Did you know that the Niagara Region is the largest producer of Icewine in the world? Learn what makes this specialty drink so popular and how it’s produced in the Niagara Region:
5 Interesting Facts About Icewine Production
- There are few places in the world that have the right climate to produce high-quality ice wine. Southern Ontario and the Niagara Region, in particular, have a unique climate that is ideal for grape growing.
- Ice wine is produced using late season grape varieties. Grape types like Reisling, Vidal or Cabernet Franc are left on the vine in the autumn to mature and freeze over the cold winter.
- Ice wine production is regulated by the Vintners Quality Alliance or VQA in the provinces of British Columbia and Ontario. Under these regulations, grapes used for ice wine are required to be frozen at a temperature of -8’C (18’F) or colder making ice wine production a very difficult task. Vintners have a short period of time to harvest ice wine grapes. If temperatures rise the grapes will rot on the vine. If the grapes are too cold the grapes will be too hard to extract the juice.
- During manufacturing, only the best grapes are used to produce wine. The frozen grapes are pressed, separating the juice from the water to create a sweet concentrate. The result is a concentrated amount of small-volume that must be fermented.
- Icewine is often viewed as a dessert wine for its extreme sweetness but has a slightly lower alcohol content than regular table wine.
For more facts about icewine, view our infographic all about Icewine production.
We have partnered with the Niagara Icewine Festival to bring you exciting savings on Icewine Gala Tickets!
Celebrate everything Icewine at these unique festivals, events, and experiences happening in Niagara.
Cool As Ice Gala
Niagara Parks Power Station, Niagara Falls
January 18th, 2025
This once a year event celebrates the very best of Niagara’s Liquid Gold. Enjoy an evening of signature flavours featuring VQA Icewines, gourmet creations from Niagara’s top Chefs, thrilling live entertainment and breathtaking views of Niagara Falls. Tickets are required to attend.
Enjoy $25.00 off Gala Tickets! At checkout enter promo code: CNHGALA2025
Peller Estates Winery 10 Below Icewine Lounge
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Open Year-Round
Put on a parka and get ready for a unique experience at Peller Estates 10 Below Icewine Lounge. Open all year round, the Ice Lounge serves Peller Estates Niagara Icewine in a room made from crystal clear ice blocks.
Icewine Discovery Weekend Pass
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Friday-Sunday – January 10-12, 17-19, 24-26, 2025
Visit some of Niagara’s top wineries in a celebration of Niagara’s famous Icewine. Select your pass which includes either three or six seasonal pairings and then create your self guided itinerary to visit the participating wineries. Tailor your own unforgettable tasting experiences and savour the essence of Niagara’s wine and culinary landscape. Discovery Passes can be enjoyed over the course of the three weekends in January. A Driver’s Pass (with non-alcoholic pairings), and Flex Friday valid for use on Friday’s only are also available.
Niagara-on-the-Lake Icewine Village
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Friday-Saturday – January 18-19, 25-26, 2025
Visit Queen Street in Niagara-on-the-Lake as it transforms into a chill Icewine Village over the course of two weekends in January. Explore the historic district, enjoy tastings from local wineries paired with delicious culinary creations and enjoy live ice carving demonstrations. Admission is free, or enjoy elevate your visit by purchasing a VIP Pass with Snow Globe seating, gourmet snacks and more.
Icehaus Cocktail Competition
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Saturday – January 25, 2025
Queen Street in Niagara-on-the-Lake takes on a Euro-pop vibe for the Icehaus Cocktail Competition. Experience delicious Icewine Cocktails, live DJ, and bright light displays for an energetic evening. Guests with General Admission can join the party and buy cocktails a la carte, or purchase a VIP ticket which includes samples of each cocktail competition entry, and entry into the VIP area with seating and light snacks.