Back in 2004 SAQ employees decided to strike shortly before Christmas, and - like a lot of people - in our desperation we trekked across border to the LCBO. Unlike a lot of people, we never stopped. We still pack our cellar with wines "imported" from Ontario, BC and California, because quite frankly the SAQ's Old-world heavy selection offers little in terms of smaller vineyard products and New World wines. Even more confusing is the dearth of Canadian wines.
The LCBO in Hawkesbury is only a 45 minute drive from the West Island, and has a pretty good selection. Moreover, if there are wines you want to try which are not in stock you can call ahead and they will bring the bottles over from other branches at no cost. Icing on the cake is that we also rack up Air Miles by the hundreds (literally), save at least 10-15% since Ontario wines are more competitively prices, AND get to fill the tank with cheap gas before we head back to La Belle Province.
If you are serious about wine or bored with what you have been drinking lately - book a morning and go. It's great to be able to fill a cart with bottles from wineries you have heard of, but never been able to sample. Some highlights from yesterday's voyage:
An excellent Cave Springs 2010 Chardonnay from Niagara
A 2008 Pinot Noir from Argentina called Saurus Select
A curious white blend of Chardonnay, Riesling and Gewurztraminer from Niagara's Malivoire Winery
Ramon Bilboa - a 2004 Rioja Tempranillo Gran Reserve
