Spring doesn’t just bloom in gardens—it blossoms in our glasses too.
As the days stretch longer and our palates start craving freshness, brightness, and a little whimsy, it’s the perfect moment to explore Canadian wines that step outside the mainstream. At Stocked Cellars, I’ve curated a lineup of small-batch, boutique wines you simply won’t find at the LCBO—because I believe every wine lover deserves a cellar as adventurous as they are.
And with Mother’s Day just around the corner, any one of these wines would make a thoughtful, delicious, and delightfully unexpected gift. Because what says “I love you, Mom” better than a bottle as distinctive as she is?
So, what grapes are sipping beautifully this season? Let’s uncork a few of my favourites that are turning heads across Ontario’s vibrant wine regions.
Gamay Noir – The Flirtatious Freshie
Think of Gamay as Pinot Noir’s playful cousin—juicy, light-bodied, and absolutely radiant when served with a light chill. Ontario’s cool climate lends Gamay a lift of tart cherry, violet, and that oh-so-enticing hint of spice. It’s the perfect wine for patio afternoons, spring picnics, and roast chicken dinners.
Diane’s Pick: A low-intervention Gamay from a Niagara winemaker who lets the vineyard speak for itself—no additives, just pure joy in a bottle.
Siegerrebe – The Aromatic Daydreamer
Hard to pronounce (see-gar-RAY-buh), easy to love. Siegerrebe is one of Ontario’s rarest and most expressive white grapes. With its intensely floral bouquet, exotic fruit notes, and whisper of spice, it’s like sipping on spring itself.
Tasting Vibe: Rose petal, lychee, grapefruit zest—perfectly balanced and low-alcohol for daytime sipping.
Best paired with: charcuterie, Vietnamese salad rolls, or simply your best girlfriends and a sunny porch.
Cabernet Franc – Spring’s Soulful Red
While heavier reds hibernate till fall, Cabernet Franc steps into the spring spotlight with its herbal freshness, lively acidity, and hints of raspberry, bell pepper, and crushed rose petals. Elegant but grounded. Like the women I love sipping it with.
Diane’s Pick: A 2021 vintage from Ontario, aged in used French & American oak for finesse, not flash.
Syrah – The Award-Winning Seducer
Syrah may be more associated with the Rhône Valley, but Ontario’s cool-climate take on it is extraordinary—and often overlooked. This Syrah is spicy, structured, and oh-so-sophisticated, with a core of dark fruit and just enough wildness to keep things interesting.
Why It’s Special: This Syrah has taken home serious awards—and once you taste it, you’ll know why.
Perfect Pairings: Grilled lamb, rosemary flatbread, or just a glass by the fire pit as the sun dips below the horizon.
Riesling (Off-Dry) – The Spring Awakener
A little sweetness never hurt anyone, especially when it balances acidity. Off-dry Rieslings from Ontario are zippy, floral, and mouthwatering. Think lime zest, green apple, and wildflower honey—all in harmony.
Hot Tip: It’s built for brunch. Eggs Benny, smoked salmon bagels, lemony asparagus—Riesling is the wingwoman every spring meal deserves.
Why These Wines Aren’t at the LCBO (And Why That’s a Good Thing)
At Stocked Cellars, I work directly with passionate Canadian winemakers producing limited runs of exceptional wines—bottles that are often too small-scale (or too bold) for mass retail. These are wines made by hand, not by formula. And when you sip them, you’re supporting real stories, real people, and real place-driven expression.
Say “Cheers” to Spring—and to Mom—with Stocked Cellars
Whether you’re refreshing your wine rack, gifting a fellow vino lover, or looking for the perfect bottle to toast the incredible women in your life, now is the time to explore what Canadian wine can be.
This Mother’s Day, skip the ordinary and raise a glass to something truly special.
Explore our spring collection now at Stocked Cellars
Uncommon. Unfiltered. Unforgettable.
Happy Sipping, Diane ❤️
