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Wine Guy: Yes, whites have a spot in cosy, fall selections

Building off last week’s theme of comforting fall flavours, we’re keeping things cosy.

Published Oct 22, 2026  •  Last updated 2 days ago  •  2 minute read

Photo by Liudmila Chernetska iStock / G /Getty Images

Building off last week’s theme of comforting fall flavours, we’re keeping things cosy with a look at three toasty, engaging and bolder white wines. No doubt bottles of red will see more of the spotlight as the days grow shorter and colder — and meals turn richer — but that doesn’t mean the whites need to get shuttered in the cellar.

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Wynns 2024 Wynvale Chardonnay, Australia

($19.99 on sale until Oct. 24, #468728)

Nothing beats a reassuring hug of the tastebuds from Chardonnay. It’s a longtime wine favourite, and while it might not be the hippest of grapes, it’s classic for a reason. The trick is to find a reassuring Chardonnay that is both robust yet deft, akin to a cashmere sweater rather than a chunky wool knit — or overtly synthetic polyester. This figurative sweet spot is found in Wynns Wynvale Chardonnay, which provides orchard fruit and a whiff of nuttiness in a bright but unctuous overall stance. Smooth but dry and balanced to finish, it’s great paired with fish curry or roast chicken.

Bottom line: B+, Solid value, cashmere Chardonnay.

Ken Forrester 2024 Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc, South Africa

($24.99, #120202)

Cheers to the flavourful layers of intricate Chenin Blanc. Engaging Chenin Blanc can have a beguiling character, shape-shifting from bright floral and citrus notes to honeyed tones and creamy oak. This is true of quality Chenin Blanc from around the world, including South Africa, which also has the benefit of old Chenin vineyards. Ken Forrester’s Old Vine Reserve CB brings all the aforementioned qualities alongside tropical fruit and an evident but understated oak influence — no doubt thanks to the use of older French barrels. A glass of this and a plate of cacio e pepe pasta makes for prime comfort food.

Bottom line: A, Classic Chenin.

Domaine Zind-Humbrecht 2023 Muscat Turkheim, France

($38.99, #615583)

Admittedly, Muscat is not a wine typically associated with comforting and cosy. The myriad sub-varieties of grapes in the Muscat family trend toward light and floral. But the beauty of wine lies in its diversity, including Muscat. Or in this case Muscat Turkheim, a blend of biodynamically grown Muscat d’Alsace (Petit Grain) and Muscat Ottonel (85/15 proportion) from highly regarded Alsatian producer Domaine Zind-Humbrecht. Great overall intensity highlights this vibrant, light golden-hued white that wafts citrus and potpourri alongside engaging savoury tones. A lively elegance and lower 11.5 per cent A.B.V. make this an easy pour to get into — particularly when served with onion tart or baked oysters.

Bottom line: A-, Refined but vibrant Muscat.

The Swirl: Trick or Sip

Things are about to get spooky from 12-4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24 as the Westside Wine Trail presents their annual Trick or Sip. All ages are welcome (though must be 19 to sip) on this self-guided Halloween wine tasting across fifteen West Kelowna wineries. Tickets to the event are $20 and include unlimited, self-guided access to Halloween-themed tastings at all participating wineries. So as they say, it’s time for costumes on, glasses up. Details and tickets at thewestsidewinetrail.com/events/trick-or-sip. 

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