The snow and chilly temperatures set a perfect winter scene in beautiful Niagara-onthe Lake, as my wife and I bundle ourselves. We set off from our bed and breakfast towards Queen Street, wandering past snow-draped vineyards, the region's famous grapes seemingly asleep under a white shroud. We trek into the town's historic downtown. Our plan is to sample the best offerings from the region's 28 wineries, to enjoy the wine, food and live entertainment and to learn more about Niagara's liquid gold.
Every January, when the temperatures drop, select Niagara winemakers gather their crews, and venture into the vineyards in the middle of the night to hand-pick the frozen grapes. Then, to celebrate their good fortune, they welcome visitors from all around to sample the region's unique winter wine, paired with the local cuisine.
Heading into its 19th year, the Annual Niagara Icewine Festival is a uniquely Canadian winter experience, an outdoor street festival with live music, gala dinners, ice sculptures, icewine marshmallows to roast over open fires and lots of icewine tastings.
Often touted as Canada's greatest liquid luxury, icewine is made in only three countries, and undoubtedly made best here, which is why we have become the world's leading producer. More than any nation, we have the right climate.
The grapes for icewine are picked at temperatures of at least -8°C so only the highly concentrated juice is pressed from the frozen berries, leaving behind the icy water crystals.
The result of these unique climatic conditions is a deliciously sweet wine with intense flavours and aromas, and an exceptionally high concentration of sugars, acids and extracts from the grapes.
Admission is free for the Niagara-on-the-Lake festival, where the town's main street has been transformed into an icewine village.
Hundreds of people mingle, tasting icewines from the wineries and sampling edible delicacies from signature kitchens. We stop to marvel at the ice sculptures. There is a Flash & Panache Icewine Cocktail Competition where shaken, stirred, mixed and occasionally muddled concoctions are thrown together by local mixologists. The only rule is that they include icewine in their cocktail repertoire.
The cocktails are sampled and scored, in a competition to win the Icewine Cup. I volunteer to become an official judge, but my wife's fingers and toes are beginning to freeze, so we pick up a festival discovery pass and venture inside the wineries to experience wine pairings in a warmer, cosier atmosphere. The pass ($40) includes eight wine pairings, with a mocktail and food pass ($30) available for "designated" drivers.
Visitors looking to learn more about icewine can sign up for a tasting class. I was treated to an enlightening pairing class at Reif Estate Winery, where I learned the proper technique for savouring every sip - let the wine linger on your tongue.
There is something very romantic about sipping icewine outside in a winter wonderland; with the snow falling, a bonfire crackling and people bundled up in hats, gloves and winter boots, celebrating one of Niagara's most unique products.
You haven't really experienced winter's rare gift until you have enjoyed it outdoors in sub-zero temperatures. It's just so Canadian.
Travel Writers' Tales is an independent travel article syndicate that offers professionally written travel articles to newspaper editors and publishers. To check out more, visit www.travelwriterstales.com.
If you go. Where to Stay: Reservations can be arranged through the Chamber of Commerce Accommodation Booking Service. We stayed at the Wine Country Bed and Breakfast (stay@winecountrybb.com).
. Dining: The Charles Inn is recognized by Wine Spectator as one of the best dining experiences in town (www.charlesinn.ca).
. Visitor Information: Contact www.niagaraicewinefestival.com and www.wineriesofniagaraonthelake.com
