From July 16-19, the International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration (i4C) returns to Niagara for its 16th edition, bringing together winemakers, sommeliers and wine lovers from across Canada and around the globe. This year, there will be a special coast-to-coast Canadian focus, spotlighting the diversity of cool-climate Chardonnay from British Columbia, Ontario, Québec and Nova Scotia alongside standout expressions from around the world!
The four-day event is a local favourite that showcases the best of Niagara. From educational tasting sessions, immersive vineyard dinners and striking one-of-a-kind venues, each experience gives visitors a taste of what Ontario VQA wines are all about.
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or curious traveler, visiting Ontario’s wine country during i4C is undoubtedly one of the most exciting and memorable ways to experience what makes it so special.
Global Reach, Local Talent
Since its launch in 2011, i4C has evolved into a true celebration of Chardonnay welcoming more than 270 winery participants and 19,000 guests over the years. While the event draws global attention from wine producers and visitors alike, Ontario’s VQA Chardonnay takes center stage for its premium quality and distinctive character.
For those in the know, Ontario’s cool-climate growing conditions place it among the world’s notable Chardonnay-producing regions, resulting in wines of exceptional balance and character. After experiencing i4C, it’s impossible to go home without a renewed sense of local pride for the wines and the winemakers crafting quality bottles year over year.
Throughout the weekend, over 30 local Ontario producers will be present:
Mark Your Calendars
School of Cool (Thursday, July 16) is designed to challenge, surprise and enlighten guests on Chardonnay through the lens of place, style and possibility. A must for Chardonnay lovers, this immersive tasting and educational experience features guided tastings, industry insights and keynote speaker Véronique Rivest.
Friday Night Flights (Friday, July 17) transforms Niagara-on-the-Lake’s local airport hangar into a foodie paradise where you can sample local VQA wines alongside pairings created by chefs who call Niagara home. Previous restaurant partners include Matty Matheson’s Rizzo’s House of Parm and MICHELIN-recommended Trius Winery Restaurant. Plus, don’t miss your chance to try the Great Canadian Blind Tasting!
Chardonnay in the Vineyard: World Tour Tasting & Dinner (Saturday, July 18) celebrates local wine country with a global spin at Peller Estates, one of Canada’s earliest family wineries. Here, guests can enjoy additional Ontario VQA staples (think Pinot Noir, Gamay and Cabernet Franc) alongside a Canadian inspired dining experience. Each sip proves that Ontario’s cool climate story is one worth diving into.
Stay Cool…
Tickets for the 16th annual i4C celebration are on sale now. For the full schedule and the latest updates, visit coolchardonnay.org or follow along on Instagram @coolchardonnay.
