Wine Archives - Page 17 of 22 - WineCollective Blog

Welcome to Wine – varieties and temperature

Posted on May 24, 2013June 7, 2013 by Wil Knoll

Besides the commonly recognized Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon, thousands of grape varieties exist, each having their own characteristics, aromas and flavour.

In our last Welcome to Wine post, I highlighted some popular wine varieties and their typical traits in taste (mouth) and smell (nose). Wines, according to their grape variety as well as region also have differences in temperatures to serve and store. When held at the wrong
temperature, the taste, aromas and
aging process can be altered.

Wine Storing Tips

Store wine around 12°C and horizontally
If you don’t have a cellar, invest in a wine cooler for short-term (typically priced from $200) or wine cellar fridge to lay down a bottle long-term ($1200 +)
Fridge temperature’s are too cold, but work well for a quick cooling
Forgot to chill the wine? Put a glass in the fridge for speedy serving temperature
Don’t forget a bottle in the freezer, the cork may pop out leaving you a mess

GE 30 Bottle Wine Chiller $348

White varieties are typically served between 7° to 10°C, where as reds are best at 12° to 18°C. If overly warm, the taste of alcohol may be stronger in reds. Although chilling is usually associated with whites, don’t be afraid to do the same to a Merlot or Pinot Noir.

Sauvignon Blanc France original. Crisp and light	7°C
Pinot Grigio Alsace. Citrus, melon and peach	7°C
Chardonnay Burgundy. Butter and vanilla	10°C
Riesling Germany. Melon and grapefruit	8°C
Rosé Red grapes with less skin contact	10°C
Pinot Noir Burgundy. Berries and mint	10°C – 13°C
Merlot Previously blended. Plum and berries	13°C – 15°C
Shiraz Rhône. Spices and berries	18°C
Cabernet Sauvignon Bordeaux. Cherry and tobacco	18°C
Zinfandel California. Jam and black pepper	18°C

GearUp4CF Fundraiser

Posted on May 23, 2013October 29, 2020 by Wil Knoll

On May 11^th, WineCollective helped support the 3^rd annual “Beer and Burger Night,” a fundraiser to raise money for the GearUp4CF ride in Vancouver.

Sandra Smith, who organized the event says approximately $13,400 was raised in aid of her husband Blair’s upcoming participation of the 1,200 km journey from Vancouver to Banff. Blair hopes to raise a total of $25,000 before the ride that takes place on June 22^nd. Cyclists come from across Canada to take part this nine-day challenge.

Sandra, who is among the 4,000 Canadians living with Cystic Fibrosis, was told her time was limited three years ago. After being unable to walk up and down stairs, she was referred for a double lung transplant. “Thanks to my donor family, my wonderful CF and Lung Transplant teams and with the love of my family and friends,” Sandra says, “I have a new chance at life.”

This year, WineCollective donated an Evolution – Red package, as well as a Tannic membership ($195 value). Tickets for “Beer and Burger Night,” held at Local 002 Public Tavern & Kitchen, include an automatic donation for GearUp4CF, as well as access to the fundraiser’s silent auction, door prizes and raffles.

Through her own personal experience, Sandra says, “I have seen first-hand what research can do for someone with Cystic Fibrosis and I have personally benefited as well. All of the time and effort put into raising money for research makes a difference.” Since 2006, GearUp4CF has raised $970,000 to one day find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis.

Sandra and husband Blair at the GearUp4CF 2012 finish line

Get involved and donate here to this amazing event.

Dads love wine!

Posted on May 22, 2013 by Wil Knoll

If your dad is anything like mine, he sure does love his vino. So instead of buying him yet another tie for Father’s Day, give him something he will really enjoy! If you’re lucky, he may even share.

You can purchase a WineCollective package from now until the end of May and receive your unique wines around Father’s Day in mid-June.

From now until June 17, 2013, use our FATHERSDAY2013 coupon code for $5.00 off any subscription or gift package. We’ll send an email to your pop letting him know his special something is on its way, or keep it a secret and we’ll send you all the details.

Whatever you choose, WineCollective will ensure your package of expertly selected wines is safely delivered straight to your dad’s door. He’ll also receive detailed tasting cards and access to our online community of wine lovers! With everything taken care of you and your dad are free to spend the day together, maybe for lunch and a round of golf?

