It’s been a difficult few weeks for all of us, but we are trying to look on the bright side while raising a glass of wine and supporting our local wine industry! ❤️🍷🇨🇦 Local wineries, retailers, and restaurants offer many online ordering and delivery options, allowing us to #StayHome and enjoy VQA Ontario wine while helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19. So, while you self-isolate, be sure to continue supporting our local wine industry from home via one of the many convenient options available…
Option #1: Order Direct from Ontario Wineries
Ontario VQA wineries are doing their part to support social distancing by offering free shipping incentives and making it easier for Ontario residents to shop local without leaving home.
There are currently 100 Ontario wineries offering free shipping promotions! Wine Country Ontario has compiled a full list here which is updated regularly.
It’s incredibly important to shop winery direct, as they’ve had to close their tasting rooms and halt tours, and rely on online sales during this difficult time.
Keep your eyes peeled on their social networks for special discounts, case specials and other promotions!
Option #2: Order Delivery from a Restaurant
Last week, the Ontario government announced they would allow restaurants to include alcohol with delivery and take-out orders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Restaurant sales are a huge part of the local wine industry. Many Ontario wineries are not large enough to supply product to the LCBO, so they rely on winery direct sales and restaurant licensee sales to get wine into consumers hands.
Check with your favourite restaurant to see if they’re offering delivery with wine, or use this as an opportunity to try something new!
If you’re in Niagara (but wish you were in Tuscany) we highly recommend Ruffino’s at Backhouse. Chef Ryan and the team will deliver Italian classics, epic wood-fired sourdough pizza, and gourmet dinners for 2 for $28 (that Gnocchi Fritti tho! 🤤) paired with an awesome VQA wine list right to your door. And with a bunch of wine offerings under $30, all we can say is… “Bellissimo”! 😍
If you’re in Toronto (and longing for a trip out to Wine Country) look no further than Chez Nous Wine Bar. While the bar itself is closed, proprietor Laura will bring the best of Wine Country to your doorstep… with same day delivery! Proudly pouring 100% VQA product, Laura’s expertly curated list mainly features wines you’re unable to find in the LCBO. Check out her Instagram (and Instagram Stories) each morning to see her daily offerings. Feeling adventurous? Go for the “Quick Six”! A surprise selection of six bottles hand selected by Laura. Go on, treat yourself to an in-home wine tasting. 😎
Option #3: Order from the LCBO
Finally, you can still shop your favourite VQA wines online from the LCBO! It’s worth noting though, that the LCBO ships with Canada Post (and not a courier service like many wineries do). And Canada Post has recently announced they will no longer be delivering LCBO packages directly to homes during this time (you’d have to pick it up at the post office).
However, all is not lost! If you’re self-isolating, and in Toronto, you can order from the LCBO via Foodora – with delivery in less than an hour!
So there you have it!
With so many convenient options, you can continue to enjoy your favourite VQA wines at home (in as little as an hour!) and support our local wine industry, which needs your support now more than ever.
Connect with us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, and let us know which VQA wines you’re enjoying from home. 🥂😊 Cheers!