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The Top 10 Places to Buy Sweet Icewines in Ontario [Uncorked, Sipped, and Approved!]
There’s a reason why Canada’s temperatures are freezing: we can produce quality icewines! When frozen grapes are harvested, the juice and flavours are more concentrated, resulting in a perfectly sweet dessert wine!
And with Ontario being the largest producer of icewine, it’s natural that we have award-winning bottles that are sought-after by many (including us!)! But with so many wineries, which actually create the best icewines?
So, we went to wine tastings, ordered bottles online, and spent a lot of money to find wines that have the right balance of high acidity and sweetness. After several tipsy sessions, we finally rounded up Ontario’s best wineries for icewine!
Inniskillin Wines
Media credit: inniskillinwines
Address: 1499 Line 3, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Contact: 905-468-2187 ext. 6564, [email protected]
Hours:
- Sunday – Thursday: 11 am – 5 pm
- Friday – Saturday: 11 am – 7 pm
(subject to change depending on the season)
As the first estate winery in Canada and considered one of the pioneers in icewine, Inniskillin Wines has a name to uphold. And yes, they live up to the hype, especially when it comes to icewine!
The founders started planting in 1974, expanded in 1982, and then successfully harvested naturally frozen grapes in 1984. These days, their bottles have earned numerous accolades, with their icewine being known as one of the best in the world.
With every sip, it’s clear why they’re globally recognised and a favourite amongst connoisseurs. Their Vidal Icewine is worth its over $50 price tag per 375ml bottle, as it has the perfect blend of sweet, fruity flavours and bold acidity.
It’s well-suited for desserts, like fruits and cakes, or a fruity cake to get the best of both worlds! Go for fruit-based sweet treats and enjoy the perfect pairing!
Pro Tip:
Want a taste of Inniskillin’s icewine? Join the Icewine Experience at Niagara-on-the-Lake for $60 per person, with a minimum charge of $250. Join an insightful tour and sip on three icewines.
Pillitteri Estates Winery
Media credit: pillitteriwines
Address: 696 Niagara Stone Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Contact: 905-468-3147, [email protected]
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 11 am – 6 pm
Pillitteri Estates Winery is a family business which started when the founder made Vidal Icewine that won gold in a competition. They’ve continued to earn awards over the years, locally and internationally.
The high standards of icewine-making are taken seriously here, as their beautiful Neo-Norman cellar consistently meets the ideal temperatures for the best fermentation process. And indeed, you can visit the barrel cellar by joining their winery tour!
We suggest grabbing a bottle of their Reserve Vidal Icewine, where every sip is sweet yet fresh, with notes of tropical fruits, peach, and some baking spices. It’s perfect as a dessert wine paired with rich cheeses, like blue cheese.
Pro Tip:
The Reserve Icewine is pricier, so if you’re looking for something more affordable, the Vidal Icewine is worth checking out.
Peller Estates
Media credit: pellerwines
Address: 290 John St E, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Contact: 1-888-673-5537
Hours:
- Sunday – Monday: 11 am – 8 pm
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday – Thursday: 11 am – 8 pm
- Friday – Saturday: 10 am – 9 pm
(subject to change depending on the season)
Winemaking is a legacy at the gorgeous Peller Estates. The winery has been passed down to the family for four generations and has now received national and international recognition.
It’s clear why, once you take a sip of their wine, particularly their icewine. Uncork the elegant Signature Riesling Icewine, an award-winner, that brings a velvety mouthfeel that, despite the rich sweetness of citrus and honey, still delivers fresh acidity.
Enjoy a cold glass in the garden on a sunny day. Grab a plate of your favourite apple pie or peach cobbler for a perfectly paired drink and dessert.
Pro Tip:
If you want to dine at Peller Estates, don’t forget to make a reservation because there’s no guarantee that walk-ins will get a table.
Reif Estate Winery
Media credit: reifestatewinery
Address: 15608 Niagara River Pkwy, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Contact: 905-468-7738
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm (subject to change depending on the season)
On the banks of the Niagara River sits Reif Estate Winery, which hosts some of Canada’s oldest vinifera plantings. A must-sip is the Vidal Icewine, a bottle that tells a story, created for the very first time in 1984, and one of the first icewines made on the estate.
It has a crisp acidity that works well to stabilise the sweet aromas of pineapple, lychee, and peach. As a dessert wine, it’s best paired with cheese or fruits, something with salty notes to counteract the sweetness of the icewine.
For something a little more regal, we suggest the Grand Reserve Cabernet Icewine, the estate’s first red icewine, which commands an audience. Its harmonious balance of acidity and fruity aromas complements berry desserts, like a fruit pie.
Pro Tip:
Some of the winery’s events have limited slots. Visit the website to secure your spot, especially for the annual dinner, where wine pairings are available for each course!
Willow Springs Winery
Media credit: willowspringswinery
Address: 5572 Bethesda Rd, Whitchurch-Stouffville
Contact: 905-642-9463
Hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 11 am – 6 pm
- Sunday: 12 pm – 5 pm
(subject to change depending on the season)
The picturesque Willow Springs Winery, located in the York region, is a must-visit for wine connoisseurs. The stunning views are perfect for wine tastings with your family or friends, and you can walk around the vineyard to enjoy the fresh air and scenery.
Every sip of icewine from this Ontario winery feels premium. The Testa Special Reserve Vidal Icewine is one example, with its crisp acidity, tropical fruit aromas, and a nice balance of sweet and floral flavours.
