Icewine in Niagara-on-the-Lake is being showcased through tastings and pairings.

Inniskillin and other Niagara-on-the-Lake producers are promoting icewine's versatility through tastings, festivals and food pairings; most Canadian icewine comes from the region and grape allocations for icewine rose to 2,853 tonnes this year.

Wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake are highlighting icewine beyond its dessert-wine reputation. Producers stage tastings, festival events and curated food pairings to show different serving options. The region supplies the bulk of Canadian icewine and its production is closely regulated. Growers note that harvest timing depends on naturally cold conditions and that costs reflect the labour and risk involved. Key facts: - Inniskillin’s Vidal Icewine won the top prize at Vinexpo 1991 in Bordeaux, which helped raise Canada’s profile in icewine. - More than 90 per cent of Canada’s annual icewine harvest comes from Niagara-on-the-Lake. - The Ontario Wine Appellation Authority monitors harvests; grapes must be naturally frozen on the vine at or below −8°C and fermentation must result only from the pressed juice’s sugar. - Yields for icewine are low, typically 10–20 per cent of the juice volume per tonne, and grapes face risks such as dehydration, rot and wildlife damage. - The Ontario Wine Appellation Authority allocated 2,853 tonnes of grapes for icewine production this year, up from 1,976 tonnes the previous year. Summary: Producers are using festivals, tastings and inventive food matches to broaden consumer interest while export and retail channels remain active. Allocations for icewine production rose this year and some wineries reported early harvesting during suitable cold snaps. How changing winter conditions will affect future harvests and yields is undetermined at this time.