Between the Lines Winery is known for a few things: its big red barn, a fun and laid-back atmosphere, and a line-up of great casual sipping wines, to name a few. It’s based on the Four Mile Creek sub-appellation, just inland from Niagara-on-the-Lake, but if your travels haven’t yet taken you in that direction then you may already be familiar with their Outset sparkling wine in a can, which has done some stints at the LCBO.

Below, we’re offering a sampling of some of the summer sippers Between the Lines has to offer. All the wines listed are VQA, meaning 100% of the grapes that went into them were grown in Ontario, and all are available at the winery or for ordering online at betweenthelineswinery.com

Outset Sparkling
$39.60 for 8 250 mL cans

Wine in a can may not be a wine snob’s top choice, but it definitely has its advantages: you can pour a single serving without opening an entire bottle, and it’s portable and practical for settings where delicate glassware isn’t appropriate such as by the poolside. BTL’s Outset sparkling wine is a long-time fan favourite. Made from 100% Vidal grapes and light on alcohol at 10%, it presents with signature Vidal aromas such as fresh, sweet nectarine and light citrus. Lightly sweet on the palate, the nectarine and citrus flavours continue with a minimum of acidity. What does this wine pair best with? That’s easy: a campfire, patio, or pool deck and a group of friends.
Score: 7.5/10

2021 Chardonnay
$22.00 for 750 mL

BTL’s 2021 Chardonnay was fermented in oak and then aged in stainless steel, which gives it an interesting profile that falls somewhere between an unoaked and classically oaked Chard. The nose opens with toasty and buttery notes that carry into aromas of lemon and tropical fruits like pineapple and coconut. On the palate, a creamy buttery opening transitions into tropical fruit flavours, particularly pineapple, before it finishes with bold lemon. Try this wine with a pasta tossed with ricotta, lemon, and herbs.
Score: 7.5/10

2020 Gewürztraminer
$20.00 for 750 mL

With strong flavours like florals and lychee, Gewürztraminer tends to be a love-it-or-hate-it varietal. But if you’ve shied away from it in the past, I encourage you to try a bottle of this: it’s an exceptional example and a reliable measure of whether you dislike Gewürz outright or just haven’t yet had a great one. The nose is traditional yet delicate with notes of orange blossom and milder citrus such as Meyer lemon. On the palate, there’s nearly enough sweetness to carry this into late harvest territory, providing an ideal backdrop for its flavours of sweet pear, tarter Seville orange, and more floral notes. For a sublime pairing experience, try serving it with a gingery and salty lemon chicken.
Score: 9/10

Disclaimer: The products featured in this article were supplied to the writer. The article was not subject to review before publication.