Ahh the Niagara Icewine Festival—a magical time in Niagara when the winter wind meets the some of the sweetest (and best) icewine. The festival happens every January and is one of those festivals where memories are made with your favourite people while you’re all bundled like human marshmallows. As we dethaw from all the advenutres had, here are our favourite  frozen, wine-soaked moments from this years festival.
Cool As Ice Gala
The Cool As Ice Gala is a gala everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. Housed in the iconic Niagara Parks Power Station, the backdrop is just as stunning as the groups of friends wandering through the space in their finest evening wear. From a live orchestra to captivating floating performances paired with delectable culinary creations from the region’s top chefs to sipping the finest local Icewine, we left with bellies full and smiles all around.
Fav Foods at The Cool As Ice Gala
Coming in hot (or should we say cool) at #2, 3 & 4 on our list—the Cool as Ice Gala’s food was next-level. Local top chefs worked their magic on our palates. From Chef Ryan Crawford’s silky butternut squash risotto to Tide & Vine’s ocean-kissed oysters and Red Ganache’s heavenly cheesecakes, we dined like winter’s elite.
Photo credit: STYLE Canada
Walk Behind the Falls
We’ve always heard about The Walk Behind the Falls and we’re so incredibly in awe of the experience while in our Sunday best. The tunnel was 2,200 dazzling feet of feeling the cool mist and hearing the thunderous roars of one of our favourite natural wonders of the world. It’s no wonder people venture here day in and day out to capture its magic; we were just one of the lucky ones to see it’s magic at night!
VIP Snow Globe at The Icewine Village
What’s the ultimate way to soak in the magic of The Icewine Village? Living it up VIP style, of course! No need to shiver—just sip, savor, and let winter work its charm while you watch the snow fall from your VIP Snow Globe in the Icewine Village. With cozy vibes, the finest Icewines, and mouthwatering pairings, it’s all about indulging while chilling (in the best way).
The Niagara Icewine Discovery Pass
6 wineries. 3 weekends. All the food and Icewine you can imagine. The Discovery Pass is your go to pass (and a fan favourite of ours!) to explore local wineries and restaurants who’ve partnered inviting you to indulge in bite-size dishes and the sweetest tasting of Icewine to experience all the magic the Niagara Region has to offer.
Photo via Niagara Icewine Festival
Beignets at Trius Winery
It was love at first bite as we indugled in Trius Winery’s Icewine Chocolate Beignets! Chef Dodd’s Delicious Duo was a heavenly, pillowly pastry filled with a mouthwatering hazelnut moussse paired with a Cabernet Franc Icewine. It was the best treat we’ve had in a long time and are still dreaming about this duo.
Sushi at Pillateri Winery
Sushi and Icewine; you wouldn’t have guessed it would be the perfect combination! Dani Sushi’s team created delicious spicy tuna and vegetable rolls that paired ever so nicely with the sweetness of their Family Reserve Vidal Icewine. We loved everything about this Discovery Pass stop.
IceHaus Cocktail Competition
The IceHaus Cocktail Competition was a mixologist’s dream! Locals crafted wild, innovative Icewine cocktails that wowed the crowd. From fizzy to fancy, each sip was like a greatest hits album featuring next-level drinks that were next-level. The fan-favourite went to Pillitteri Estates Winery (we couldn’t agree more!!), and Niagara College Teaching Winery claimed the grand prize! Congrats!!
