Local labels, lighter pours and new habits emerge in observations by The Travelling Sommelier
According to LCBO in their annual look at consumer preferences, customers were motivated to try something new, often from their own backyard, which is great for local producers where sales are up across the range of alcohol products. De-alcoholized options are also gaining momentum. Sales of Ontario wine and coolers also skyrocketed this year, partly driven by increased point-of-sale access at corner stores, grocery stores and gas stations.
There has seen a 20 per cent increase in demand for Ontario products since U.S. alcohol was pulled from store shelves in March in response to U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods.
Overall sales of beer, cider and ready-to-drink alcohol are also rising. Beer (up 22 per cent) when overall consumption of Canadian labels was down before Trump’s tariffs!
The LCBO now sells beer in larger formats, including 12-, 24- and 30-packs with the 30-pack now the most popular large-pack format. Sales of non-alcoholic beer and cider were up 14 per cent, and customers can expect new products from craft producers in 2026. Seltzer-style products, which offer a low-calorie alternative, remain the most popular type of ready-to-drink alcohol overall. People are forever seeking easy, ready-made products too and ready-to-drink cocktails have doubled on the shelves rising 31 per cent in sales.
For wine, customers continued to seek out fresher styles including lighter reds, sparklers, and light wines. I attribute this to a younger demographic but I have to admit that even for an old-timer like me, I will often forego a big, bold red for a lighter Beaujolais or Gamay varietal red wine because it is more versatile and easier on the pocketbook. I guess with my last article I have clearly stated my position about wines and their ever increasing prices in general. Needless to say, I won’t be making any friends in the wine industry wanting to send me sample bottles to try so that I can write about them!
Ontario wines benefited from a strong “buy local” sentiment. Overall sales of Ontario VQA wines rose 56 per cent. Sales of Ontario red VQA were up 66 per cent and Ontario white VQA increased 54 per cent. The LCBO also saw a notable increase in demand for wines from Canada, up 19 per cent. Wines from Australia (up 19 per cent), Italy (up 17 per cent) and France (up 18 per cent) were also popular. Sales of de-alcoholized wines increased by a whopping 126 per cent.
Without access to items like Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey or Jim Beam Bourbon, Ontario residents chose Canadian and Ontario alternatives. This is a boon as Canada has a few thousand alternatives! In fact, Canadian whisky was the fastest-growing item in the spirits category. Smaller categories, including Asian whiskies (up 23 per cent) and Irish whiskey (up two per cent) also enjoyed steady growth. I recommend a couple of Japanese whiskies (Yamazaki 12 Year Old by Suntory, and Single Malt Miyagikyo by Nikka, which I will take home as my Duty Free when I visit all over Japan again for the 8th time in Spring 2026.
Well, I ‘canae’ leave without reminding everyone about Robbie Burns birthday on 25 January 2026 where the annual supper will be held at my ‘hame’ where, this year, we have a live Piper! We’ll march in the haggis, recite his poem, ‘Address to a Haggis’, and serve with tatties and neeps. Oh yes, there will be an assortment of single malts and a wine or two, and for those of gentler dining habits, a cottage roll will be served (still in keeping with the working class)!
A reasonably priced and very good LCBO recommendation includes: Glen Scotia Double Cask at $79.35 LCBO#544148 from Campbeltown, Scotland. Matured in first fill bourbon casks and finished in Sherry casks, the Double Cask at 46%abv shows delicate balance, rich spicy fruit and briny sea foam. The palate reveals caramel and crisp orchard fruit followed by a long and fruity finish. For the aficionado guests, I have some ‘top shelf’ single malt selections for them to choose from. For those preferring the cottage roll I will serve a Pinot Gris white and a 2018 Beaujolais: Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais-Villages – This popular wine, well priced at $20.95 is a well-executed Gamay Noir. Aromas of dark fruit, spice and mineral replay on the palate. The wine is extra-dry, with soft tannins and balanced acidity.
Slange!
Brian Preston – The Travelling Sommelier
brianpreston@hotmail.com
613.272.3129
The Travelling Sommelier column is a regular feature in our print/digital edition.
