It’s Icewine time! While January may bring a sense of unrest and boredom, think about a trip to Canada for the annual Niagara Icewine Festival from January 14-30, 2011. In Canada, the restrictions for producing Icewine are controlled by the Vintner’s Quality Alliance. The temperature falls below minus 8 degrees C for a sustained time. The grapes must be picked while the temperature is still below minus 8 degrees C. Most wineries handpick the grapes at these cold temperatures at night.

January is a time of great celebration for those wineries producing Icewine. Tourists may want to consider purchasing the Discovery Pass for the Annual Niagara Icewine Festival. Look for events like Twenty Valley Winter Winefest on January 15-16 in Jordan, Winterfest in Market Square in St. Catherine’s and all types of festivities at wineries. During January Inniskillin Winery in Niagara has numerous events involving Icewine in January. The winery is featuring ice furniture for those who want to relax in the cold outdoors. While in Canada enjoy visiting many other wineries. For reviews of numerous Canadian wineries visit the Wine Trail Traveler reviews.

Enjoy tasting some great Canadian Icewines during January.

Cheers! Kathy