October ushers in the changing season. Warm days can still linger, but evenings are cool. As menus shift to heartier fare, our wine choices follow. The light whites and patio rosés of summer give way to reds and fuller-bodied whites.
If one grape feels tailor-made for this season, it’s Pinot Noir. Ontario excels at it thanks to cool climate and limestone soils. Expect cherry, raspberry, and cranberry layered with gentle earth and spice. It’s a natural with roast turkey, roasted vegetables, or wild mushroom risotto.
Cabernet Franc, meanwhile, is Ontario’s hidden gem. With notes of raspberry, pepper, and herbs, it pairs beautifully with beef in all forms, but also with squash, lentil stew, or shepherd’s pie. And here’s a fun fact: it’s one of Cabernet Sauvignon’s parents, along with Sauvignon Blanc.
Don’t forget the whites. Ontario Chardonnay, unoaked or with a light touch of oak, combines creamy texture with lively acidity that’s perfect for a turkey dinner. Off-dry Rieslings, with their touch of sweetness and citrus zip, shine alongside pork roasts, Asian cuisine, or ham.
Think of these wines as companions to the season. They’re bright enough to refresh, but with the depth to match roasted meats, root vegetables, and everything we love about fall cooking.
Wine Reviews and Ratings: 5 stars: Outstanding; 4 stars: Very good; 3 stars: Good; 2 stars: Moderately good; 1 star: Not very good, but not bad; No stars: Poor.
Vineland Estates Unoaked Chardonnay 2023 ★★★½ $15.95 (LCBO)
This Niagara wine is a steal for your Fall get-togethers. Aged entirely in stainless steel, it’s dry, fresh, and medium-bodied, with lively notes of stone fruit and crisp apple, finishing with a bright, lemony lift. It’s an ideal match for grilled chicken breasts, perfect with turkey breast meat, and just as enjoyable to sip on its own.
Domaine Queylus Tradition Chardonnay 2018 ★★★★ $33.70 (Vintages & Winery)
Domaine Queylus winemaker Kelly Mason takes Chardonnay seriously and it shows. This bottle, a rich and full-bodied Chardonnay, unfolds with layers of apple sauce, lemon, cream, nutmeg, vanilla, hazelnut, and butterscotch. Some of these notes come with age, since mine was pulled from the cellar, but the 2021 is still available at Vintages and the 2022 can be found at the winery. Either vintage will elevate your meal into a memorable experience. Pick up a bottle to save for your Christmas dinner; your turkey will thank you.
Flat Rock Pinot Noir 2023 ★★★★ $24.95 (Vintages)
As usual, this vintage delivers great value and classic cool-climate character, opening with bright berry notes, especially raspberry, layered with ripe red cherry, vanilla, orange rind, and an undertone of earth. A hint of cranberry lingers, keeping it fresh and vibrant. It shines alongside grilled salmon, roast chicken, or mushroom risotto. And be sure to save a bottle for Christmas; it’s a perfect match for turkey with cranberry sauce.
Gérard Bertrand Languedoc 2021 ★★★★ $17.95 (Vintages)
This French red, a Syrah-Grenache blend, delivers superb value. Dry, full-bodied, and brimming with flavour, it offers layers of plum, strawberry jam, blackberry, black pepper, Provençal herbs, and a touch of leather. If you’re serving grilled lamb or herb-seasoned pork, this is the bottle you’ll want at your side.
Frescobaldi Castiglioni Chianti 2023 ★★★½ $18.00 (LCBO)
On the Chianti style spectrum, this red leans toward the fruitier side, offering ripe red cherry alongside the classic hints of earth, spice, tobacco leaf, and leather. Just over medium-bodied with moderate tannins, it’s versatile at the table. The fruit-forward character pairs beautifully with spicier Italian fare like porchetta with bomba, yet it’s equally satisfying alongside any pasta in a rich tomato sauce.