Every year I say, “Next year I’ll attend an Ice Wine Festival.” Unfortunately, I can’t tolerate the cold so it’s always easy to say I’ll do it next year. I do think about the workers who need to go out to pick the frozen grapes, perhaps brushing away snow in the middle of the night. Layers of clothing must be the only way to do it.

Despite my reservations about the cold, Icewine Festivals sound like a lot of fun. Plus all that delicious Icewine to taste, what more can you ask for?

Niagara Icewine Festival

The 2012 Niagara Icewine Festival takes place January 13 thru the 29.

On January 13, the Niagara Icewine Festival starts off with the Icewine Unveiled: A Masquerade Gala. Participants will enjoy VQA Icewines and table wines from more than 30 Canadian wineries. The event includes cuisine by Fallsview Casino chefs, entertainment and a silent auction. Price: $175

Several days during the festival, wine and cheese seminars will take place. Choose to participate in one of the All You Need is Cheese seminars:

• Sweet & Sinful Wine and Cheese Pairings
• Incredible Canadian Cheeses…Meed An Old Friend
• Fielding Takes Flight
• The Ultimate Ice Wine and Cheese Experience
• Vintage Icewine and Cheese Tasting
  Each seminar is $20.

Of interest to many people is the Discovery Pass. Those who purchase a Discovery Pass can participate in six winery experiences over three weekends. Those without the Discovery Pass pay $10 at each winery unless noted.

For more information visit the Niagara Wine Festival website. If you want more information about the Canadian wineries see these articles.

Cheers! Kathy