Guide to enjoying Icewine in Ontario

What is Icewine

Icewine is a sweet, concentrated wine made from frozen grapes.

The production of Icewine dates to a happy accident in the late 1700s when an unexpectedly early frost crept into German vineyards. Instead of wasting the frost-tainted grapes, they were processed, yielding a surprisingly sweet result.

Since then, Icewine has continued to be made from grapes intentionally left on the vine past the typical harvest season, specifically until the temperature dips to approximately minus eight degrees Celsius.

When the vines freeze, the sugars in the grapes become concentrated, resulting in a complex liquid with a perfect balance of acidity and sweetness. Once frozen, they are carefully hand-picked and processed immediately. In some cases, the Icewine harvest is completed overnight. Icewine production is a time-sensitive, labour-intensive process that also requires more fruit vines than any other wine.

The combination of a unique climate and dedicated winemakers has put Ontario on the map as a world leader in Icewine production.

Niagara Icewine Festival

Not only is the Niagara Region the largest producer of Icewine in the province, but it is also home to one of the most popular winter festivals in Ontario: the Niagara Icewine Festival.

Here’s what to expect at the Niagara Icewine Festival and tips on the best ways to enjoy this annual event.

Visit the Icewine Village

Gather with Icewine makers, connoisseurs and enthusiasts in Niagara-on-the-Lake’s historical district, transformed into an Icewine Village over two weekends in January. 

Sample the region’s finest Icewine paired with cuisine prepared by local chefs. Enjoy live entertainment, stroll among outdoor ice sculptures and festival lights, warm up by the firepits and take home your commemorative sampling glass.

When: January 17–18 and 24–25, 2026

Where: Heritage District, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Choose your Discovery Pass

Take a self-directed tour of renowned Niagara wineries in the region, offering exclusive Icewine and culinary pairings. 

There are three options. The Discovery Pass entitles you to food and wine pairings at six participating wineries. Enjoy three pairing experiences with the Mini Pass. Or plan for six pairing experiences on Fridays during the Festival with the Friday Flex Pass.

When: January 9–11, 16–18 and 23–25, 2026

Where: participating wineries in the Niagara Region

Attend the Cool as Ice Gala

Cool as Ice Gala is a ritzy event held at the Niagara Parks Power Station during the Icewine Festival. Join Niagara’s finest wineries and chefs to celebrate local Icewine and farm-to-table cuisine. 

The event also includes live entertainment, music, dancing and the opportunity to experience immersive exhibits, including The Tunnel, a 180-foot underground pathway offering a stunning view of the Falls.

Purchase gala tickets well in advance.

When: January 31, 2026

Where: 7005 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara Falls

Book accommodations

The Icewine Festival is a busy time in the region, so book accommodations in advance. From boutique hotels and refined inns to cozy bed and breakfasts, there are a variety of options in the area. 

Book accommodations in Niagara-on-the-Lake to be close to the Icewine Village. 

The Vintage Hotels group offers an Icewine Lover’s Getaway package at its Niagara-on-the-Lake properties throughout January. In addition to luxurious accommodations, enjoy a charcuterie plate and a specialty Icewine martini.

A stay in Niagara Falls allows easy access to exciting attractions around the mighty Falls.

If you plan on consuming alcohol, please ensure you have a plan for getting back to your hotel safely. Uber is available in Niagara-on-the-Lake and Niagara Falls, or you can pre-arrange travel with Niagara Falls Taxi.

Top Icewine vineyards for tastings and tours

Throughout the year, Ontario wineries offer Icewine tastings and tours. Most Icewine producers are located in the Niagara Peninsula and along Lake Erie North Shore, just south of Windsor.

Inniskillin

Pioneers in the Icewine industry, Inniskillin began producing in the early 1980s and within 10 years, the Icewine was garnering world recognition and winning awards. 

The Icewine collection features Vidal, Riesling, Cabernet Franc and Sparkling Icewine.

Book the Icewine Experience to learn more about Icewine production and sample three wines.

Location: 1499 Line 3, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Reif Estate Winery

One of Niagara’s founding family wineries, Reif also explored this unique sweet wine in the 1980s and continues to use the same designated vineyard block to harvest internationally acclaimed Icewine.

Take a walking tour or book a tasting room experience.

Location: 15608 Niagara Parkway, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Pillitteri Estates

Another heavyweight, this winery has accumulated hundreds of awards for its Icewines, including a wide selection of dessert wines.

Select from a variety of tours and tasting experiences.

Location: 1696 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Peller Estates

With over 50 years of winemaking experience in the Niagara region, Peller Estates is well known for its signature Icewine series. 

Visit the igloo-like 10Below Icewine Lounge at the winery—an underground tasting bar featuring sculptures and a chandelier carved out of ice.

Location: 290 John Street East, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Konzelmann Estate Winery

This multi-generational winemaking family brought old-world knowledge from Germany, the birthplace of Icewine, to a picturesque lakefront spot in Niagara and has been producing premium wines ever since, including various late harvest and Icewines.

In addition to the popular tour and tasting, special events include wine pairing and even wine and art workshops.

Location: 1096 Lakeshore Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Château des Charmes

Founded in 1978, this winery has become a leader in Canada’s wine industry for its dedication to excellence and sustainability. It produces Icewines from Vidal and a Cabernet blend. 

In addition to the popular tour and tasting experience, special events include wine pairing and even wine and art workshops.

Location: 1025 York Road, St. Davids

Muscedere Vineyards

Small-lot, premium wines are crafted from hand-harvested grapes. This winery is currently offering its 2007 and 2008 Vidal Icewines.

Wine tasting experiences are available daily.

Location: 7457 County Road 18, Harrow

Vivace Estate Winery

Located in the historic town of Amherstburg, Vivace’s vines are planted on one of the oldest plots in Lake Erie North Shore. This charming winery currently has its 2017 Vidal Icewine on offer. 

The wine flights menu offers an extensive list of wines to sample.

Location: 5141 Concession Road 5 North, Amherstburg 

Pelee Island Winery

One of Canada’s original wine producers, Pelee Island Winery now operates from two facilities, one on Pelee Island and the other in Kingsville. Choose from a Vidal Icewine and a Cabernet Franc Icewine.

Reserve a tour and tastings at the Kingsville location or the Pelee Island Pavilion in advance.

Location: 455 Seacliff Drive, Kingsville

Tips to enjoy Icewine

Some of the most common ways to serve and enjoy Icewine are to pair it with desserts and sweet treats, such as fruit-based flavours and chocolate. 

Although classified as a dessert wine, Icewine also pairs very well with savoury dishes. Try your next glass with a chicken liver paté, a spicy Thai curry or a rich blue cheese.

To maintain the crispness without muting the bouquet, chill Icewine to 10–12 degrees Celsius. Serve the wine in a traditional white glass to best enjoy its aromas.

To answer the question often asked, “Does Icewine go bad?”: yes. Once the bottle is opened, Icewine will keep for up to a week in the refrigerator before the wine turns vinegary. Unopened bottles of Icewine can last for years if stored horizontally in cool, dark conditions.

Sample and celebrate some of the most sought-after and award-winning varietals of Canadian Icewine in Ontario.