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What better way to celebrate a warm Spring day this weekend than with a glass of fresh, fabulous wine? I'm talking well-balanced, easy to drink, awe-inspiring wines, that are great to drink on their own or with some hors d'oeuvres.

Here are five delicious, affordable options, sure to please your palate:

1. Penley Estate Over the Moon Rosé (Australia): Penley Estate is known for making a well-balanced wine, and with that in mind, they've succeeded with this Rosé. It's clean, crisp, and has a hint of strawberry. Serve cool, on its own or with light canapés (great with salmon, cream cheese, and crab). Priced at approximately $19CAD.

2. Cono Sur Bicycle Viognier (Chile): This wine is delightful - fresh, fruity, and slightly sweet. It has a hint of citrus and tropical fruits, and is very easy to drink (though, is any wine hard to drink?). The beauty of this wine is the fact that you can drink it on its own, or with almost any dish, as it is very versatile. Priced at approximately $12.

3. Marques De Gelida Reserva, Macabeo Xarel-Lo Parellada Chardonnay (Spain): Spain is an underrated wine producer; it's a country with an amazing selection of quality wine, and this bubbly is no exception. It, like the Chilean white above, goes with almost any dish, or on its own, and contains subtle notes of spice and orchard fruits. Priced at approximately $22.

4. Château Des Charmes Late Harvest Riesling (Canada): This dessert wine is the perfect drink to sip on a hot summer day. It's got hints of stone fruits and honey, and has a light sweetness that isn't overbearing. Drink it on its own or with a sampling of fruit and cheese. Priced at approximately $20.

5. Oyster Bay Chardonnay (New Zealand): This wine has floral, citrus, tropical, and honeysuckle notes - a beautiful combination that evokes a freshness that is perfect for the sunny days ahead. It's flavour is so pure that it will pair well with a variety of dishes (fruit, cheese, fish, chicken), or is lovely to drink on its own. Priced at approximately $19.


Do you have a favourite warm weather wine? Not a wine lover? What's your favourite Spring-inspired drink?
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