Are you on the quest for your perfect white wine? Look no further! In Ontario, we are fortunate to have an abundance of local wines that cater to any palate. Whether you prefer the floral and fantastic Riesling, the elegant and buttery Chardonnay, the crisp and herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc, or the zesty and vibrant Pinot Grigio, Wine Rack is here to help with a wide selection of local Ontario white wines.  

Are you on team Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling? Let’s find out! In this blog, we’ve rounded up some tasty wine recommendations to help you decide which white wine varietal is your ultimate favourite. As your local destination for exploration and discovery, let's embark on a delightful journey through Ontario's white wine offerings to discover the perfect bottle to accompany your next occasion. 

Riesling: Floral, Fantastic, & Versatile 

Canada is famous for its Rieslings, and at Wine Rack, we have a delicious lineup of local Rieslings and refreshing Riesling blends. Here are a couple of wine recommendations to pique your wine-loving curiosity for exceptional Rieslings:

Inniskillin Late Autumn Riesling: Crisp and smooth, this medium-bodied wine has delicious notes of green apple and Bartlett pear, complemented by a touch of sweetness.  

Sandbanks Route 33 White: A wonderful blend of Riesling and Pinot Grigio, Sandbanks Route 33 White has beautiful floral notes that shine through as well as exotic fruit flavours.  

Chardonnay: Elegant & Buttery

Next on our journey is Chardonnay, one of the world's most popular grapes. Chardonnay lovers are drawn to its elegant character and buttery richness. Originating from the small village of Chardonnay in France, this varietal showcases major flavours, including vanilla, butter, pineapple, and starfruit. 

Chardonnay comes in various styles, ranging from lean and sparkling to rich and creamy, with flavour profiles influenced by the climate where the grapes are grown. Warmer climate Chardonnays offer tropical fruit notes, like pineapple and mango, while cooler climates produce crisp apple and citrus notes. ​Chardonnay can be oaked or unoaked. Oaked Chardonnays are rich and full-bodied, and pair well with pork and linguini with clams, whereas unoaked Chardonnay pairs perfectly alongside delicate dishes, like oysters and sushi.​  

At Wine Rack, you can explore a great selection of local, cool-climate Chardonnays from Ontario. Here are some favourites to try: 

Inniskillin Chardonnay: A white wine with beautiful notes of peach and tropical fruits complemented by baking spice, vanilla, and fresh cream. 

Vintage Ink Barrel Aged Chardonnay: A unique tasting Chardonnay, boasting notes of crisp green apple, citrus, a creamy butterscotch finish, and hints of oaky vanilla. 

Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp, Fruity, & Herbaceous 

Regarding white wine, Sauvignon Blanc is always a popular choice among white wine enthusiasts as it delights with its crisp and fruity profile. In fact, it’s a standout amongst other varietals because of its high acidity and herbal flavours, like bell pepper, jalapeños, and “green” grassy notes.  

Dating back at least 500 years, Sauvignon Blanc is one of the world's most widely planted wine grapes. New World Sauvignon Blanc hails from regions like Canada and New Zealand, while Old World versions can be found in Italy, France, and Spain. If you're searching for a standout Sauvignon Blanc, here are a couple of wine recommendations worth exploring:  

Saintly the good sauvignon blanc: A divinely good choice, this white wine is the perfect balance of dry, fresh, and fruity. With notes of gooseberry, grapefruit, and hints of fresh lemon juice, it has a bright acidity and clean finish.  

Jackson-Triggs Grand Reserve Sauvignon Blanc: Another great local favourite, this Sauvignon Blanc features lively citrus, tropical fruit, subtle lemon grass, and herbal undertones. 

Pinot Grigio: Zesty, Vibrant, & Refreshing

Finally, we have Pinot Grigio, a zesty white wine renowned for its vibrant citrus flavours and refreshing acidity. Did you know that Pinot Grigio is a variation of Pinot Noir and can also be used to produce rosé?  

A grayish-purple grape, the leading flavours in this varietal include lime, lemon, apple, nectarine, and pear, with hints of honeysuckle and a saline-like minerality in certain regions. A dry-style wine, Pinot Grigio is typically less sweet than varietals like Chardonnay.  It has a high acidity making it an excellent pairing with food, such as fresh vegetables, white meats, and seafood.   

Interested in exploring Pinot Grigio? At Wine Rack, you can explore a selection of local, zesty, and vibrant Pinot Grigios. Here are some refreshing and noteworthy favourites to check out:  

BASK Pinot Grigio: A bright and crisp white wine with aromas of pear, lime, and a refreshingly clean finish. Bonus: It is 0g sugar per ¾ (188mL) serving.  

Sandbanks Pinot Grigio: Another popular choice, this Pinot Grigio offers a dry, smooth, and medium-bodied experience, showcasing deep pear notes, hints of melon, and citrus. 

Wine Rack: Your Convenient Destination for Ontario White Wines 

Getting outdoors as much as possible for al fresco dining, golden-hour cocktails, and some serious patio downtime, is a must! There's no better time than the present to explore the wonders of Ontario's white wines, and Wine Rack is your go-to destination for great local wines produced in our own backyard.  

At Wine Rack, we understand the importance of accessibility and convenience. So, whether you're planning a backyard gathering, a barbecue, or a cottage getaway to relax during a long weekend, Wine Rack is here with helpful wine recommendations. Our stores offer convenient hours to accommodate your busy schedule, and select locations remain open late and during long weekends, ensuring you have access to exceptional wines when you need them the most. 

Choosing your favourite white wine can be an exciting journey of exploration and discovery. At Wine Rack, we're passionate about connecting wine lovers with a diverse selection of local white wines that cater to various tastes and preferences. Whether you're a Riesling enthusiast, a Chardonnay aficionado, a Sauvignon Blanc lover, or a Pinot Grigio fan, Wine Rack is here to guide you on your journey to finding a new white wine favourite.  

With Wine Rack's exceptional selection, convenient hours, and online shopping options, discovering the perfect bottle of white wine has never been easier. Visit Wine Rack, your friendly neighbourhood wine retailer in Ontario, or explore our easy-to-shop online selection to find the perfect bottle of white wine to elevate your next occasion. Cheers to discovering great local Ontario white wines!