By Wines in Niagara
Wines in Niagara wishes all its readers and advertisers a Merry Christmas and the happiest of holidays, however you celebrate and wherever you are.
Looking back at the year that was, Ontario wineries enjoyed one of its most successful years on record for selling VQA wines at the biggest retailer available to them — the LCBO.
Ontario consumers embraced the opportunity to discover something new amidst restrictions on U.S.-produced products, and more than any other wine region in the world, looked to Ontario wines to fill those gaps left by the absence of California wines.
“This year we saw trends shift in response to industry changes and a growing desire to support local, with more than 20% growth in demand for Ontario products,” said the LCBO’s Abhay Garg. “Customers were motivated to try something new – often from our own backyard – which is great for local producers.”
According to the LCBO, Ontario wines benefited from the strong customer sentiment to support local wines, with VQA sales increasing by 56%, led by Ontario red VQA (up 66%) and Ontario white VQA (up 54%).
No matter how you chose to spend your money this season, Wines in Niagara truly hopes you find peace and joy during the holidays surrounded by family and friends.
To our advertisers, who continue to support and have supported Wines in Niagara in the past, we thank you kindly and wish you all a peaceful and healthy Christmas and holidays. We believe in supporting local businesses for everything we do on this website — using local web hosting, supporting local wines, local writers, and local businesses. We only accept advertising from real people, not mega-global companies that return nothing to this (or any) community. Without your support this website would not exist; with your support you are helping independent journalism thrive.
We were 100% sold out of advertising space in 2025 with our limited number of banner ads. If you would like to book space for 2026 or want to see our new rate sheet for pricing, please email us here: winesniagara (at) gmail.com. We accept ad booking months in advance.
A special shoutout to the many winemakers, winery owners, grape growers, sources, and tipsters out there; this website is not possible without your support and input. We toast every one of you.
Also, to the various industry associations, colleges and universities — we’re looking at you Grape Growers of Ontario, the Ontario Wine Appellation Authority, PECwine, CCOVI Brock, and Niagara College Teaching Winery — for your expertise, industry insights, trends and statistics, advertising support, and passion when it comes to Ontario wines. You are the engines that fuel a robust wine industry in Ontario that is always changing, growing and diversifying.
And lastly, and most importantly, to the readers who take the time to visit this website when there are so many choices vying for your attention, we thank you and wish you the best of the season.
We hope you appreciate local journalism unfettered by the growing trend of influencer-based content that often includes pay-to-play content devoid of critical discourse or independent thought. We pride ourselves on our independence in our wine reviews and our reporting on the industry. Our passion is delivering information to consumers that will help them navigate their way to the best wines produced in Ontario and keep them updated on the important issues that shape the industry without the influence of money changing hands.
On Boxing Day, Friday (Dec. 26), we will reveal our 17th edition of the Most Thrilling Niagara White and Red Wines of 2025, including our Most Thrilling Red and White Wines of the year, as well as the Top 10 wines for both categories. It’s always our most read post of the year, so, please come back on Friday and have a look.
— Rick and Maureen VanSickle,
publishers of Wines in Niagara
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