Thousands of LCBO workers are on strike for the next 14 days after contract talks between the union and the employer broke down. While online shopping at the liqueur retailer is available, the strike will allow Torontonians to seek out alternatives for quality wine in the city! From charming bodegas to wine bars — here are our top 10 picks:
- Paradise Grapevine — 841 Bloor St West and 218/220 Geary Ave.
The first independent wine store/bar in Ontario; they carry hundreds of bottles — from everyday wine varieties to “rare unicorns.” The Bloor Street location includes bar service, a heated/covered patio, and bar snacks. The Geary location is a winery production space, with full-service dining, curated menus, and music.
- 99 Bottles
On Kingston Road in the Beach neighbourhood, this charming little bottle shop and wine bar is beloved by locals for its nice selection of bottles, craft booze and beers as well as snacks and a large sidewalk patio.
- Grape Witches — 1247 Dundas St. West
A natural wine shop specializing in organic, biodynamic, and natural wines from around the globe. The site also boasts a custom event space and retail shop with over 350 constantly rotating wines in-store and online.
- Downtown Winery — 30 Ossington Ave.
This will be your favourite family-owned wine shop! The wine bar features a bottle shop lounge, a private wine-tasting room, and a private event space. They sell selections from five wine regions, with over 30 wines to choose from, specializing in varieties from Portugal, Argentina, California, Italy, and the Niagara.
- Bottega Volo — 608 College St.
Visit this charming specialty grocery shop, specializing in craft beer, natural wine, cider, seltzers, vermouth, amari, and aperitivi. Located inside the historic Royal Cinema in Toronto’s Little Italy.
- Bossanova — 101-103 Roncesvalles Ave.
A tasting bar and independent bottle shop selling delicious wine and beer in Toronto’s Roncesvalles Village (they also ship online). Their selections come from a variety of places—a brewpub on the other side of town, a vineyard in the Canary Islands, and even a Distillery in the Rockies.
- Henry’s Restaurant and Wine Bar — 920-922 Queen St West
The wine shop is conveniently located next door to the restaurant in the heart of downtown Toronto, making it the perfect place for patrons to come for wine and stay for dinner. Their evolving wine list includes signatures from classic wine regions, multi-generational families, and wine farmers.
- Mercatino E Vini — 1091 Queen St East
This is a one-stop destination for exclusive wines, specialty pantry items, exquisite Amaro, spirits, and beers. They feature dozens of exclusive (non-LCBO) wines, bottled cocktails, and even brandy.
- Loop Line Wine and Food—643 Dupont Street
A store by day and wine bar at night — the shop is a haven for fine wine lovers, as well as a fun place to taste, savour, and purchase a collection of wines from the most revered and undiscovered vineyards around the globe! They have a list of over 150 selections and focus on sustainable, estate-grown, and classic but trending styles.
- Green Apple Bottle Shop — 3324 Dundas Street West
Despite its minimalist décor, this is the perfect spot for “fun” wine, cold beer, and snacks. Conveniently located in the Junction neighborhood, guests can enjoy a glass of wine prior to bringing the bottle home.
For Torontonians who prefer the LCBO — the strike doesn’t impact the approximately 2,300 private retail points of sale across the province, including LCBO convenience outlets, licensed grocery stores, The Beer Store, and winery, brewery, cidery, and distillery outlets, as well as at bars and restaurants. Customers can also order online (with product limits) or wait until July 19, when a limited amount of LCBO retail stores will open for in-store shopping.