If you're looking to start 2024 off right, why not ring in the new year with a nice, ice-cold glass of wine at the Niagara Icewine Festival? This exciting collection of events celebrates the best thing to keep in your freezer during the winter months in Ontario!

With programming running for three weekends in January, the Niagara Grape & Wine Festival is putting on some (literally) cool events to help you discover all things Icewine. 

Photo courtesy Visit Niagara Canada

Showcasing the versatility of this sweet treat, the Niagara Region is the world's largest Icewine producer. So why not partake in a celebration of this local and delightful delicacy?

To help you capture memories you can keep frozen for a lifetime, here are the frostiest things you can check out during the 2024 Niagara Icewine Festival.

Cool As Ice Gala

Kicking off the festival in style on Saturday, Jan. 13,  the Cool As Ice Gala will help you get acquainted with some of Ontario’s finest flavours — featuring premium pours of VQA Icewine, a VQA Icewine Cocktail Bar and locally inspired dishes from some of Niagara’s most coveted culinary creators.

Photo courtesy VQA Wines of Ontario

Offering a diverse selection of samples, each participating winery will have several wines on hand, ranging from sparkling to table wine to the belle of the ball: Niagara Icewine. There’ll also be mixologists on-site shaking things up with incredible Icewine cocktails and mocktails.

The farm-to-table fare will feature a variety of cuisines — from Indian dishes to decadent seafood selections — that’ll be a feast for the senses.

And what’s a gala without a little entertainment? You can enjoy music from local artists along with beautiful installations, breathtaking performances, and some surprises you’ll just have to attend to see!

Unlock tasting experiences with a Discovery Pass

Looking to spend a charming weekend with friends sipping your way through Niagara’s best? Then get your hands on an Icewine Discovery Pass to explore the vibrant wine country during the sweetest time to do so!

With the best winemakers and chefs opening their doors to celebrate the intense flavours and unparalleled smoothness of Icewine, the participating wineries are scattered across the enchanting landscapes of the Niagara Benchlands, St. Catharines and Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Photo courtesy VQA Wines of Ontario

Immerse yourself in a sensory journey through up to six different extraordinary seasonal pairings like no other to savour the essence of Niagara's wine and culinary excellence.

Designated drivers and Icewine-curious people fear not, there are Driver and Discovery Mini passes (giving you three pairings) available for purchase — along with a Discovery Pass shuttle to give your whole group a single day of sampling.

Browse through Niagara-on-the-Lake's vibrant Heritage District

Enjoy the premier winter event by celebrating with the vibrant backdrop of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s picturesque Queen Street.

Photo courtesy Visit Niagara Canada

Transforming into the iconic Icewine Village over two different weekends (Jan. 20-21 and Jan. 27-28), Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Heritage District is the festival's home base where you can sample a collection of VQA Icewines from 18 Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries, paired with Icewine-inspired bites from local restaurants.

Indulge in the festive atmosphere, highlighting the rich culture embedded in the Niagara-on-the-Lake region during the winter season.

Sparkle and Ice Celebration

Get ready to satiate your palate with this spirited competition on Friday, Jan. 26, at Niagara-on-the-Lake Courthouse. The Sparkle and Ice Celebration hosts local wineries as they compete head-to-head with mixologist-approved Icewine cocktails to see who comes out on top!

Photo courtesy VQA Wines of Ontario

You’ll be able to try up to three cocktails with the price of entry, with additional purchases available. Regardless of who you vote for, you get to try inspired cocktails that celebrate the essence of Icewine, so who's the real winner here? (You, that's who!!)

You'll also be able to see some live entertainment, capture moments at the photo booth and — putting the sparkle in the celebration — a dazzling fireworks display.

Ice Bar at the Outlets

The courtyard of Niagara’s favourite outlet shopping mall is getting an immersive and frosty new look from Saturday, Jan. 13 until Sunday, Jan. 14.

Surrounded by ice sculptures, live entertainment and engaging activities at the Outlet Collection at Niagara, you can sample a wide variety of Icewines from local wineries, along with gastronomic delights that complement the wine's distinct flavours.

The Ice Bar at the Outlets activation is sure to give you an all-encompassing reflection of Niagara-on-the-Lake's richest offerings.

Photo courtesy Visit Niagara Canada

Tickets for all Niagara Icewine Festival events are on sale now, so grab yours today and get ready to polar dip into one of the most exciting wine festivals you can only experience in Ontario.