Smart Buys 2025: Kind of a big deal

Welcome to our much-loved annual post-holiday release, filled with wines perfect for restocking your cellar or pantry without denting your bank account. Our buyers have once again pulled together a special collection of great-value wines from the world’s top regions. Each of these selections offers top quality for the price.

Love the classics?

Try: A carbon-zero, vegan and superb Sauvignon Blanc (36907); a Barolo from the highly sought-after 2019 vintage (377986); an elegant, fruit-forward Malbec (38493); a grower Champagne made with passion by a family estate (40359); an elegant, long and ageable Pinot Noir (12714); or a modern-styled Rioja from 40-year-old vines (33520).

Having a dinner party?

Try: A handcrafted, full-bodied Chardonnay with an exceptional quality-to-price ratio (33492); an elegant, long and ageable Pinot Noir (12714); a 2019 Chianti Classico that absolutely overdelivers (211599); an oak-aged red from Douro with rich black fruit (470377); or a fantastic Cabernet Sauvignon for winter roasts and braises (460154).

Looking for wine for a weeknight dinner?

Try: A multi-vineyard wine that's perfect for pizza (704353); a refreshing, exciting alternative to Pinot Grigio (23030); an aromatic, fresh single-vineyard Sauvignon Blanc (17552); a Bordeaux with ripe black fruit and spicy notes at a stellar price (38189); a beautifully composed, smooth Cabernet Sauvignon with a lengthy finish (33732); a modern-styled Rioja for hearty winter meals (33520); or an organic Shiraz whose motto is ‘Grown in the best places, to be enjoyed in the best places’ (40721).

Looking for something different?

Try: A Greek Agiorgitiko blend that offers fantastic value for the price (38581); Irsai Olivér, a cool-climate aromatic white wine from Hungary (12070); a modern, affordable Romanian Pinot Noir (41374); or a sleek lower-alcohol Pinot Noir (8% ABV) with plentiful red fruit (39673).

Want to try New World wines featuring favourite French grapes?

Try: A crowd-pleasing Bordeaux blend from Niagara that packs a big punch (25660); a juicy Grenache blend that offers boutique quality for under $20 (40731); a wine with classic Syrah character and premium quality at an approachable price (194274); an appealing Napa Chardonnay produced by a Canadian expat (39187); a small-batch, complex, balanced Cabernet Franc (23973); or a superb-value, fantastic Cabernet from Washington State (460154).

If you like to shop by price

Try: A smooth 93-point Australian Cabernet Sauvignon for $15.95 (33732); a ripe, tropical Chilean Sauvignon Blanc for $15.95 (41739); a rich 90-point French Cabernet Sauvignon for $13.95 (38862); a sustainable Sicilian Syrah for $14.95 (39441); a gem from Portugal's Alentejo region for $11.95 (25257); or a fruity, hand-harvested example of South Africa's signature Pinotage for $14.95 (41450).