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Holiday Wine Gifting Guide: 12 Wines on a Budget

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As the holidays are here and gatherings happening every week until Christmas, going empty handed to friends or family’s home for dinner may not feel great. Here are a few suggestions of affordable local and international wines that are around $20 or under. You can find these at most provincially-owned liquor stores across Canada.

Wine o’ Clock Shiraz, BC – $8.49

This is a fruit-forward Shiraz bursting with flavours of juicy blackberry and black cherry, with a hint of spice. Smooth with a well-balanced finish. 

Food Pairings: Grilled Tuna, Grilled Swordfish, Peking Duck, Lamb Loin, Caribou, Venison, Hamburgers, Nachos

XOXO Rosé, BC – $9.49

A delicate copper pink colour with aromas of ripe strawberry, white grape, watermelon and sweet floral. This rosé has a medium-sweet, light to medium body mouth-feel and refreshing flavours of watermelon, strawberry and grape. Notes of red berry tea, strawberry, melon and honey linger on the finish.

Food Pairing: seafood, chicken and pork.

2018 Canyon Road Cabernet Sauvignon, California – $9.95

Hailing from the coastal, sun-drenched region of California, Canyon Road is known for producing exquisite, affordable wines designed with food in mind. Canyon Road’s crowd-pleasing Cabernet Sauvignon is a worthy gift for the host/hostess extraordinaire on your list because of its versatility. It delivers notes of dark fruit and spice.

Food Pairing: Beef, lamb or venison

Barefoot Chardonnay, California – $10.95

A great bottle of Chardonnay is a wonderful gift to add to the wine rack or the dinner table. Barefoot Chardonnay is full-bodied and ultra-ripe, with aromas of yellow apples, ripe pear and toasted nuts. 

Food Pairing: Simple seafood, light chicken dishes or salads

2017 Santa Rita 120 Reserva Especial Merlot, Chile – $12.35

For the wine aficionado on your list, Santa Rita 120 Reserva Especial Merlot is as elegant as it is steeped in history. The 120 Reserva Especial Merlot is a red-violet coloured wine, with intense fruity aromas and notes of red fruit and flower, vanilla and tobacco. This Merlot is a thoughtful, quality present for those hard to impress neighbours and co-workers!

Food Pairing: Salmon and red meat

2017 Sumac Ridge – Private Reserve Gewurtztraminer, BC – $12.99

The #1 selling Gewűrztraminer in BC Liquor Stores has quite a history, dating back decades with consumers. It matches up to the holiday, from occasion to menu to refreshment value. Flavours of citrus and spice.

Food Pairings: Fruit Salad, Ceviche, Gravalax, Pasta with Spicy Tomato Sauce, Sushi, Raw Fish, Spicy Chicken Stir-fry, Fresh Cheese, Cream Cheese, Chocoloate-dipped Strawberries, Crepes Suzette, Spicy Seafood hotpot and pho

La Marca Prosecco, Italy – $17.95

Add a touch of sparkle to a wine lover’s holiday with a bottle of La Marca Prosecco. This zesty Italian sparkling wine is bright, clean, and easy to drink.

It’s the perfect gift for the bubbly host/hostess on your list. Terrific as an aperitif, yet versatile enough to serve with appetizers, the pop of La Marca’s bottle marks the start of an unforgettable evening.

Food Pairing: Roasted nuts, cheese, poultry and seafood

Quails’ Gate Chasselas Pinot Blanc Pinot Gris, BC – $17.99

Chasselas was the first vinifera grape planted on the Quail’s Gate estate and has a long history at the property. As one of the most iconic wines at Quails’ Gate, this white blend is made in a fresh, fruit-forward style to complement those long summer days. They’re proud to share that the varietal is the number one selling BC VQA white wine in British Columbia.

Food Pairing: Poultry, Seafood

2016 Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand – $20.20

A stunning expression of Sauvignon Blanc, this star-bright white shines with the joyful spirit of the season. Its vivid acidity and citrus notes excite the palate. 

Food Pairing: Salads, seafood and vegetables

Steller’s Jay Brut, BC – $20.99

Steller’s Jay sparkling wines are hand crafted in the Okanagan Valley using the traditional French “Methode Classique.” First produced in 1989, Mountain Jay Brut stays true to its tradition by remaining one of Canada’s preeminent sparkling wines. White peach and golden hues flatter the ripe orchard fruit and citrus blossom aromas in this crisp and complex sparkling wine. Rich flavours of toasted nut and red berries layer the palate, resolving to a soft and creamy floral mousse finish.

Food Pairing: Seafood, fruit

2013 Ghost Pines Chardonnay, Winemaker’s Blend, California – $20.95

Ghost Pines is for that friend who lives by the mantra, “Chardonnay All Day!” This traditionally styled Californian Chardonnay is an expressive, enticing wine offering flavours of baked apple, pear and lemon cream, accented by an elegant finish of sweet vanilla.

Food Pairing: Roasted or grilled chicken

Mission Hill Reserve Sauvignon Blanc, BC – $21.99

Zesty grapefruit flavours zip across a palate edged with notes of damp herbs and snow peas, as well as a hint of roasted nut. It’s a rich yet refreshing wine with intense aromas of passion fruit, nettle, grapefruit, lemon and lime.

Food Pairings: Seafood Salad, Smoked Salmon, Oysters, Pasta with Cream or Mushroom Sauce, Baked White Fish in Butter Sauce, Soft-ripened cheese, Chicken Sandwich, Prawns, Scallops


Diana started Foodology in 2010 because she just eats out everyday! She started a food blog to share her love of food with the world! She lives in Vancouver, BC and adores the diversity of food around her. She will go crazy for churros and lattes.

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