By Monica Kosior
It’s beginning to look and feel a lot like Christmas. With the countdown almost in the single digits, how do you plan on enjoying the winter season?
Lately it feels like time has been passing by faster and faster, so one of my goals for the New Year will be to spend even more of my free time with the people I love, doing the things I love. And obviously that includes wine.
Whether you want to stay warm indoors by a fire sipping on your favourite VQA wine or outside skating the afternoon away, there’s plenty to choose from in my top Winter Niagara events.
I would also like to raise my glass to you and your family wishing you all the Merriest of Christmases and Happiest of New Year’s! Cheers!
Niagara Events
Niagara Icewine Festival
Can you think of a product more authentically Canadian than Icewine? Poutine does come to mind, but when I really think of a Canadian luxury I think of these amazing frozen grapes waiting to be harvested into liquid gold. If you are already a fan or interested in learning more there are plenty of events to excite and educate your mind and palate about Icewine.
Niagara Icewine Gala
Ladies and gentlemen, the event of the season is upon us. Put on your best gown and tux, the Niagara Icewine Gala is one event you do not want to miss. Explore through Niagara’s featured 35 wineries and their best Icewine, late harvest, sparkling, premium red and white table wines. Paired alongside Fallsview Casino Resort’s spectacular cuisines, this all-inclusive ticket will have you singing Niagara’s praises.
More information available here
Date: 7 pm – 10 pm Jan. 12
Location: Fallsview Casino Resort, Grand Hall Niagara Falls
Cost: $190 + HST, purchase online here
Discovery Pass
Three weekends of Niagara winter adventures await. Redeem your Discovery Pass at your choice of eight Twenty Valley or NOTL participating wineries. Chocolate dipped biscotti and Cabernet Franc Icewine, pulled pork and Vidal Icewine, or butternut squash soup and Chardonnay Icewine … need I say more? Check out the pairings and participating wineries here to map out your Niagara retreat.
Dates: January 12-14, 19-21, 26-28
Location: Participating wineries here
Cost: $45 + HST, purchase online here; $35 + HST; Designated driver pass purchase online here
Hot tip: Want to purchase both your Niagara Icewine Gala and Discovery Pass together? Bundle and save, $200 + HST purchase online here
Twenty Valley Events
Friday Night Dinner Series
Chef Sider invites you to join up for Redstone’s Friday night dinner and wine series. From themes of vegetarian to Indian to Greek, the evenings will temporarily transport you to a new culture. Reserve your spot at the table for an unforgettable evening.
More information available here.
Dates: Check website for dates in 2018
Location: Redstone Winery
Cost: $55 per guest + wine + HST + gratuities, limited seating reserve by calling 905-563-9463
Happy Holiday Pairings
Holiday inspired treats paired with the perfect GreenLane wines; treat yourself or the wine lover on your list. Reservations are recommended at 905-562-7207 or email here.
More information available here
Dates: 11am ‑ 4 pm Dec. 23 and 24
Location: GreenLane Estate Winery
Cost: $10 + HST
New Year’s Ease 2017
Enjoy the last moments of 2017 eating and drinking local at The Good Earth. New Executive Chef Andrew Thorne has created a delectable menu to end the year on a very good note. Paired wines per course area available. Reservations required 905-563-6333.
More information available here.
Date: 5:30 or 8:30 pm on Dec. 31
Location: The Good Earth
Cost: $85 + HST + wine + gratuities
Twenty Valley’s Winter Winefest
The town of Jordan invites you to its annual outdoor winter street event. Friday through Sunday, enjoy food, wine and barrel rolling competitions. Fire pits and warming stations will be available but gloves and jackets still recommended. Switch it up and “Shake the Cave” after hours at Cave Spring (ticketed event, purchase online here
More information available here
Dates: Jan. 12-14
Location: Main Street, Jordan Village
Cost: Free admission, tokens can be purchased for wine and food at the event or online here
Fireside Fridays in February
Westcott Vineyards and “Just Cooking”, Vineland’s newest restaurant, are partnering for the month of February. Enjoy three courses with your favourite Westcott wine by the wood burning fire, reservations are required 905-562-7517 or by email here.
More information available here
Dates: 6 – 9 pm Fridays in February
Location: Westcott Vineyards
Cost: $50 + HST + wine + gratuities
Niagara-on-the-Lake Events
Ice Skating at Wayne Gretzky’s
Enjoy a skate around the No. 99 rink and warm up with some aprés skating beverages. The Whisky Bar patio, equipped with heaters, is open all winter for you and your family to create new Canadian winter memories! Reservations are not required, but skate rentals are on a first come first serve basis.
More information available here
Date: Daily 12 – 6 pm (weather dependent)
Location: Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery & Distillery
Cost: $5 per person for skating, $10 per person for skate rentals + HST
Icewinemaker’s Dinner
Ever wondered if Icewine pairs with more than just dessert? Join the Trius team and Executive Chef Frank Dodd for a four course evening showing Icewine’s versatility with savoury foods. Reserve your spot today 1-800-582-8412 ext. 2.
More information available here
Dates: 6 pm on Jan. 13 or Jan. 20
Location: Trius Winery
Cost: $130 per person +HST + gratuities
Savour The Sights
This event is like no other in Niagara. 5 courses, 5 wines, 5 locations within the winery. Literally you will savour the sights of Jackson Triggs as you progress throughout the evening. Tickets are available online, additional Savour the Sights events in February and March.
More information available here
Date: 6:30 on Jan. 20
Location: Jackson Triggs Estate Winery
Cost: $157.62 per person (includes gratuity) purchase online here
Ultimate 10Below Experience
Quite possibly the “coolest” room in Canada. Peller Estates has created the 10Below Icewine Lounge to simulate the temperatures it takes to make this Canadian luxury item. You will experience a tasting of two Icewines in your Peller Parka while in the igloo-like room. Reservations required, please register online here.
More information available here
Dates: All year round
Location: Peller Estates
Cost: $35 per person + HST ($17.50 for Wine Club members)
Cuvee Weekend 2018
Mark you calendars — the 30th anniversary of the Cuvee Grand Tasting is happening March 23. More details to follow in the new year!
More information available here
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