LCBO

Is there a doctor to be found
To cure politicians of their deadly wound?
I hope no Ontarian premier decides to privatize the LCBO and sell off a valuable asset that enhances the visibility of Ontarian and Canadian wines. Nothing in the Detroit metro region comes close to the quality or breadth of spirits and wine, especially local or hard to find products, as an LCBO. No shop on the American side of the border bothers to distinguish sweetness ratings, essential for those who care for dry wines or love the sugary rush of a good late harvest riesling. For those who aren’t experienced oenophiles (wine lovers) or trying to gauge the value of a new varietal or a vineyard we’ve never heard of, those codes and the depth of expertise is crucial.
The Windsor outpost across from Devonshire Mall gets the most visits from me because it’s convenient. I get out of the tunnel, bomble around Ouellette Street obeying my cranky GPS as she spits out orders in precise British English until I get off at the Howard Avenue exit and boom! Instant karma. Alcohol, bank or the post office in the mall? I can take my pick and be satisfied either way.
This is an attractive, clean store that almost invariably has two bottles left of whatever attracts my eye. The staff on hand is knowledgeable in a deep field of wines, beers, and alcohols that range from cheap mixers to premium liquor kept in a locked cabinet where you can press your nose up to the glass like a kid staring into the Eaton’s Christmas display window, just wishing… It’s value add-​ins like that which make it a fun place to stop into.
Better yet, they do a lot of demonstrations. I’ve walked in on random weekends to try tastings for the wines of Alsace-​Lorraine (the border region of France and Germany that got fought over in several wars, some of which France actually won because they have the region now) paired with spicy Thai potstickers and Chinese egg-​rolls prepared in house on the stove. Their fully kitted out demonstration room in the back is a functioning kitchen and nothing sells wine like tasty sides that showcase the flavours. It certainly adds to the flare, and that delicious scent of spice is inexcusably effective!
Parking is ample though at key hours, you’re going to face lines. The LCBO location does a good job of cash register coverage and they have been known to shunt slower lines to the customer service desk.