Honestly, I hadn’t really heard of ice wine until my trip to Canada, and I was completely clueless about it! Since I’m a huge fan of anything related to wine, I knew I had to check out a vineyard when I heard about ice wine. It sounded so interesting and delicious.
After walking around a few vineyards in Canada that make ice wine, I can confidently say it’s not just wine with ice mixed in a glass. I admit, at first, I pictured a slushy when I heard the term ice wine. Thankfully, it’s nothing like that! Ice wine is a true delicacy and requires a lot of skill to create.
Here’s a quick explanation: Ice wine is made by growing vineyards in regions where winters are cold enough to freeze. The grapes are left on the vines until winter, so only the water inside freezes. This allows the sugars to separate, making them perfect for fermenting into sweet ice wine. It resembles a dessert wine and is often enjoyed as such.
Now, let me tell you about some amazing places in Canada where you can taste this delightful beverage, particularly in Ontario.
First up is Peller Estates, one of my favorite spots in Ontario for ice wine. It’s near Niagara-on-the-Lake and offers a beautiful winery tour that includes a visit to their frozen bar, 10 Below. It’s an excellent place to try ice wine! They have a delicious Ice Cuvée you must try. And don’t miss dining at their Winery Restaurant—they serve some of the best food around.
Konzelmann Estate Winery, Niagara’s only lakefront vineyard, has a fascinating history. Originally starting in Germany, they brought their expertise to Canada and specialize in Vidal ice wine, which is some of the best you can find.
Rancourt Winery is a family-run estate in the heart of Niagara, open every day of the week. It offers an impressive tasting room and guided tours. They have a variety of wines, not just ice wine, for you to enjoy.
Chateau des Charmes also offers exceptional Vidal ice wine. It’s easy to visit if you’re in the Niagara region and they have engaging tours like the Winegrowing Discovery Tour and ‘Four @ Four’ tour.
Wayne Gretzky Estates is another exciting spot in Ontario. This former ice hockey player has ventured into winemaking, and his estate offers a delightful Cabernet Franc ice wine.
Between the Lines Winery offers two fantastic ice wines, the 2016 Cabernet Franc Icewine and the 2016 Vidal Icewine, which you should try. They also host unique events like art tours, yoga, and star-gazing tours.
The Vidal ice wine at Reif Estate is award-winning and well-regarded for its quality. You can visit their vineyard to explore the gardens, have a charcuterie board at the wine bar, or join one of their frequent tours.
Lastly, Inniskillin Wines is a fantastic little spot near Niagara Falls. Their Inniskillin Riesling is perfect if you love sweet wines, and they offer a special ice wine experience every weekend.
If you want to immerse yourself in the ice wine culture, check out the Niagara Ice Wine Festival, held in January for a few weeks. It’s a tradition in Niagara-on-the-Lake and a fantastic way to sample lots of ice wine.
Whether you’re exploring vineyards or enjoying the festival, there are plenty of ways to experience the wonderful world of ice wine in Canada.
