January is a very special time of year in Niagara-on-the-Lake. This is when we celebrate Icewine, the rare and uniquely sweet wine that propelled Canada onto the world’s wine stage nearly three decades ago and has become inextricably tied to our winemaking heritage as it continues to garner global acclaim. Every year we pay homage to Niagara’s ‘liquid gold’ by coming together for the Annual Icewine celebration, a quintessentially Canadian Festival which is now entering its 25th year. During the second half of the month, the town’s exquisite Heritage District is transformed into a winter wonderland; an idyllic setting for visitors to sample outstanding icewines poured by more than 20 Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries along with sweet and savoury culinary creations from Signature Kitchen Chefs.

This year the Niagara-on-the-Lake Icewine Festival kicks off on Friday, January 17th with the Sparkle & Ice Gala. This is the launch event for the outdoor Icewine Village on Queen Street which will be set up for two consecutive weekends (January 18-19; 25-26). On Friday, January 24th, the White on Ice Dinner will return for its 6th year but with a unique twist as it will be proposed in a progressive-dinner format. Details for all the exciting festival events are provided below.

Sparkle and Ice Gala
Friday, January 17 • 8 to 10 pm • Tickets $95 (+ HST)

In the elegant Grand Ballroom of the historic Old Courthouse, guests will celebrate with Niagara-on-the-Lake winemakers and their exceptional VQA wines while enjoying the musical stylings of the talented Juliet Dunn. During the evening knowledgeable representatives from Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries will be pouring premium VQA reds, whites and sparkling wines alongside Signature Kitchen Chefs who will be serving icewine-inspired culinary pairings. Prior to the evening coming to a close, guests will bundle up and head outside into the Icewine Village on Queen Street for an icewine toast and a stunning Fireworks display – the perfect ending to a sparkling evening!

Niagara-on-the-Lake Icewine Village
Free admission (samples by purchase of tokens; $6 per token)
Icewine and food samples are 1 token each
Weekend One: January 18, 11 am to 5 pm; January 19, noon to 5 pm
Weekend Two: January 25, 11 am to 5 pm; January 26, noon to 5 pm

Niagara-on-the-Lake’s historic Queen Street transforms into an enchanting winter wonderland, offering a unique setting for over 20 Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake members to pour their prized icewines. The talented Signature Kitchen Chefs will tempt your palate with savoury and sweet Icewine-inspired pairings as you enjoy the fun entertainment of roving musicians and performers. As always, the stunning and creative ice sculptures will provide the perfect backdrop to your Instagram pictures. And when it's time to warm up, make your way to one of the warming fire pits in the village or pop into one of the Heritage District's welcoming Landmark Shops.

Flash and Panache: Icewine Cocktail Competition (Icewine Village) Saturday, January 18 • 9 to 11 pm • Free admission (samples by purchase of tokens)

The Heritage District takes on a very special vibe when the lights turn down and the music turns up. Come out and experience the one-of-a-kind icewine cocktails created by the talented Signature Kitchen Chefs. When Icewine is included in their cocktail repertoire, exciting things happen. Only one person will win the top honours, but sample each amazing icewine cocktail and judge for yourself. This event has become a highlight of the festival – don’t miss this cool party!

White on Ice Progressive Dinner Friday, January 24 • 7 to 11 pm • $150 (+HST)

This year the White on Ice dinner has been updated to a new and more engaging format. It will be presented as a progressive-style dinner offering guests a truly unique and memorable experience. The dinner will start with a welcome reception with hors d'oeuvres and sparkling wine in the Grand Ballroom at the Courthouse. Guests will then be driven in groups to 3 different Signature Kitchen restaurants for their next 3 courses with wine pairings for each course. All the groups will meet back on Queen Street in the Icewine Village for dessert and an Icewine toast under the stars.

There is no better way to embrace winter’s chill in one of Canada’s prettiest towns. So plan your winter getaway to Niagara-on-the-Lake this January and get ready to be dazzled at this year’s Icewine Festival!

Visit niagaraonthelake.com to purchase tickets to any of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Icewine Festival events.

Visit wineriesofniagaraonthelake.com for information on icewine experiences hosted by our member wineries during the month of January.