Known as Canada’s “liquid gold,” Icewine has undoubtedly made the world take notice of Ontario winemaking!
Icewine is an intriguing dessert wine that is renowned for its intense flavours, rich bouquet and unsurpassed smoothness. Ontario’s wine regions are exceptionally well suited for Icewine due to the cold winter weather – grapes are left on the vine until temperatures dip to -8ºC (or lower) which is when the frozen grapes are handpicked and pressed immediately to carefully release a thick, rich, yellow-gold liquid, highly concentrated in natural sugars and acidity.
Of all the wine-producing regions in the world, only Ontario has a winter climate sufficiently cold to ensure an Icewine crop every year, so it’s only normal that we would have a festival entirely dedicated to this special product.
If you’re looking for a chance to sip and savour Icewine this winter, don’t miss the Niagara Icewine Festival, which takes place in and around Niagara-on-the-Lake from January 10th to 26th!
There are lots of events happening over a two-week period, but not to worry: we’ve got you covered with a full breakdown of all the fun. Read on!
The Icewine Discovery Pass
When: January 11-12, 18-19 and 25-26
Where: Wineries across the Niagara Region
Cost: Passes start at $32.50
The Icewine Discovery Pass is your ticket to the ultimate Niagara Icewine adventure! Choose from three pass types:
- Discovery Pass: This pass entitles you to six food and wine pairing experiences at any six wineries of your choice during any day of the Discovery Pass
- Flex Friday Pass: This pass entitles you to six food and wine pairing experiences at any six wineries of your choice during any Friday of the Discovery Pass.
- Mini Pass: This pass entitles you to three food and wine pairing experiences at any three wineries of your choice during any day of the Discovery Pass
Discovery Passes are redeemable at participating wineries across Niagara Benchlands and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Passes can be used on any of the 3 weekends, so feel free to mix and match!
Click here for a full list of participating wineries as well as the pairing information.
Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Icewine Village
When: January 18-19 and 25-26
Where: Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON (View map)
Cost: Free // VIP options starting at $75
Experience the magic of Icewine! Stroll through the charming historic district, enjoy tastings from local wineries paired with delicious culinary creations, and cozy up around fire pits with Muskoka chairs and blankets. Watch live ice carving demonstrations and soak in the festive atmosphere.
For a more elevated experience, the VIP experience includes access to the exclusive VIP Lodge, cozy seating in Snow Globes, complimentary gourmet snacks, and a premium Icewine and cheese tasting. VIP seating areas are available on a first-come, first-served basis, creating the perfect indulgence to elevate your Icewine Village visit.
Cool as Ice Gala
When: Saturday, January 18, 7-11pm
Where: Niagara Parks Power Station, 7005 Niagara River Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON (View map)
Cost: $225
The Cool As Ice Gala (formerly the Niagara Icewine Gala) is an all-inclusive showcase of Ontario’s finest flavours. Guests will enjoy a full evening of premium Niagara wine, Icewine cocktails and mocktails, live arts performances, and so much more. The evening will also feature premium farm-to-table fare from some of Niagara’s premier culinary creators. Grab your tux or gown and prepare to dance the night away!
Icehaus Cocktail Competition
When: Saturday, January 25, 7pm
Where: Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON (View map)
Cost: Free // VIP tickets $75
The IceHaus Cocktail Competition lights up Queen Street in Niagara-on-the-Lake on January 25 with an exciting Euro-pop vibe. With bright light displays, delicious Icewine cocktails, and a live DJ, this event is a fun and energetic way to spend the evening.
While entrance to the event is free, VIP Tickets include samples of all competing cocktails, giving you the chance to taste each unique creation and vote for your favourite, Top Chef style! Don’t miss out on being part of this exciting, interactive event where you get to decide the winning cocktail of the night. VIP ticket holders enjoy special perks including:
- A sample of each cocktail in the competition
- A chance to vote for your favourite cocktail in a Top-Chef style contest
- Entry to the VIP area with seating and free light snacks
VIP Snow Globes
When: Saturday, January 25
Where: Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON (View map)
Cost: $400/Snow Globe (seats up to 8 guests)
The VIP Snow Globes at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Icewine Village offer a cozy and exclusive winter retreat. Each heated globe provides seating for up to 8 guests and includes two bottles of premium Icewine and a large, shared cheese platter. While the globes are heated for comfort, guests are encouraged to dress warmly. Reserve your private globe for a magical Icewine experience in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Thank you to Wines of Ontario for the great info on the history and production of Icewine!
