Icewine is produced from grapes that have been frozen while still on the vine. These wines are concentrated and very sweet. Icewine production is risky, that’s why this type of wine is produced in relatively small amounts and thus quite expensive.
The world’s largest producers of icewines are Germany and Canada. Canada’s first icewine was produced by German immigrant Walter Hainle in 1972. Twelve years later, the Inniskillin winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario started producing icewine as well. Today, about 75% of Canadian icewine is produced in Ontario because this part of the country constantly undergoes freezing in winter.
The Niagara Icewine Festival has been held regularly for more than two decades. The event is typically held in Niagara Falls or Niagara-on-the-Lake, sometimes in both cities simultaneously. Dozens of local wineries present their best icewines which pair perfectly with the savory dishes offered by Niagara’s top culinary chefs.
The festival is typically held on three weekends in January. During the event the Niagara region is transformed into a winter wonderland, celebrating one of Canada’s most cherished products. The program of the Niagara Icewine Festival is rich and diverse. It includes icewine tastings, food and wine pairings, performances, exciting outdoor activities, ice sculpture exhibitions, and more.
The highlight of the Niagara Icewine Festival is the traditional Xerox Icewine Gala. Founded in 1995, it is one of the most luxurious wine and culinary events in Ontario and arguably in all of Canada. Ontario’s finest wineries showcase premium wines during a glamorous black tie affair which has a different theme each year.