It goes well with a bowl of tropical fruits on a sunny day, like pineapples and lychees. But it also seamlessly pairs with intense and rich cheeses, like an aged cheddar.
Sometimes, a sweeter icewine is exactly what you need during dessert. Their Late Harvest Vidal is worth checking out, which complements every bite of cheesecake!
Pro Tips:
Wine tours come on a first-come, first-served basis. Try to arrive early to avoid crowds for a more peaceful experience.
Avoid going late for the wine tasting because if there’s a private event, it will end two hours before closing. Don’t make the same mistake that we did!
Wayne Gretzky Estates
Media credit: gretzkyestates
Address: 1219 Niagara Stone Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Contact: 1-844-643-7799
Hours:
- Sunday – Thursday: 11 am – 8 pm
- Friday – Saturday: 11 am – 9 pm
(subject to change depending on the season)
Wayne Gretzky Estates, located 20 minutes from Niagara Falls, is all about wine experiences and whisky. They’re known for their whisky and spirits, but they still manage to make an extraordinary icewine—one that has won several awards.
Their Cabernet Franc Icewine brings an exciting dance of berry flavours. The harmonious balance of acidity complements the notes of strawberry, raspberry, rhubarb, and sweet spices, leaving a smooth feel on the palate.
This Ontario estate is more than just a winemaker. There’s a heated patio for dining, a skating rink for guests, and cocktail classes to craft delicious drinks.
Pro Tip:
They don’t have a lot of icewine, so once you see an available bottle, grab it before it’s sold out!
Château des Charmes
Address: 1025 York Rd, St. Davids
Contact: 905-262-4219, [email protected]
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 11 am – 6 pm (subject to change depending on the season)
The scenic Château des Charmes has been in the winemaking industry since 1978, with a passion for sustainable practices. Their methods focus on bringing out the best out of every vine, and that rings true, especially for their icewine.
Instead of picking frozen grapes from temperatures of at least -8°C, they hold off until it reaches -10°C or -12°C. This way, every single drop pressed from every grape will be completely frozen.
A bottle of their Vidal Icewine will greet you with the sweet smell of honey and apricot, as well as subtle floral hints. The acidity blends beautifully with the sweet taste of the wine.
The natural sweetness of their icewine goes well with a sweet and creamy dessert. Try it with a crème brûlée or a classic flan—we prefer one with burnt sugar on top.
Pro Tip:
If you’re visiting the winery, we suggest purchasing your icewine there, if it’s available. If you buy online, there’s a minimum purchase of two bottles per order.
Lakeview Wine Co.
Media credit: lakeviewwineco
Address: 1067 Niagara Stone Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Contact: 905-685-5673
Hours:
- Sunday – Thursday: 11 am – 5 pm
- Friday – Saturday: 11 am – 7 pm
(subject to change depending on the season)
Lakeview Wine Co. delivers quality wines, and that includes award-winning bottles. Their 2021 Vidal Icewine has been chosen as one of the top icewines by receiving gold medals in several wine awards.
That was expected because it has a lot of character. Their Vidal Icewine tastes fresh and sweet, presenting your palate with honey, pineapple, lychee, and citrus flavours.
Serve it cold alongside light desserts, like a classic vanilla ice cream or sweet fruit tarts. But if you’re looking for something that works well with cheese, their Riesling Icewine is a sure winner.
Pro Tip:
If you want to sample their best icewines, join Ice Flights, a tasting experience that’s exclusively for icewines.
180 Estate Winery
Media credit: 180wines
Address: 4055 Nineteenth St, Jordan Station
Contact: 905-562-7080, [email protected]/
Hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday – Sunday: 11 am – 5 pm
(subject to change depending on the season)
Despite being a boutique winery in Ontario, 180 Estate Winery has managed to produce quality wines on its 10-acre vineyard in Creek Shores. It’s small, but full of promise, as they’ve produced award-winning wines, despite being fairly new in the industry.
One of our favourites, their 2017 Riesling Sparkling Icewine, has already grabbed bronze at the World Wine Awards. From the nose, it brings sweet aromas of toasted sugar and delivers fruity notes with a fun and elegant bubbly sensation.
Swing by on a Sunday afternoon for a relaxed live music session. It offers a more laid-back winery visit, even when the wines feel luscious and luxurious.
Pro Tip:
Grab your favourite wine once it’s available. They only make small batches, so there’s limited stock.
Between the Lines Winery
Media credit: betweenthelineswinery
Address: 991 Four Mile Creek Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Contact: 905-262-0289
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10 am – 7 pm (subject to change depending on the season)
The winemaking process of Between the Lines all happens inside the red barn. The place feels different from other wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake—instead of classical designs, this winery brings a more rustic feel.
But instead of a rugged experience in their wines, they deliver a sophisticated yet inventive feel. Take the Icewalker Cabernet Franc Icewine, for example, which reveals candied berry notes and fruity aromas, and ends with a sugary finish.
If you prefer bright and citrusy flavours, the Icewalker Riesling Icewine should be on your list. It pairs really well with a lemon tart, while the Cabernet Franc Icewine is the perfect companion for a brownie, preferably a dark chocolate one.
They also offer wine tastings for every budget. They’re mostly affordable, starting at $20.
Pro Tip:
If you find an event you really want to go to, better book that ticket quickly! They usually have limited slots.
