ICEWINE FESTIVAL CELEBRATES CANADIAN SWEET WINE

THE FESTIVITIES KICKED OFF LAST WEEKEND AND WILL WRAP UP NEXT WEEK WITH A COCKTAIL COMPETITION

When the temperate drops to a minimum of -8? C many people are thinking about summer and the return of warm weather.

Other people know that temperature is also what is needed for the icewine harvest.

Niagara-on-the-Lake celebrated the sweet wine at this year's Icewine Festival, kicking off with a gala with the theme "Sparkle and Wine" in the Old Courthouse on Jan. 20.

The next day the Icewine Village saw a portion of Queen Street closed as a number of wineries and local businesses and restaurants set up booths.

Festivalgoers were able to sample icewine and delicious food pairings — many made with icewine — such as icewine brittle.

Jessica Taylor, manager of events for the Niagara-on-theLake Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Niagara-on-the-lake, said this year was the 28th annual Icewine Festival.

"We're here to celebrate a great product that only Niagara can really produce," said Taylor. "We are the largest producer of icewine. We produce 90 per cent of what sold internationally."

Taylor said this year 16 wineries were present at the village along with 10 to 12 five-star restaurants.

She said the previous night's gala "was a great success" and "a lot of fun."

The Icewine Village will return on Jan. 28.

The festival will be closed out with a Icewine Cocktail Competition held in the ballroom of the Old Courthouse from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Jan. 28.

Taylor said usually the contest is held outside, but this year it will be held in the ballroom of the Old Courthouse.

"We're going have it in the

grand halls where 10 wineries and restaurants can be creating amazing cocktails," she said. "It just shows really the versatility of icewine of how you can cook with it and drink with it now."

There will also be a DJ, live entertainment and photo booths. Tickets are $75 plus HST per person and the purchase of a ticket allows you to try up to three cocktails and vote for your favourite. Additionally, you can purchase more cocktails and charcuterie boards as well.

To learn more or to purchase tickets, visit niagaraonthelake.com.