Early Icewine Harvest in Ontario’s Wine Country

NIAGARA, ON, Dec. 16, 2013 /CNW/ – The Icewine harvest had an early start this year as the temperature began to dip to below -8˚ Celsius in late November. Icewine harvest varies from year to year as growers are dependent on nature, but one thing that remains cool and dependable is the Niagara Icewine Festival – an annual celebration in January, that turns the region into an unforgettable wintery wonderland of Icewine-inspired experiences.

The Icewine Festival, a one-of-a-kind celebration, is a time when consumers have the best opportunity to discover and enjoy Canada’s most cherished product. For three weeks in January, wine enthusiasts, cocktail fans, foodies and music lovers can all choose from a collection of Icewine related events reflecting the authentic and local flavours of Ontario.

Events will be hosted throughout the Niagara region and at the outdoor street festivals in the towns of Jordan Village and Niagara-on-the-Lake, where visitors can admire sparkling ice sculptures, warm up to cozy open fires and enjoy live entertainment.

New this year is Niagara-on-the-Lake’s ‘Sparkle & Ice.’ During the evening of Friday, January 17^th, Icewine makers will be sharing their favourite VQA wines, paired with Icewine inspired dishes by Signature Kitchen Chefs. Guests will be welcomed with an Icewine Cocktail and a chance to win an authentic Diamond.

This year’s annual Icewine Gala on January 10^th is themed the ‘Bacchus Evening of Icewine & Revelry’. Festival activities will take place throughout Twenty Valley’s Jordan Village and Niagara-on-the-Lake from January 10^th – 26^th, 2014.

Visitors can purchase a Discovery Pass, where guests can choose from over 30 incredible wine and culinary experiences along the Wine Route.

In addition to an array of Icewine, visitors can also taste Ontario’s sensational sparkling wines and delicious VQA red and white wines.

For full details on all Icewine Festival events download the following event summaries for January 2014:
Niagara Icewine Festival Brochure &
Niagara-on-the-Lake Winter in Wine Country Brochure

“The Icewine Festival in Niagara is one of Wine Country Ontario’s signature celebrations. During this magical time, our wine region is like a winter wonderland where we celebrate something that is quintessentially Canadian,” Allan Schmidt, President of Vineland Estates Winery and Chair of the Wine Council of Ontario for “Wine Country Ontario.”

For more information you can also visit: www.niagaraicewinefestival.com, www.wineriesofniagaraonthelake.com, www.niagaraonthelake.com, www.twentyvalley.ca & www.winecountryontario.ca.