What’s the Fuss About Icewine?

What are the best grapes for ice wine?

Typical grapes used for ice wine production are Rielsing, considered to be the noblest variety by German winemakers; Vidal, highly popular in Ontario, Canada; and the red grape Cabernet Franc. Many vintners, especially from the New World, are experimenting with making ice wine from other varieties: whites such as Seyval Blanc, Chardonnay, Kerner, Gewürstraminer, Muscat Ottonel, Chenin blanc, Pinot blanc, and Ehrenfelser; or reds such as Merlot, Pinot Noir, and even Cabernet Sauvignon. Pillitteri Estates Winery from the Niagara-on-the-Lake region of Ontario claims to be the first winery in the world producing Shiraz (Syrah) ice wine with the 2004 vintage, Semillion, and Sangiovese in 2007.

Ice wines from white varieties tend to be pale yellow or light gold in color when they are young and can maderise (acquiring a deep amber-golden color) as they age. The red varieties tend to have a light burgundy or even pink color like that of rosé wines, since the steeping of the skins in the pressed liquid typically used in red wine making is obviously not possible in ice wine production.

And of course, there is the annual Ice Wine Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake!

This is where the above-mentioned wineries along with many others, bring their wares for tasting all along Queen Street in Niagara-on-the-Lake for several weeks during the month of January.

In 2024, the event will take place January 12-14, 19-21, & 26-28. Niagara Ice Wine Festival

Where can I get the best ice wine in Niagara?

As is everything in life, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Wine choices and preferences are something very personal and very subjective. But, we certainly can recommend some of the best that you can find here in Niagara in no particular order:

1. Peller Estates Wines

Known for their delicious Ice Cuvée. peller.com

2. Konzelmann Estate Winery

Niagara’s only lake-front winery, it specializes in Vidal ice wine. konzelmann.ca

3. Château des Charmes

Makes some of the best Vidal ice wine in Canada. It’s literally award-winning. chateaudescharmes.com

4. Wayne Gretzky Estate Winery

Yes, the “Great One” has a winery! A visit here is a must to try their Cabernet Franc icewine. waynegretzkyestates.com

5. Reif Estate

Known for its Vidal! reifwinery.com

6. Inniskillin Wines at the Brae Burn Estate

The pioneer in the icewine industry! Their Riesling varieties are incomparable AND they host icewine experiences every weekend! inniskillin.com