Month: February 2022

If there’s one thing the Niagara Region in Ontario is known for is its abundance of wine. In fact, it’s one of the best wine-producing regions in the country due to its cold winters and warm summers; the perfect combination in creating a balanced blend of ripe and acidic grapes.

Of course, many people know a lot about red and white wines and often have their favourite bottles that they buy frequently, but if you’re looking to try something new, why not extend your taste buds to Icewine? Icewine producers are becoming increasingly popular in Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake but many don’t quite know what it is, how to serve it, or how it’s made.

What Is Icewine?

Icewine is known for being a sweet wine that is believed to have first been made in Germany in the late 1700s. When German winemakers immigrated to Canada, they continued making their sweet wines and introducing them to British Columbia and Ontario in the 1970s. Now, Ontario is known globally for its wonderful production of Icewine.
What makes it different than red or white wine is its noticeably sweet, tropical and citrusy flavours. This is because Icewine grapes are left on the vines in the winter to the point where they become naturally frozen on the vine and processed while the temperature is -8ºC or lower.

How Icewine Is Made

Cold temperatures are essential for an Icewine crop, especially come time to harvest (which is usually done in the middle of the night in the snow) and press the grapes. The frozen grapes will be pressed at a much higher pressure than typical grapes. Since the grapes are frozen, there will be a lot of ice crystals and water in the press and only a small amount of concentrated juice, however, even just the small amount is sweet and high in sugar. This also means the alcohol level will be quite low.

In order to create more of an intense fruit flavour, Icewine makers will add flavours such as strawberry, mango, lemon, peach, pineapple, and more.

How To Serve Icewine

Because of the level of sweetness obtained by the naturally frozen and pressed grapes, many enjoy this dessert wine on its own well-chilled, however, it does pair nicely with soft cheeses such as blue cheese or Brie. If you’re a big sweet tooth lover, it does also pair nicely with cheesecake, dark chocolate, crème brûlée, and other fruit-driven desserts.

Different Types of Icewines

Icewine is typically made with Riesling grapes. The most popular types of red Icewines are Cabernet Franc and Merlot and are known for being sweeter.

Vidal Icewine is, by far, the most popular type of white Icewine made by Canadian winemakers even though Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Gris, or Sauvignon Blanc white grapes are also used. White grapes produce Icewine that is pale yellow or light gold in colour which are known for having a bit more of a full-bodied flavour while still being sweet. If you’re new to drinking Icewine, Vidal Blanc may be a better place to start as the acidity and sweetness is well balanced and easier to handle for those who don’t have a big sweet tooth.

Icewine Is The Perfect Addition To Cocktails

People may think they shouldn’t add Icewine to their cocktail recipes because of the sweetness it holds, but this isn’t true. They actually make a great cocktail addition! In fact, many Icewine lovers love adding a splash to their glass of sparkling wine, whisky, sangria, cosmopolitans and martinis.

If You’re Looking For A Personalized Wine Tasting Experience In Niagara-on-the-Lake

Canada produces some of the most delicious Icewines on the planet, so why not give your tastebuds a gift by trying it yourself? Icewine is unlike any other wine – it’s unique, it’s sweet, it’s tropical, and it can be served in a variety of ways or enjoyed on its own. But if this is your first Icewine experience, it can be difficult to know what notes or flavours to look for, and what type of bottle to buy. That’s why you need to book a personalized tasting experience with our wine experts and friendly staff here at The Hare Wine Co. in Niagara-on-the-Lake. You’ll enjoy a guided tour in a cozy tasting room and be able to ask your professional tour guide all your burning Icewine questions. Afterwards, you can enjoy browsing through our gift shop so you can take home your favourite bottle of wine.

It can be difficult to find a present for someone who already has everything they could ever want, and it gets even more challenging when you have an appreciation or interest in fine wines. For this reason, many people choose a wine gift basket as a perfect solution to the problem of finding a suitable present for this kind of person. A wine gift basket, if chosen well, is something that will provide delight and pleasure. But just buying pre-assembled wine gift baskets from local retailers may not be as personalized as you’d hope.

That’s where our ideas can come into play. If you have a wine lover or adventurer in your family or group of friends, why not send them on their way to Niagara-on-the-Lake as a gift? Here are some ideas on what to get them.

Send Your Family & Friends To Niagara-on-the-Lake To Enjoy These Special Gifts

1. Niagara Falls Sightseeing

Obviously if you’re from the area, you know how many sights there are to see and enjoy in Niagara Falls, just a 25-minute drive from Niagara-on-the-Lake. While the recipient may have seen the falls many times before, there are plenty of other package experiences you can purchase for them. If you want to surprise them with more of an outdoor adventure gift, why not gift them a fun package that involves activities such as boat tours that go near the falls or the whirlpool? If you really want to get their adrenaline rushing, there are also ziplining activities that will take them along the Niagara River to the falls’ observation landing.

After they spend their time on a boat or ziplining, they’ll surely be hungry. Treat them to a delicious, fine dining experience in town. Some of the town’s favourite places to eat include Prime Steakhouse Niagara Falls, Massimo’s Italian Fallsview Restaurant, Casa Mia Ristorante, and Weinkeller, just to name a few.

2. For The History Buffs

One of the best reasons to visit Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake is learning all about the fascinating history. This can be done by paying for your family or friends who are history buffs to go to places like Fort George, Brock’s Monument, Laura Secord Homestead, Niagara Falls History Museum, Old Fort Erie, and the Niagara Military Museum. Each location has its own shop where they can purchase souvenirs or unique gifts for others.

3. Wine Tasting Packages

The Niagara Region is known for its abundance of world-class vineyards and breweries that offer visitors the chance to sip and taste their own crafts while enjoying food and shopping around the gift shops for unique flavours of beer, wine, cider or Icewine to add to their personal collections.

There are plenty of wine tasting packages to gift your family and friends, but why not surprise them with a more personalized tasting experience? This is especially nice during occasions like birthdays, Valentine’s Day, or nearing an anniversary or Christmas. This is why our vineyard, The Hare Wine Co., wants to celebrate your occasion with you. Our vineyard is located in Niagara-on-the-Lake and features stunning views of our estate. We have a beautiful outdoor patio, but also have a private wine tasting room that couples, small groups or larger groups can enjoy themselves without being bothered by large groups coming in by the busloads. Each wine tasting is led by an experienced, professional and friendly staff member who is passionate about wine and ensuring you have a great stay. We craft and carry red, white, rosé, sparkling and Icewine varieties.

Give Them A Gift They’ll Remember Forever

Niagara-on-the-Lake is full of amazing activities that make for a great gift for someone. Because it’s such a popular tourist destination, it makes purchasing tour packages easy whether the recipient is into outdoor activities, learning about history, or taste-testing wine. Whatever the occasion is they’re celebrating, they’ll love driving to Niagara-on-the-Lake for a weekend getaway or just a day trip to enjoy the gift you’ve given them.