St. Catharines, ON, January 2, 2009
The Niagara Grape & Wine Festival organization is pleased to announce the 2009 Niagara Icewine Festival. For ten days in January the Niagara region is transformed into a wintry wonderland, celebrating one of Canada's most cherished products, Ontario Icewine. For over two decades, Ontario has been a world leader in the creation of Icewine. Niagara wineries continue to win the highest awards and accolades for this unique and decadent libation at international wine competitions. The Niagara Icewine Festival is a celebration of this flagship product that has made the world take notice of Ontario winemaking.
During January, the Festival provides a wonderful celebration of Icewine and an insider glimpse of the incredible local bounty of wine and culinary experiences the Niagara region has to offer. From Gala evenings, ornate ice bars, celebrity chefs, winemaker's dinners, to roasting chestnuts, decadent dessert pairings and educational winery tours along Niagara's famed wine route, the 14th edition of the Niagara Icewine Festival offers plenty for every taste. Event highlights include the following:
Xerox Icewine Gala Friday
The Festival kicks off with the Xerox Icewine Gala at the Fallsview Casino. This spectacular evening showcases wine from more than 30 of Ontario's premier wineries and features Canada's largest tasting of internationally acclaimed Icewines and other premium wines in the glamorous setting of the Fallsview Casino. The evening features exemplary Niagara Cuisine prepared by the Casino restaurants Golden Lotus, Ponte Vecchio & 17 Noir, and outstanding entertainment featuring Dione Taylor. The celebration continues after 11:00 with an après party at R5, the Fallsview's newest and most exclusive venue.
Friday January 16, Fallsview Casino, 8:00pm start. Tickets $175/person
Twenty Valley Icewine Bar
Thousands of visitors will experience a Winter Carnivàle on the Main Street in Jordan, a quaint village nestled at the foot of the escarpment. The 30 foot decorative Ice bar will be the cornerstone of the outdoor Icewine activities which will include ice carving demonstrations, art exhibits, buskers, Niagara cuisine and live entertainment. Patrons can enjoy warming cuisine from local restaurants and food purveyors of the Twenty Valley region, along with Icewine and tables wines from 20 Niagara wineries.
January 17 - 18, Main St., Jordan Village, 12:00pm - 5:00pm. Free admission, wine & food at market prices
Winterfest in Market Square
Join the City of St. Catharines for a celebration of Niagara Wine, food and culture at the Market Square, Downtown St. Catharines. Throughout the evening local chefs and restaurants will be on hand to showcase the city's vibrant culinary scene while patrons enjoy the wines of several leading wineries from Niagara. The event will also feature incredible local cuisine and live entertainment from ‘Chefs Without Hats' and visual art provided by The Niagara Artist Centre.
Saturday, January 17, 7:00-11:00pm, Market Square, Downtown St. Catharines. Free admission, wine & food at market prices
Fallsview Casino Icewine Lounge
On the second weekend of the Niagara Icewine Festival, the Fallsview Casino Icewine Lounge will be constructed in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Decorative Ice bars will be arranged in as part of the lounge themed décor. Historic Queen Street in old Niagara-on-the-Lake is the picturesque backdrop to this event. Visitors can sample Icewines and table wine from 20 different Niagara wineries, savour local cuisine, enjoy live entertainment and stroll through the shops of downtown Niagara on the Lake.
January 24 - 25, Queen St., N.O.T.L., 12:00pm - 6:00pm. Free admission, wine and food at market prices
Niagara Icewine Festival Discovery Pass
Enjoy 2 weekends of celebration along Niagara's famous wine route with the Niagara Icewine Discovery Pass. Approximately 30 Niagara wineries will be featuring special tours, food and wine pairings and exclusive winery tastings with a focus on Icewine. These unique offerings will be available exclusively to passport holders, each passport granting access to up to 6 events valued at $10.00 each.
January 17, 18, 24, and 25, 12:00 - @ participating wineries along the Niagara Wine Route, times vary by winery. Passports $30.00
Niagara Icewine Classic Weekend January 23 - 25
A limited number of guests will experience an all inclusive weekend, featuring with two night's luxury accommodation at the Pillar and Post Inn, access to exclusive Icewine events, wine tasting, seminars and dinner as well as all transportation needs while in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. All part of the Classic weekend program valued at $1300.00.
Itinerary:
Friday January 23rd: Classic pass holders will meet at the Pillar and Post Inn for the Friday Night Grand Tasting Gala (7:00 - 10:00pm), an elegant cocktail celebration featuring the regions finest chefs and local wineries. To finish the evening, specialty Icewine Martini's, Dessert and coffee provided by Criveller and Starbucks will be offered at the private unveiling of the outdoor Fallsview Casino Icewine Lounge, at the Après Event on Queen Street in historic downtown Niagara-on-the- Lake.
Saturday January 24th: On Saturday, guests wake up to Continental Breakfast before heading to out on an exclusive Niagara Falls Icewine Experience which includes a Wine Seminar Luncheon overlooking the majestic Niagara Falls. This seminar will feature returning host-the LCBO'S Michael Fagan and a celebrity chef panel featuring the Food Networks own- Roger Mooking, Anthony Sedlak and Anna Olson. The panel will provide professional insight into each dish and wine pairing while interacting with guests. After lunch guests enjoy some private time to explore historic Niagara-on-the-Lake and the surrounding region. Classic guests will gather at 6:00pm for a VQA wine reception before attending a unique Winemakers' Dinner at one of Niagara's most famous restaurants. The dinner will be presented by winemakers from 2 regional wineries as they pair their efforts with each course.
Sunday January 25th: The finale for this weekend is a spectacular Sunday Bubbly Brunch at the Pillar and Post Inn.
Please note: This weekend program (January 23 - 25, N.O.T.L) has a limited number of passes available at $795.00 per person.
Tickets to all events are available online at www.niagarawinefestival.com. Classic weekend programs are available through the festival office at 905.688.0212
For more information please contact,
Ken Weir
Festival President
905.688.0212
kenw@niagarawinefestival.com
