January in Niagara: Where Icewine Steals the Show!
As the winter winds whip around, Niagara becomes a realm of enchantment, and amidst this icy wonderland, the Niagara Icewine Festival takes center stage. This month-long celebration in January is a testament to the allure of Niagara’s Icewine, offering an experience found nowhere else. Let’s embark on a journey through this frozen fairyland, where each sip tells a tale of sophistication and each event unveils the versatility of this liquid gold.
Cool As Ice Gala:
On January 13, 2024, the grand Niagara Parks Power Station transforms into a hub of elegance and indulgence for the Cool As Ice Gala. Presented by Fallsview Casino Resort, this immersive celebration invites you on a delightful journey through Niagara’s finest Icewines, expertly paired with culinary creations from top chefs. At $225 per person, experience premium VQA wine, Icewine cocktails, farm-to-table fare, live arts performances, and rare nighttime access to the mesmerizing Power Station tunnel leading to Niagara Falls.
Get Your Tickets: Cool As Ice Gala Tickets
Icewine Discovery Pass:
Presented by CAA Travel, the Icewine Discovery Pass, available on January 12-14, 19-21, & 26-28, 2024, invites you to uncover the wonders of Niagara’s winter wine country. Priced at $55 plus HST + Fees, this pass grants you access to six unforgettable wine and culinary experiences at over 30 participating wineries. Dive into the celebrated “liquid gold” dessert wine, famed for its intense flavors and unparalleled smoothness. Don’t miss out on the shuttle service available on Saturdays and Sundays for added convenience.
Explore & Purchase: Icewine Discovery Pass Tickets
Discovery Pass Shuttle:
For a new era of convenience, the festival introduces its first-ever Discovery Pass shuttle! Running on Saturdays and Sundays, this exclusive service whisks you away to picturesque wineries in either Niagara-on-the-Lake or Niagara Benchlands. Plan your route to pre-selected wineries, choosing either Niagara Falls (Old Stone Inn) or St. Catharines (Holiday Inn on Ontario Street) as your pickup location. Your shuttle pass, available for a single day, pairs seamlessly with the Weekend Discovery Pass for a complete experience.
Book Your Shuttle: Discovery Pass Shuttle Tickets
Sparkle and Ice Celebration:
On Friday, January 26th, 2024, from 8:00 pm to 12:00 am, witness the Sparkle and Ice Celebration—a spirited competition between local wineries and restaurants crafting mixologist-approved Icewine cocktails. Priced at $95 plus HST + Fees, this event offers up to three cocktails, a hand-crafted menu, wine sampling, live entertainment, a photo booth, and a dazzling fireworks display. Your vote determines the champion, creating an unforgettable memory in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Get Your Tickets: Sparkle and Ice Celebration Tickets
Niagara-on-the-Lake Icewine Festival:
From January 20th to 21st and January 27th to 28th, 2024, Queen Street in Niagara-on-the-Lake transforms into a winter wonderland for the Icewine Festival. Delve into a premier winter event celebrating the region’s renowned Icewine production. Sample exceptional Icewines expertly crafted by local wineries, indulge in culinary delights, and soak in the festive atmosphere with live entertainment, ice sculptures, and engaging activities. The festival, held outdoors, showcases the rich cultural and culinary offerings of the Niagara-on-the-Lake region during winter.
Join the Festivities: Icewine Festival Tickets
Ice Bar at the Outlets:
On January 13th & 14th, from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm and 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm, the Outlet Collections at Niagara present the Ice Bar. A premier winter event celebrating the region’s renowned Icewine production, this outdoor courtyard experience offers a unique and immersive experience. Sample diverse Icewines, crafted by local wineries, and indulge in culinary delights that complement the distinct flavors of this cherished Canadian specialty. The event also features live entertainment, ice sculptures, and engaging activities, creating a festive atmosphere.
Icewine Harvest:
Join Kaitlin Narciso on an authentic (and chilly) Niagara Icewine Harvest. Immerse yourself in the behind-the-scenes of harvesting Icewine, experiencing the dedication and passion that goes into creating this exquisite delicacy. Watch the video here.
The Niagara Icewine Festival is more than an event; it’s a celebration of the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into creating this liquid gold. Purchase your tickets, plan your itinerary, and get ready to embark on a winter adventure filled with the finest Icewines, delectable culinary creations, and unforgettable moments amidst the snowy landscapes of Niagara.
What does it taste like?
Icewine is the epitome of ultra-rich, flaunting a burst of flavors that transport you to a tropical paradise. Picture ripe tropical fruits mingling in your glass, all thanks to the intense liquid extracted from naturally frozen grapes. Every variety boasts a delightful sweetness, earning it the coveted title of a “dessert” wine. While the roots of Icewine trace back to Austria and Germany, where it goes by the name “eiswein,” Canada has claimed the contemporary ice wine-making spotlight. Ontario and BC dominate the market, showcasing a plethora of Icewine offerings.
Chilled to perfection, Icewine finds its best companion in rich, flavorful dishes—think aged blue cheese and other culinary delights. Elevate your sipping experience by adding a splash of Icewine to sparkling wine or cocktails, creating an explosion of taste that takes your palate on an unforgettable journey.