After a three-year pandemic-induced hiatus, the Niagara Icewine Festival celebrates its 28th anniversary this month alongside the region’s annual Icewine harvest. This year’s schedule kicks off with an opening-night gala at the Niagara Power Station venue – how fitting, given the quintessentially Canadian nature of both the legendary Falls and the sweet elixir from Niagara that we love to celebrate.
The 2023 Icewine Festival features 28 wineries participating in an itinerary that includes programming across three snowy January weekends, January 14-29th, 2023. Purchase a Niagara Icewine Festival Pass and you’ll be able to access events throughout all three weekends of the month if you choose, January 14-29th, 2023. Check out the festival site and start planning your self-guided tour of tastings and sightseeing. The programming is robust, thanks to the participation of 28 wineries.
We’re starting our prep with the following not-to-be-missed events:
Cool As Ice Gala
The Cool as Ice Gala takes place at the Niagara Parks Power Station with its newly opened immersive experience which allows for breathtaking views of the Falls from 180-feet-below-ground tunnel. The party will feature live entertainment, art installations and yes, lots of Icewine. Guests will be able to sample a range of local wine – plus the liquid-gold star attraction – from an impressive lineup of 15 Niagara Peninsula wineries. To pair with those wines: premium farm-to-table creations from a roster of the region’s leading local chefs.
Cool as Ice Gala, Niagara Parks Power Station
Icewine Village
The heritage district of Niagara-on-the-Lake is transformed to an Icewine Village complete with an outdoor stage, live entertainment, cooking and cocktail demonstrations. You’ll also find a VIP lounge complete with open-air seating, fleece blankets and cozy firepit tables in the winter wonderland.
Icewine Village, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Icewine Cocktail Competition
If you’ve been glued to Drink Masters on Netflix, this January 28th event is for you. Tickets let you taste the competing Icewine cocktails and vote for the winner, with the opportunity to purchase additional tickets, and also enjoy the DJ-mixed sounds and Instagram-enabling photo booths.
Icewine Cocktail Competition, Old Courthouse, Niagara-on-the-Lake
The Winter Wine Garden at Peller Estates
This is your chance to snuggle around a campfire in the great Canadian outdoors with four of your favourite people. Book the experience and get ready to zip up your parka while sipping a glass of wine or a warm mug of the estate’s signature beverage, garnished with an Icewine marshmallow handcrafted by no other than resident chef Jason Parsons.
Winter Wine Garden, Peller Estates, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Inniskillin’s Illumination Nights Light Display
Bask in the glory of a starry winter’s night with a visit to Inniskillin. One of the region’s heritage Icewine makers has installed an al-fresco, twinkle-light-lit space where you can savour the estate’s Icewine selection and the crisp night sky from a cozy Muskoka-chair perch.
Illumination Lights, Inniskillin, Niagara-on-the-Lake
For a complete listing of events, visit niagarawinefestival.com
