Staff Pick
Jason MacPhee
Wine Category Manager
🥊 Under $30 and Punching Above Their Weight
In the hills between Parma and Reggio Emilia lies Venturini Baldini, an estate founded in 1976 and known for producing high-quality, organic sparkling wines. Now managed by the Prestia family, they continue a tradition of organic farming, showcasing the diversity of Emilia Romagna. Leading the way is their Montelocco Rosso, a vibrant Lambrusco with dark cherry and blackberry aromatics, tart fruit on the palate, a touch of chocolate, and soft, frothy bubbles. A hint of tannin adds structure and balance.
Sparkling red wine in January could be the difference.
Staff Pick
Lucas Mader
Category Manager for Beer and Spirits, Cicerone
🥊 Under $30 and Punching Above Their Weight
This awesome Spanish white came into my life at a great time, I was getting a little bored of my other favourite $20 white wine. I’m such a sucker for a white grenache – ask anyone who knows me, I always say that. This wine has notes of melon, golden pear, a little biscotti, a whisper of vanilla, and it’s wrapped up with nice texture and refreshing acidity. Honestly, it’s a certified banger for $23.00.
Staff Pick
Kathryn Harding
Director of Customer Experience, Sommelier
🦃 Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving pairing: Brussels sprouts
The Le Morette Lugana is mid-weight on the palate with notes of white flowers, fresh lemonade and peach. The palate is mid-weight but finishes with bright fresh acidity that is the perfect pairing for locally grown Nova Scotian roasted Brussels sprouts. The wine’s brightness cuts through the sprouts’ earthy core while its fruit complements the slight sweetness that emerges when they’re caramelized This creates a perfect balance. Both will be on my table this Thanksgiving!
Staff Pick
Alanna McIntyre
Product Specialist, Sommelier
🥊 Under $30 and Punching Above Their Weight
I like to add little glimmers of excitement into my life to get me through January; a walk in the woods, starting (and hopefully finishing) a new book, testing a new recipe or discovering a new wine. This barrel fermented Sauvignon Blanc is just the thing to liven up dull January; it is a unique take on the ubiquitous Sauvignon Blanc and the results are wonderful! The barrel fermentation and lees aging brings spicy aromas and flavours and adds complexity and depth while the natural acidity of the grape still shines. If you are looking for a fuller style white wine to savour with rich wintery dishes like chicken pot pie, hearty stews and legumes and roast pork, this is a must try!
Staff Pick
Ryan Almeida
eCommerce Manager
🥊 Under $30 and Punching Above Their Weight
Fresh and vibrant, with just enough sweetness to make it one of the best food-friendly wines in the shop. Maybe you’re looking to mix it up this January with more spiced and adventurous dishes? Or maybe you need something to sip with that charcuterie board as you finish supper in the kitchen? Look no further than this Riesling from Niagara!
Staff Pick
Kate Fraser
Retail Supervisor, Spirits Specialist
🥊 Under $30 and Punching Above Their Weight
A Bishop’s Cellar classic. Every time I “revisit” this wine I am reminded what great value it is. Coming from the more inland region of Umbria, this sangiovese offers a more plush and round texture with more complexity than it has the right to at $26.00. You’ll find dried herbs, rose, bright red berries and great acidity, making it the perfect wine for any pizza night.
Staff Pick
Stefan Nielsen
Retail Supervisor, Sommelier
🥊 Under $30 and Punching Above Their Weight
Oh baby, this wine has become a pizza/pasta night staple at my home. Snappy acid and herby tones from Sangiovese supported by plush purple Merlot fruit vibes. It’s got all the fruit and herb notes you need to perfectly play with cheesy, saucy pizza as well as any kind of red sauce pasta (it loves garlic bread too…). The real kicker for me is that it’s silky smooth enough to transition from a dinner wine to a Watching TV wine after you’ve cleaned up. It’s fresh, easy, fun and enjoyable from beginning to end and an excellent candidate for Second Bottle of the Night. At sub-$25, it’s a total no-brainer.
Staff Pick
Matt Hodgson
Retail Supervisor
🥊 Under $30 and Punching Above Their Weight
By now, you’ve probably heard at least one of us recommend this Frappato — it’s a true Bishop’s staple. If you haven’t tried it yet and you’re reading this, consider it a sign: pick up a bottle. The time is now!
This Sicilian red is light in body but bursting with flavour — the kind of bottle that fits just about any occasion. Pizza night? Check. Cracking open that new board game from Christmas? Check. Heading to a dinner party and have no idea what’s on the menu? Also check.
Staff Pick
Fernando
Customer Service Sales Associate, Sommelier
🥊 Under $30 and Punching Above Their Weight
Stiegl is one of my favourite beer producers, so it brings me great joy that they were able to make a non-alcoholic version of their lager. We’ve come a long way with NA beers and this is a great example of them. The body is lighter than a typical lager, but everything else tastes true to style. 500 ml for $4.50 with 0.0% abv means your body and wallet will be thanking you. Zum wohl!
Staff Pick
Daniela
Customer Service Sales Associate
🥊 Under $30 and Punching Above Their Weight
January birthdays deserve extra celebration, after all, you’re competing with everyone’s resolutions and leftover fruitcake. That’s why I always recommend Veuve Olivier Sparkling White. It’s crisp, cheerful, and -best part- under $30, so you can pop bottles without popping your budget. This bubbly has lively citrus notes and just enough sparkle to make even a “new year, new me” party feel glamorous. Whether you’re toasting another trip around the sun or simply surviving the post-holiday slump, Veuve Olivier delivers big celebration energy at a small-price miracle. Trust me: if any month needs affordable bubbles, it’s January. Cheers to you, the true star of the winter season!
Staff Pick
David
Customer Service Sales Associate
🥊 Under $30 and Punching Above Their Weight
This is my go-to Syrah. Rich and full, ripe cherry and plum with a peppery spice, this wine drinks well above its price point. As a wine-growing region, Chile is a great country for affordable and delicious finds, as well as a leader in sustainable and organic viticulture. Pair with a pino empanada from The Empanada Shop on Granville Street, you will not be sorry!
Staff Pick
Michael Kamras
Customer Service Sales Associate
🥊 Under $30 and Punching Above Their Weight
I love a wine with real versatility; something that can stand confidently on its own yet pair effortlessly with just about any dish. A bottle that can do all that and still come in under $30? That’s a force to be reckoned with, and absolutely a new best friend in my books.
That’s exactly how the Micro-Cosme Blanc and I hit it off. This blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier performs just the way you’d hope: bright, restrained citrus, a touch of herbal lift, and a chalky dryness that keeps everything crisp and refreshing. It’s fantastic. Trust me.
