If you’ve never tried Niagara Icewine, you’re in for a treat. This Canadian specialty is made from grapes that freeze naturally on the vine, creating an intense, honeyed flavor with just the right amount of acidity to keep it balanced. It’s not just a drink — it’s a testament to nature, patience and the skill of Niagara’s winemakers.
Unlike most wines, ice wine isn’t made in warm, sunny vineyards but in the dead of winter, often harvested in the middle of the night. The process is tricky, the yield is small, and every drop is packed with concentrated flavor. So, what makes Niagara Icewine so special? From how it’s crafted to where to find the best bottles and the awards that have made it famous worldwide, here’s everything you need to know about one of my favorite kinds of wine.
What is Niagara Icewine?
Niagara Icewine is a luxurious, naturally sweet dessert wine made from grapes that freeze naturally on the vine. Unlike regular wines, where the fruit is harvested at peak ripeness, Icewine grapes remain on the vine well into winter. This allows them to undergo a natural concentration process that results in rich flavors and sweetness balanced by vibrant acidity.
Unique Characteristics
Icewine stands out for its bold, concentrated flavors, often showcasing notes of tropical fruits like mango, pineapple and lychee, along with honey, apricot and citrus. Its bright acidity prevents the wine from being too sweet, creating a refreshing, complex profile that pairs well with rich foods, cheeses and desserts. It is undeniably sweet and comes in either red or white varieties.
History
According to Wines of Canada, the origins of ice wine date back to 18th-century Germany, where winemakers accidentally discovered that grapes left to freeze on the vine produced intensely flavorful wines. This technique made its way to Canada in the 1970s, where Niagara’s cold winters and thriving vineyards provided the perfect conditions for Icewine production. Today, Niagara is recognized as a global leader in Icewine, consistently earning international awards and setting the benchmark for quality.
Common Grape Varieties Used
Niagara Icewine is made from a few key grape varieties that can withstand the region’s harsh winters. Here are the most common ones used and the distinct flavors they bring:
- Vidal Blanc: The most commonly used grape, known for its resilience to freezing temperatures and bright tropical fruit flavors.
- Riesling: A premium choice with high acidity, delivering crisp citrus and floral notes.
- Cabernet Franc: A rare red variety, offering vibrant red berry and spice notes with a rich, velvety texture. This is my favorite kind of Icewine, and it is typically a bit less sweet than the others.
How is Niagara Icewine Made?
Niagara Icewine is one of my favorite winter treats. Let’s take a look at how it’s made.
The Natural Freezing Process
Unlike artificially frozen grapes used in some dessert wines, true Icewine grapes must freeze naturally on the vine. In Niagara, this means waiting until temperatures drop below 17 F (-8 C), typically between December and January.
Hand-Harvesting in Harsh Conditions
To ensure the grapes remain frozen, they are picked late at night or in the early morning, often in frigid conditions. The frozen grapes are then immediately transported for pressing to maintain their icy state.
Pressing and Juice Extraction
Once harvested, the frozen grapes are gently pressed. Since water in the grapes is frozen as ice, only a small amount of highly concentrated, sugary juice is extracted, contributing to the wine’s intense flavor and natural sweetness.
Fermentation and Aging
Due to its high sugar content, icewine takes significantly longer to ferment than regular wines, often requiring months instead of weeks. The result is a luscious, well-balanced wine with a smooth finish. Some icewines are aged in oak barrels to develop additional depth and complexity.
Why is Niagara Icewine Expensive and Rare?
Niagara Icewine is considered a luxury not just for its exceptional taste but also for the effort that goes into making it. Here’s why it’s both expensive and rare.
- Low yield: Since most of the water remains frozen and is removed during pressing, the yield is significantly smaller than traditional wines.
- Labor-intensive process: Hand-harvesting in extreme temperatures requires meticulous attention and skilled workers.
- Strict regulations: In Canada, only wines made from grapes that freeze naturally on the vine can be labeled as true Icewines, ensuring authenticity and quality.
Where Can You Buy Niagara Icewine?
Niagara Icewine is available at local wineries, specialty liquor stores and online shops. For the best selection and experience, I highly recommend visiting Niagara’s wine region or attending the annual Niagara Icewine Festival.
