Winter may mark the start of a season of shovelling driveways and trekking through snow-covered streets for many, but for wine lovers in Niagara, including Niagara-on-the-Lake, the time is now for icewine season.
The Niagara Grape and Wine Festival aims to celebrate that tradition in a social, fun way with its annual Icewine Festival, celebrating its 31st season this year.
The festival, which calls itself Canada’s largest wine festival, begins Jan. 16 and features three events: the Icewine Discovery Pass, the NOTL Icewine Village and the Cool as Ice Gala.
The Icewine Discovery Pass is valid Jan. 16 to 18, Jan. 23 to 25 and Jan. 30 to Feb. 1. It is available in three options.
The full pass allows access to six wineries of the holder’s choosing on any day the Discovery Pass is active. A mini pass provides access to three wineries, while a Friday pass allows access to six wineries on Fridays only. All passes include food and wine pairings.
Participating wineries include the NOTL wineries Jackson-Triggs, Konzelmann, Inniskillin, Bella Terra, Château des Charmes, De Simone, Lailey, Lakeview Wine Co., Marynissen, Niagara College Teaching Winery, Peller, Pillitteri, Queenston Mile Vineyard, Reif, Riverview Cellars, Shiny Apple Cider, Trius and Wayne Gretzky Estates. Many are located in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
The NOTL Icewine Village runs Jan. 17 to 18 and Jan. 24 to 25 on Queen Street. Admission is free, with opportunities to taste wine and enjoy culinary pairings with a variety of icewines.
The village also offers a VIP experience, which includes three hours or a full day in a heated snow globe structure, access to a private bar, a premium tasting of three icewines and a cheese platter.
A cocktail competition will take place during the village, with free admission to watch. Cocktails will be available for purchase “a la carte,” while VIP ticket holders can access three cocktails for $25.
The Cool as Ice Gala takes place Jan. 31 at the Niagara Parks Power Station. Guests can dress up, dance and enjoy icewine, wines and mocktails.
Tickets are available at niagarawinefestival.com through the Icewine Festival tab.
