Guide to enjoying Icewine in Ontario

What is Icewine

The production of Icewine dates back to a happy accident in the late 1700s when an unexpectedly early frost crept into German vineyards. Instead of wasting the frost-tainted grapes, they were processed, and the result was surprisingly sweet.

Since then, Icewine has continued to be made from grapes intentionally left on the vine past the typical harvest season, specifically until the temperature dips to approximately minus eight degrees Celsius.

When the vines freeze, the sugars in the grapes become concentrated, resulting in a complex liquid with a perfect balance of acidity and sweetness. Once frozen, they are carefully hand-picked and processed immediately. In some cases, the Icewine harvest is completed overnight. Icewine production is a time-sensitive, labour-intensive process that also requires more fruit vines than any other wine.

The combination of a unique climate and dedicated winemakers has put Ontario on the map as a world leader in Icewine production.

Attend the Niagara Icewine Festival

The Niagara region is the largest producer of Icewine in the province, so it’s no wonder the area also hosts one of the most popular festivals in Ontario: the Niagara Icewine Festival.

There are several ways to enjoy this annual event.

Visit the Icewine Village

Gather with Icewine makers, connoisseurs and enthusiasts in Niagara-on-the-Lake’s historical district, transformed into an Icewine Village over two weekends in January. 

Sample the region’s finest Icewine paired with cuisine prepared by local chefs. Enjoy live entertainment, stroll among outdoor ice sculptures and festival lights, warm up by the firepits and take home your commemorative sampling glass.

Dates: January 18–19, 25–26, 2025

Location: Niagara-on-the-Lake

Choose your Discovery Pass

Take a self-directed tour of renowned Niagara wineries in the region offering exclusive Icewine and culinary pairings. 

There are three options. The Discovery Pass entitles you to food and wine pairings at six participating wineries. Enjoy three pairing experiences with the Mini Pass. Or plan for six pairing experiences on Fridays during the Festival with the Friday Flex Pass.

Dates: January 10–12, 17–19 and 24–26, 2025

Locations: participating wineries in the Niagara Region

Get tickets for the Cool as Ice Gala

Cool as Ice Gala is a ritzy event held at the Niagara Parks Power Station during the Icewine Festival. Join Niagara’s finest wineries and chefs to celebrate local Icewine and farm-to-table cuisine. 

The event also includes live entertainment, music, dancing and the opportunity to experience immersive exhibits, including The Tunnel, a 180-foot underground pathway offering a stunning view of the Falls.

Purchase gala tickets well in advance.

Date: January 18, 2025

Location: 7005 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara Falls

Book accommodations

The Icewine Festival is a busy time in the region, so book accommodations in advance. From boutique hotels and refined inns to cozy bed and breakfasts, there are a variety of options in the area. 

Book accommodations in Niagara-on-the-Lake to be close to the Icewine Village. 

The Vintage Hotels group offers an Icewine Lover’s Getaway package at its Niagara-on-the-Lake properties throughout January. In addition to luxurious accommodations, enjoy a charcuterie plate and a specialty Icewine martini.

A stay in Niagara Falls allows easy access to exciting attractions around the mighty Falls.

If you plan on consuming alcohol, please ensure you have a plan for getting back to your hotel safely. Uber is available in Niagara-on-the-Lake and Niagara Falls, or you can pre-arrange travel with Niagara Falls Taxi.

Winery tastings and tours

Throughout the year, Ontario wineries offer Icewine tastings and tours. Most Icewine producers are located in the Niagara Peninsula and along Lake Erie North Shore, just south of Windsor.

Inniskillin

Pioneers in the Icewine industry, Inniskillin began producing in the early 1980s and within 10 years, the Icewine was garnering world recognition and winning awards. 

The Icewine collection features Vidal, Riesling, Cabernet Franc and Sparkling Icewine.

Location: 1499 Line 3, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Reif Estate Winery

One of Niagara’s founding family wineries, Reif also explored this unique sweet wine in the 1980s and continues to use the same designated vineyard block to harvest internationally acclaimed Icewine.

Location: 15608 Niagara Parkway, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Pillitteri Estates

Another heavyweight, this winery has accumulated hundreds of awards for its Icewines, including a wide selection of dessert wines.

Location: 1696 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Peller Estates

With over 50 years of winemaking experience in the Niagara region, Peller Estates is well known for its signature Icewine series. 

Visit the igloo-like 10Below Icewine Lounge at the winery—an underground tasting bar featuring sculptures and a chandelier carved out of ice.

Location: 290 John Street East, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Konzelmann Estate Winery

This multi-generational winemaking family brought old-world knowledge from Germany, the birthplace of Icewine, to a picturesque lakefront spot in Niagara and has been producing premium wines ever since, including various late harvest and Icewines.

Location: 1096 Lakeshore Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Château des Charmes

Founded in 1978, this winery has become a leader in Canada’s wine industry for its dedication to excellence and sustainability. It produces Icewines made from Vidal and a blend of Cabernet grapes. 

Location: 1025 York Road, St. Davids

Cooper’s Hawk Vineyard

Pick up aromatic Vidal Icewine from this winery, restaurant and nature reserve. Check out the winery’s Pinterest page for recommended Icewine pairings. 

Location: 1425 Iler Road, Harrow

Muscedere Vineyards

Small-lot, premium wines are crafted from hand-harvested grapes. This winery is currently offering its 2007 and 2008 Vidal Icewines.

Location: 7457 County Road 18, Harrow

Vivace Estate Winery

Located in the historic town of Amherstburg, Vivace’s vines are planted on one of the oldest plots in Lake Erie North Shore. This charming winery currently has its 2017 Vidal Icewine on offer. 

Location: 5141 Concession Road 5 North, Amherstburg 

Pelee Island Winery

One of Canada’s original wine producers, Pelee Island Winery now operates from two facilities, one on Pelee Island and the other in Kingsville. Choose from a Vidal Icewine and a Cabernet Franc Icewine.

Location: 455 Seacliff Drive, Kingsville

How to serve Icewine

To maintain the crispness without muting the bouquet, chill Icewine to 10–12 degrees Celsius.

Serve the wine in a traditional white glass to enjoy the aromas best. Once opened and sealed, Icewine will keep for several weeks in the refrigerator.

Although Icewine is classified as a dessert wine, it also pairs well with savoury dishes. Try your next glass with a chicken liver paté, a spicy Thai curry or a rich blue cheese.