Ontario VQA Icewine Takes Center Stage at Niagara's Icewine Festival

Delve deep into the diversity of VQA Icewine with uniquely Canadian experiences over three weekends in January

NIAGARA, ON, Dec. 7, 2023 /CNW/ - Niagara's Icewine Festival, one of Canada's largest wine celebrations, will embrace the winter magic once again in 2024. For three weekends in January, wine lovers, cocktail fans and foodies are sure to create sweet memories to last a lifetime, all while discovering the region's renowned VQA Icewine and culinary scene through an outstanding collection of events.

VQA Icewine pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes - think spicy, savoury and sweet. (CNW Group/Wine Marketing Association of Ontario)

Explore VQA Icewine in a new and exciting way, with a VQA Icewine Cocktail. (CNW Group/Wine Marketing Association of Ontario)

Explore the heart of Ontario's wine country at Niagara's Icewine Festival. (CNW Group/Wine Marketing Association of Ontario)

The Niagara-on-the-Lake Icewine Festival returns to historic Queen Street in January. (CNW Group/Wine Marketing Association of Ontario)

Discovery Pass holders will experience unique tastings on an unforgettable self-guided journey weekends throughout the month. (CNW Group/Wine Marketing Association of Ontario)

The Niagara Wine Festival's Cool As Ice Gala will take place at the Niagara Parks Power Station. (CNW Group/Wine Marketing Association of Ontario)

The festivities begin with the return of the Cool as Ice Gala at the Niagara Parks Power Station on January 13, 2024. The kickoff to Niagara's renowned Icewine Festival features premium pours of VQA Icewine, a VQA Icewine Cocktail Bar and locally inspired dishes from some of the region's most beloved chefs. The event provides exclusive access to one of Niagara's coolest new venues for an evening filled with exceptional VQA wine and food, paired perfectly with dancing, featuring a live orchestra and DJ, and immersive performances. Guests will also have the opportunity to descend 180 feet in a glass-paneled elevator to explore the Power Station's historic tunnel, leading to an all-new observation deck at the base of the Falls.

Niagara Icewine Festival Discovery Pass holders can explore the heart of wine country on an unforgettable self-guided journey weekends throughout the month, from Jan. 12-28. Passes include either three or six unique tasting experiences from a list of over 30 wineries along Wine Country Ontario's Wine Route for exclusive VQA Icewine and food pairings.

The Niagara-on-the-Lake Icewine Festival will once again transform historic Queen Street into the iconic Icewine Village on the weekends of Jan. 20-21 and 27-28. Festivalgoers will enjoy a collection of VQA Icewines from 18 of the Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake, paired with Icewine-inspired nosh from local restaurants. The lavish Sparkle & Ice Celebration will return to the Niagara-on-the-Lake Courthouse on Jan. 26, featuring the fan favourite Icewine cocktail competition. As is tradition, the evening will culminate with a stunning firework display and Icewine toast. New this year, the festival is excited to bring the Icewine experience to shoppers at the Outlet Collection at Niagara Jan. 13-14. The Ice Bar will showcase VQA Icewine from 16 wineries, plus a signature VQA Icewine cocktail, alongside live music and cozy fire pits.

"Ontario's Icewine harvest is a magical time, and what better way to celebrate than by visiting Wine Country Ontario during Niagara's Icewine Festival this January," said Magdalena Kaiser, Director of Public Relations for the Wine Marketing Association of Ontario. "These signature celebrations offer locals and visitors alike the opportunity to rediscover the beauty of winter in wine country, all while enjoying internationally acclaimed VQA Icewine in new and unique ways."           

Full details on all Icewine Festival events, including participating wineries, how to purchase tickets and travel arrangements can be found in the Niagara Icewine Festival Calendar of Events. Further information can also be found at niagarawinefestival.com, niagaraonthelake.com and winecountryontario.ca.

About the Wine Marketing Association of Ontario:

The Wine Marketing Association of Ontario is dedicated to promoting the VQA wines of Ontario – both the vintners and the unique qualities of our authentic VQA wines that are made exclusively from 100% Ontario-grown grapes. Wine Country Ontario is dedicated to promoting Ontario's wine-growing regions – from the wines and wineries themselves to the complete experience of each destination: local cuisine, year-round activities and warm hospitality. Wine Country Ontario is a brand trademark of the Wine Marketing Association of Ontario.

SOURCE Wine Marketing Association of Ontario

Media contact: Magdalena Kaiser, Director of Public Relations, Wine Marketing Association of Ontario, T: 905.246.1922, E: [email protected]