The Great “Icescape” – A Trip to the Niagara Icewine Festival

The Niagara Icewine Festival is the perfect way to celebrate winter in Ontario, and the innovative wineries who pioneered icewine production in Ontario.

How is Icewine made?
Icewine is produced from grapes that have been left on the vine after the fall harvest. When temperatures dip below -8° the frozen grapes are handpicked and pressed to release a rich, yellow-gold liquid, which is highly concentrated in natural sugars and acidity. This often harvesting in the wee hours of the morning at short notice – brr!

2014 Highlights

Lunch time nibbles

Whether you love learning about wines, or want to get out and embrace winter, there’s lots to discover at the Icewine festival. Get started with a wander in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake at the Shimmer of Gold Street Festival. This year goodies like Peller Restaurant’s Whole Roasted Icewine Perth County Pig, and the Charles Inn’s Grilled Cheese on Sour Dough with Niagara Gold Cheese were served up – and paired with delicious icewines!

Stay up late

The party keeps going after the sun goes down. Ice wine lovers bundled up and made their way to Flash & Panache, this year’s Icewine Cocktail Competition. The judges sampled delicous ice wine medleys, with unique garnishes like marshmallows, cotton candy and popcorn. And where else can you enjoy your drink from a frozen glass at an ice bar?

Get Schooled in Cool

If you are a newbie to icewine, the festival offers the perfect program. Get Schooled in Cool takes place at different wineries, and gives you the chance to celebrate the intricate flavours of icewine, plus get a peek inside the winery. Here’s a peek at the beautiful tasting put on by Stratus this year.

All things icy

The wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake are just a short drive from Niagara Falls. Continue your wintry weekend with a visit to the icy world wonder. Take a Journey Behind the Falls, then take a wander along the parkway to get views like these.

For more information visit the Niagara Icewine Festival here. Plan your next visit to the Niagara Region here. Have you been to the Niagara Icewine Festival?