Icewine festival, tours and tastings in Ontario
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Canadian Icewine is a registered trademark and therefore spelled as one word rather than two: ice wine. It’s also described as “liquid gold.” Sample authentic Icewine on a tour and tasting at one of Ontario’s top wineries, such as Inniskillin, Pillitteri Estates, Peller and Rief wineries.
Celebrate alongside winemakers and chefs at the annual Icewine Festival in Niagara and get tips on how to serve Icewine and what to pair it with.
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, winemakers have made Icewine from grapes intentionally left on the vine past the typical harvest season, until temperatures dip to about minus eight degrees Celsius. When the vines freeze, the sugars in the grapes concentrate, creating 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.
A unique climate and dedicated winemakers have made Ontario a world leader in Icewine production.
Niagara Icewine Festival
The Niagara Region is not only the province’s largest Icewine producer, but also home to one of Ontario’s most popular winter festivals: the annual Niagara Icewine Festival weekend series in January.
Here’s what to expect at the 2027 Niagara Icewine Festival and tips on the best ways to enjoy this annual event.
Visit the Niagara-on-the-Lake Icewine Village
Gather with Icewine makers, connoisseurs and enthusiasts in Niagara-on-the-Lake’s historical district, transformed into an Icewine Village over multiple 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 15–31, 2027
Where: Heritage District, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Explore with the Icewine Discovery Pass
Take a self-directed tour of renowned Niagara wineries in the region, offering exclusive Icewine and culinary pairings. The Discovery Pass includes three or six food and wine pairings at participating wineries.
When: select dates in January 2027
Where: Niagara Region
Attend the Cool as Ice Gala
The Cool as Ice Gala is an elegant event held at the Niagara Parks Power Station on the last Saturday in January, 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 30, 2027
Where: 7005 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara Falls
Book accommodations early
The Icewine Festival is a busy time in the region, so book accommodations in advance. From boutique hotels and upscale inns to cozy bed and breakfasts, the area offers a variety of places to stay.
Reserve 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. Enjoy luxurious accommodations, a charcuterie plate and a specialty Icewine martini. The vine-inspired spa at Niagara-on-the-Lake’s newest hotel, The Clayfield, is the perfect way to wind down during the Icewine Festival.
A stay in Niagara Falls gives you easy access to exciting attractions around the mighty Falls, while still keeping you close to the Icewine festivities.
If you plan on consuming alcohol, ensure you have made safe travel plans. Uber is available in Niagara-on-the-Lake and Niagara Falls, or you can pre-arrange rides with Niagara Falls Taxi.
Icewine vineyards, 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 series features Vidal, Riesling, Cabernet Franc and Sparkling Icewine. Book the Icewine Experience to learn more about Icewine production and sample 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 still uses 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 public and guided 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.
Book the “Greatest Winery Tour” to visit the winery’s igloo-like 10Below Icewine Lounge, an underground tasting bar featuring sculptures and an ice-carved chandelier.
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.
Fun tour and tasting experiences include pairing wine with chocolate, snacks and chips.
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 experiences, elevate your visit by reserving a vineyard cabana with concierge-style service.
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, including Icewine.
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 keep it crisp 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 opened, Icewine will keep for up to a week in the refrigerator before it 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.
Last updated: October 15, 2026