LCBO Wine Find: 2023 Folklore

Today's local wine find is one that we think is quite special. Not only can you find it at the LCBO, it's also one you will be able to try at the Spring Into Spice festival - June 28, 2025. Nyarai Cellars' 2023 Folklore is noteworthy sparkling wine crafted from Niagara grapes, and kissed by the blending hands of its winemaker, Steve Byfield.

About Nyarai Cellars

Founded in 2008 by Steve Byfield and business partner Rod Ingram, Nyarai Cellars operates virtually, without its own vineyards or physical winery building. Instead, Byfield partners with conscientious grape growers across notable Niagara appellations-such as Niagara River, Lincoln Lakeshore, and Twenty Valley Bench-to source the highest quality fruit, ensuring that each wine reflects the unique terroir of its origin.

Steve Byfield, Nyarai’s owner and winemaker, was born and raised in Kitchener to Jamaican immigrants. Byfield’s journey into winemaking began during his university years and quickly became his passion. After gaining experience at several established wineries-including Southbrook Vineyards, Ridgepoint Wines, and Thomas and Vaughn Estates, Byfield launched Nyarai Cellars, where his philosophy centers striving to create wines that offer a true sense of place and purity of fruit.

About Nyarai Cellars 2023 Folklore

The 2023 Folklore Sparkling Wine is a vibrant, unconventional blend that showcases Byfield’s innovative approach. Crafted using the Charmat Method, this sparkling wine combines Vidal Blanc, Chardonnay, Muscat Ottonel, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Viognier, a blend rarely seen in Ontario’s sparkling offering.

On the nose, the 2023 Folklore is immediately expressive, with complex tones of honeysuckle, green apple skins, and lime, which are quickly followed by subtle notes of lemon biscuit and herbaceous undertones hint at some lees aging, adding depth and intrigue.

On the palate, this sparkling wine reveals a dense and lively medley of citrus, stone fruit, and marmalade, along with some gentle richness without overwhelming the wine’s freshness. The texture is enhanced by generous acidity and fine, tightly bound bubbles, resulting in a mouthfeel that is both vibrant and persistent.

The Nyarai Cellars 2023 Folklore can be found in the LCBO Vintages for $26.95.