Niagara Icewine Festival: A Must-Visit Event
One of the best ways to experience and purchase Niagara Icewine is at the Niagara Icewine Festival, held every January in Niagara-on-the-Lake. This annual celebration brings together some of the region’s top wineries, offering exclusive tastings, gourmet pairings and unique winter wine experiences. I try to go each year, and it’s a great way to talk to the winemakers and sample some truly amazing Icewines.
Best Niagara Wineries to Buy Icewine
Niagara is home to some of the world’s best Icewine producers, each offering unique flavors and experiences. These top wineries are the best places to taste and purchase authentic Niagara Icewine.
- Inniskillin Wines: A pioneer in Canadian Icewine, Inniskillin is one of the most recognized producers worldwide. Their Niagara-on-the-Lake estate offers tastings and direct purchases of their award-winning Icewines.
- Peller Estates: Known for its luxurious 10Below Icewine Lounge, where visitors can sample and purchase their acclaimed Icewines in a unique sub-zero environment.
- Reif Estate Winery: Established in 1982, Reif is known for its well-structured and elegant icewines. Their wines can be purchased directly at the winery or online for home delivery.
- Location: 15608 Niagara Parkway, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0, Canada
- Konzelmann Estate Winery: As Niagara’s only lakefront winery, Konzelmann offers stunning views and premium Icewines available for tasting and purchase.
Local Wine Shops and Retailers
You don’t have to be in Canada to enjoy Niagara Icewine — there are plenty of ways to get your hands on a bottle no matter where you are. Many wineries and online retailers offer international shipping, and major liquor stores around the world carry a selection of Niagara Icewine.
Whether you order directly from a winery, shop online or visit a specialty wine store, you can experience this Canadian delicacy from almost anywhere.
Where to buy:
- Liquor stores: Major retailers like LCBO (Canada), Total Wine & More (USA) and BC Liquor Stores (Canada) carry a variety of Niagara Icewines.
- Specialty wine shops: Online stores like Wine.com, Vivino and Drizly offer international shipping and a wide selection.
- Winery direct: Purchase directly from top Niagara wineries such as Inniskillin, Peller Estates and Reif Estate Winery for exclusive bottles and special releases.
Shipping availability:
Many Niagara wineries and online retailers offer international shipping, but availability depends on local alcohol import laws. Some countries have restrictions on wine imports, so it’s best to check with the retailer or winery to confirm if they can ship to your location.
Tasting and Tours
Niagara’s wine region offers exceptional icewine tasting experiences. Some of the best include:
- Konzelmann Estate Winery: As Niagara’s only lakefront winery, Konzelmann provides a picturesque setting for tastings. They offer a Seated Tasting Experience, where you can settle into a cozy Muskoka chair on the enclosed winter patio and enjoy a seasonal wine flight, featuring their signature Mulled Wine. The experience is elevated with a Gourmet Sweet & Savoury S’mores Board, perfectly paired to complement the wines.
Pro tip: I did their Fireside Tasting and it was fabulous, albeit chilly. We picked the coldest day of the year, so bundle up if the weather is cold.
- Inniskillin Wines: Renowned for pioneering icewine in Canada, Inniskillin offers a variety of tasting experiences. Visitors can enjoy seasonal events that highlight their icewine production and provide insights into their winemaking process.
- Peller Estates: With over 50 years of winemaking experience, Peller Estates is well known for its signature Icewine series. A unique feature is their 10Below Icewine Lounge, an underground tasting bar made entirely of ice, offering a distinctive environment to sample their icewines.
- Reif Estate Winery: With a history dating back to 1982, Reif Estate offers a variety of icewines. Their Wine Sensory Garden provides a unique setting to explore and appreciate the nuances of their wines.
- Strewn Winery: Established in 1997, Strewn Winery offers a selection of VQA-certified wines, including late harvest and icewines. Their on-site cooking school highlights the close relationship between food and wine, providing a comprehensive tasting experience.
Ready to sip on some Niagara Icewine?
Niagara Icewine isn’t just a drink — it’s an experience. From the frosty vineyards where it’s carefully harvested to the first sip of its rich, honeyed flavor, every bottle is a testament to the perfect balance of nature and craftsmanship. Whether you’re planning a tasting trip or just curious to try a glass, one thing is certain: Once you taste it, you’ll understand why it’s considered liquid gold.