Eight great-value white wines from $18 to $45

There’s been an influx of exciting new releases as wineries and retailers gear up for the holiday shopping season. This week’s reviews focus on white wines that stood out in recent tastings, either for their intriguing character or as useful labels worth knowing when shopping for gifts. All deliver on flavour and personality, while offering plenty of bang for the buck.

These selections focus on old favourites and familiar styles, starting with the addition of an exceptional Chablis from Joseph Drouhin to the LCBO year-round Vintages Essentials line-up. Also featured is the latest release of Cloudy Bay, which may be far from the least expensive Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, but continues to impress with its vivacity and perfume. The new 2026 vintage is classically styled, dry and distinctive.

Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2026 (New Zealand), $44.95

Rating: 94

One of the pioneering names that helped established Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc in international markets, Cloudy Bay remains a benchmark for the style. The 2026 vintage delivers the exuberant intensity expected of the brand, with a ripe, inviting profile featuring green notes (bell pepper, pea pod, tomato leaf) and floral aromas. The palate is nicely textured and persistent, with succulent citrus, passionfruit and peach flavours that leave it mouth-watering and refreshing. This has 13 per-cent alcohol by volume and 3 grams a litre residual sugar. Drink now to 2032. Available at the above price in Ontario, $43.99 in British Columbia, various prices in Alberta and Saskatchewan, $45.99 in Manitoba, $48.99 in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

Hester Creek Chardonnay 2025 (Canada), $26.99

Rating: 91

Made with chardonnay grapes grown in vineyards in the southern part of the Okanagan, this barrel-fermented white wine offers a balanced attack between the rich, creamy elements and bright, fruity notes. The flavour is an appetizing mix of nutty, caramel and toasted notes with citrus, green and yellow apple, which is appealing now and has potential to develop with age. This has 12.4 per-cent ABV and 2.3 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2032. Available at the above price direct, hestercreek.com

Hidden Bench Rosomel Vineyard Fumé Blanc 2025 (Canada), $29.95

Rating: 93

This organic, barrel-fermented sauvignon blanc and its big brother, Nuit Blanche, are consistent standouts in the Hidden Bench portfolio. Barrel aging adds toasty complexity, concentration and texture to a wine that’s shaped by lemon curd, apple and pear flavours. The result is an engaging style that’s enjoyable on its own or with a meal. This has 13 per-cent ABV and 3 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2032. Available at the above price in Ontario, $29.75 direct (2024 vintage), hiddenbench.com, $35 in Quebec (2024 vintage).

Ken Forrester Old Vines Chenin Blanc 2025 (South Africa), $18.95

Rating: 91

The popularity of this deliciously fruity white wine, which was first introduced in 1995, helped earn winery owner Ken Forrester the nickname Mr. Chenin. His Old Vines Chenin Blanc from Stellenbosch played an important role introducing South African chenin to a global market and continues to be one of the best-selling premium labels. The 2025 vintage gets the balance right between the supple fruit character and the richness and texture that comes from the barrel aged component. It’s clean and fresh, with layers of citrusy fruit, honey and spice notes. This has 13.5 per-cent ABV and 4 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2038. Available at the above price in Ontario, $24.99 in British Columbia (2024 vintage), various prices in Alberta, $23.99 in Manitoba, $19.60 in Quebec.

Kim Crawford Pinot Grigio 2025 (New Zealand), $24.95

Rating: 90

This ripe yet vibrant white wine is labelled Pinot Grigio but offers more flavour and character than many wines in this category. Peach, citrus and apple flavours are rounded out by hints of spice, floral and honey, adding depth and interest to the wine’s crowd-pleasing style. This has 13.5 per-cent and 5 g/litre r.s. Drink now. Available at the above price in Ontario, $21.99 in British Columbia, various prices in Alberta, $22.99 in Manitoba, $22.60 in Quebec, $27 in New Brunswick, $24.98 in Nova Scotia, $23.99 in Prince Edward Island, $26.93 in Newfoundland.

Liquidity Chardonnay 2025 (Canada), $29

Rating: 91

Based in Okanagan Falls, Liquidity has been part of Anthony Von Mandl’s Iconic Wineries of British Columbia portfolio since 2020. Pinot Noir is a key focus, alongside chardonnay, viognier and several other varieties. The estate chardonnay combines richness and freshness in a barrel-fermented style, with a crowd-pleasing creamy texture complemented by citrus and spice notes. Its balance and lingering finish contribute to depth of flavour and overall enjoyment of this attractive wine. This has 13 per-cent ABV and 3 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2032. Available at the above price, various prices in Alberta.

Joseph Drouhin Chablis Drouhin-Vaudon 2024 (France), $35.95

Rating: 92

This exciting Chablis is a recent addition to the LCBO Vintages Essentials lineup, which features products that are available year-round. Its brisk, focused style showcases the best attributes of cool-climate chardonnay character with flinty, stony and citrusy notes. Racy and vibrant, it makes a terrific aperitif and versatile dinner companion, pairing particularly well with dishes that benefit from a squeeze of lemon. This has 12 per-cent ABV and 2 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2032. Available at the above price in Ontario, various prices in Alberta, $38.25 in Quebec.

Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc 2026 (New Zealand), $21.95

Rating: 90

Whitehaven’s white label sauvignon blanc is another textbook expression of the vibrant and refreshing Marlborough style. The flavours focus on lime, green apple and minty notes that are zesty and balanced. The crisp character carries through to a fresh, lingering finish. This has 13 per-cent ABV and 3 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2029. Available at the above price in Ontario, $22.99 in British Columbia, various prices in Alberta, $23.99 in Manitoba, $21.70 in Quebec, $28 in New Brunswick, $26.99 in Nova Scotia, $22.99 in Prince Edward Island, $25.87 in Newfoundland.