Niagara Icewine Festival Starts Today – Here’s What To Know
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If you’re planning on a romantic getaway with your partner or a weekend road trip with friends, the Icewine Festival is the perfect event to go see for a wine and culinary weekend. The 21st Annual Niagara Icewine Festival kicks off today and runs to the 31st in Niagara-on-the-Lake. From sampling mouthwatering fine icewine cuisines to learning about the icewine itself on a winery tour, celebrate Canada’s liquid gold with several activities that cater to every taste.
The festival features 26 of the region’s best wineries, including Fielding Estates Winery, Peller Estates Winery, Megalomaniac Winery and Flat Rock Cellars. To go along with these luxurious icewines are savoury wine-inspired dishes created by Niagara’s top culinary chefs from 12 participating restaurants. Throughout the three-week festival, different events liven the streets with activities and entertainment for guests to enjoy.
The Sparkle and Ice Diamond Gala is not one to miss with its culinary creations and live entertainment. As you enter the historic courthouse ballroom, delectable icewine-inspired entrées prepared by renowned Signature Kitchen Chefs paired with VQA wines will be the highlight of the grand evening. The event will take place on January 15 and tickets are $95 per person.
If you’re in the Niagara region from January 23rd to the 24th, head to the bustling Queen Street for the Niagara-on-the-Lake Icewine Village where the streets will be transformed into a winter wonderland for the two-day celebration. Icewine will flow from glass to glass while guests can treat their palates to sweet icewine dishes. While in the area, make a pit stop at one of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Landmark Shops for keepsake souvenirs and one-of-a-kind treasures.
In the evening, join the party for some refreshing icewine cocktails at the Flash and Panache: Icewine Cocktail Competition, which will also be held in Queen Street. Enjoy the show as Niagara’s skilled mixologists mix, shake and whip up some exquisite icewine cocktails that will soothe your taste buds to compete for the winning title. Sample these handcrafted concoctions and be a judge yourself to title the next winner of the Icewine Cup.
Cap off the weekend with some delicious hot chocolate and cozy around by the camp fire with some roasted marshmallows at the annual Peller Estates Icewine Market. The event runs on all three weekends where guests can indulge in sweets and sip on their signature Cabernet Franc Icewine Hot Chocolate created by chef Jason Parsons. If you have time, book a tour at the Peller Estates Winery to learn how they make their famous icewine and see the 10Below Icewine Lounge in the winery’s barrel cellar for the ultimate icewine experience.