Enjoy your day dads; it is well deserved!

Wine education at its finest

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Wil Knoll

For those of us interested in wine and its industry, sharing bottles and discussing with friends is typically how we expand our taste and knowledge. Some may even take wine tasting classes (like those held at our partner Willow Park Wines & Spirits) as a way of further developing their understanding of wine.

However, universities such as Brock University in St. Catherine’s Ontario and the University of California – Davis, are providing students with top-notch wine education in Bachelor of Science undergraduate degrees.

Brock University’s cellar, The Canadian Wine Library, holds 43,000 bottles

The Oenology and Viticulture program at Brock happens to be the only University in Canada offering a BSc, with popularity and class sizes doubling since its introduction in 2009. Other Canadian universities such as Vancouver Island University only offer certificates in wine business and appreciation.

Kaitlyn Little of Brock University says that students leave with “comprehensive understanding of both winemaking and viticulture practices.” The program leads the way for graduates to be able to work in wineries with a focus on scientific practices such as biochemistry and plant physiology.

Brock’s fermentation lab is used for student classes. The university sees an employment rate of 97% for viticulture graduates.

Students also learn more about the industry with mandatory classes in wine marketing and the option of taking a business minor so that they may one day own and operate their own vineyard.

The best part about the program is the several internships that must be completed apart from the courses. This gives students hands-on international experience, with jobs in North America, Europe and Eurasia, Little says.

Unlike Canada, the United States has various university programs with UC-Davis being the #1 Agriculture Research and Teaching Institution worldwide, according to QS World University Rankings.

The UC-Davis’ winery is highly recognized for it’s environmentally friendly facility. It was awarded Platinum certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design by the U.S Green Building Council

Professor Mark Matthews says that with the new building facilities, including an “ultra modern winery,” Viticulture and Enology students have everything necessary to grow grapes, select yeast and bacteria for fermentations and process wine. Although this program does not hold a business requirement, costs and industry considerations are worked into courses like “vineyard design.”

Traditionally, wineries are known for their family influence with vineyards being passed down from generation to generation. While this may seem like a heart-warming intention, the global wine market is expected to generate $292 billion in 2014, according to MarketLine.

We think this leaves plenty of opportunity for more business and new winemakers.

Welcome to Wine

Posted on May 9, 2013June 7, 2013 by Wil Knoll

Being new to wine culture and the art of tasting may make you feel like you’re jumping into an intimidating mixture of snobby know-it-alls and eclectic vocabulary. But here at WineCollective headquarters we know that different levels of wine education exist. Our team ranges from certified vino pros to the earliest of beginners – like me.

In the next few weeks our WineCollective blog will be featuring a “Welcome to Wine” series of posts that will go through all beginner basics, including terminology and various tips to help you learn. After all, our club is open not only to connoisseurs and collectors, but all Canadians wanting to share in the joys of wine.

My interest in wine began early, where a glass (or two) of my father’s homemade wine at the family dinner table was always necessary and would lead us through hours of conversation and laughs. Today, my interest has spread to curiosity in all features of the wine industry that I hope to explore. So whether you just want to socialize and share wine with food and friends or have a thirst for knowledge, here is a delicious place to start.

We will begin with, tasting basics.

There are three steps to getting the most out of your wine tasting experience that will require you to indulge your senses of sight, smell and taste. While reading up on technique and a “systematic approach” will give you foundation in wine education, you’ll probably find that, like most things, practice makes perfect. So feel free to pop a cork and follow along.

Step 1 – Eyes

The best way to peek into the inside of your glass is to slightly tilt its delicious contents, preferably up to a blank canvas like a white tablecloth. Here you can look into not only the colour, but the clarity and legs as well (yes, wine has legs).

Red, white and rose wines all have a range of colour they can fit into determined by grape varieties, how the wine was aged and the overall age of the wine. These can all have an effect on how the wine appears. My Wine Tutor says that whites gain colour in the aging process, while reds lose colour.

Here is a spectrum of hues to look for as you tilt your glass:

White: straw-yellow / yellow-gold / gold / old-gold / yellow-brown

Red: purple / ruby / red / brick red / red-brown / tawny

Rose: pink / salmon / orange

You also want to make note of the intensity of your wine colour as well as the clarity – is your wine clear or hazy?

The legs of your wine can be seen as a clear film against the sides of the glass, which can indicate the alcohol content and body.

