in Ontario, $14.95 direct, henryofpelham.com, various prices in Alberta and Saskatchewan, $17.99 in Manitoba, $17.95 in Quebec, $23 in New Brunswick, $23.49 in Prince Edward Island, $22.21 in Newfoundland.
Osoyoos Larose Le Grand Vin 2022 (Canada), $60.95
Rating: 94
Osoyoos Larose has produced collectible and age-worthy red wine from the southern Okanagan since its first vintage in 2001. Originally a joint venture between Bordeaux’s Groupe Taillan and Canada’s Vincor International, it is now entirely French-owned and has just updated its packaging. The 2022 vintage of its flagship red blend, made from mostly merlot with cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, petit verdot and malbec, is made in a medium-bodied fragrant and fruity style. There’s a distinctive Okanagan sage note that adds local character to its core of juicy dark fruit and floral flavours. This has 14.5-per-cent ABV and 3 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2036. Available at the above price in Ontario, $59.99 in British Columbia, various prices in Alberta and Saskatchewan, $64.99 in Manitoba, $67 in New Brunswick.
Peller Family Reserve Secco Bubbles (Canada), $14.95
Rating: 87
This Niagara take on Prosecco comes with a screw cap closure, which might cause confusion by lacking the traditional mushroom-shaped cork and wire cage, but makes opening and serving a breeze. A blend of vidal, gewurztraminer and other grape varieties, this enjoyable sparkling wine features a crowd-pleasing mix of peach, apple and pear flavours. This has 12-per-cent ABV and 12 g/litre r.s. Drink now. Available at the above price in Ontario, various prices in Alberta, $17.99 in Manitoba, $16.49 in New Brunswick, $19.42 in Newfoundland.
Sandhill Sovereign Opal 2025 (Canada), $20.95
Rating: 87
The sovereign opal grape variety was bred in 1966 in Summerland, B.C., to withstand the Okanagan’s harsh winters. A cross between maréchal foch and golden muscat, the hybrid grape produces white wines with distinctive floral, peach and tropical flavours. Sandhill continues to be the only producer of this made-in-Canada rarity, offering a light and juicy version in the 2025 vintage with some citrusy acidity that balances the natural sweetness. This has 11.7-per-cent ABV and 12.5 g/litre r.s. Drink now. Available at the above price in British Columbia, various prices in Alberta.