Step 2 – Nose

Swirling your glass as part of wine tasting is essential and powerful. Not only does the motion aerate the wine and release a bouquet of aromatic appeal, it also makes you look and feel extremely fancy. Or at least, I think so.

Aroma characteristics can coincide with varieties used. Learning the smells of more popular wines can help you match with your own experience. However, everyone is different; what you smell may be different from what someone else might take away from the wine.

White

Chardonnay: Melons, pears, vanilla, hazelnut

Sauvignon Blanc: Grapefruit, gooseberries, tart apples, lime or lemon

Riesling: Apple, pear, peach, honey, flowers

Red

Pinot Noir: Cherries, strawberries, forest floor

Merlot: Blueberry, plum, tobacco, chocolate

Cabernet Sauvignon: Black currant, black cherry, smoke, cigar box

Winesworld’s Magazine gives a long list of favourite wines and their individuality.

“Accept what life offers you and try to drink from every cup. All wines should be tasted; some should only be sipped, but with others, drink the whole bottle.” – Paulo Coelho

Step 3 – Mouth

Finally, you get to taste. But don’t rush and don’t gulp it up. Instead, savour the flavour that the last two steps were piecing together. Taste buds and sensations are everywhere. Try to pull apart the components that make up the wine: sweetness, acidity and tannin (bitterness).

Flavour characteristics can coincide with aroma. Fruit and floral (like citrus and tropical) as well as spice, vegetables, and oak can all be explored within a wine glass.

What do you taste? Is the body of the wine heavy and rich, or light? Does it match with your meal? These are all questions to ask to ask to help you decide if the bottle is one you enjoy.

The last element of wine tasting to notice is the balance and length of your sip. A long finish leaves the taste of the wine and its components in your mouth. With time, you may be able to pinpoint which flavours hold.

WineCollective is an excellent place to start in your wine journey. Not only do we test and rate wines within our office, we also send you a variety of unique wines to expand your palette.

Along with the bottles, Tasting Cards are sent to members to share the vintage with highlighted tasting notes – Eyes, Nose, Mouth. We also include information on the vineyard, region and producer to add to every aspect of your wine education.

Tasting Cards can also throw an extra challenge with every card’s food pairing suggestion. Attempt a recipe to go along with the wine to see how flavours of food and wine can flawlessly marry.

Although wine tasting may have its science, the experience is entirely individual. Being aware and knowledgeable will not only help to impress your friends, but will also help bring you to find your palette and wine preferences. Happy tasting!

Celebrate Mother’s Day with WineCollective!

Posted on April 22, 2013March 23, 2022 by Wil Knoll

Mother’s Day is approaching quickly and, as with most celebrations, wine is the best complement. If you’re still looking for the perfect way to show your appreciation, we can help! Share a WineCollective gift package with your mother and let us take care of the details.

In the spirit of classic gestures like Breakfast in bed, WineCollective will deliver comfort and ease with an expertly curated selection of wine delivered right to your mother’s door. Enjoy the day together; we’ll do the rest. We’ll send an email on your behalf welcoming her to a great wine experience, and your mom will receive fantastic wine to enjoy at her leisure complete with detailed tasting cards and access to our wine loving community online.

Pleasantly surprise mom this year when she receives:

Three professionally curated wines – you’ll get to pick whether she receives an all-red, all-white or mixed wine pack!
Three exclusive recipes in her first box to try out
A tasting guide for the journey
Member perks such as access to our private store with discounted pricing!

By the way, mothers, don’t forget to treat yourselves; you deserve it!

Similkameen Shining Star, Clos du Soleil

Posted on April 17, 2013April 17, 2013 by BlackSquare

Discovering a hidden gem is one of the most exciting parts about being a wine-lover. Stumbling across your next favourite bottle is a memorable occasion, whether the wine was a gift from a friend, a bottle you fell in love with on an Okanagan wine tour, or a suggestion from a server at your favourite restaurant. I recently had one of these moments when I enjoyed Clos du Soleil‘s Saturn at The Brasserie.

Since 2006, Clos du Soleil has been producing “…premium quality wines in a Bordeaux style”. Their 2009 Celestial made an appearance on Tannic, and the Capella is a go-to favourite for any occasion. Clos du Soleil is located in the South Similkameen Valley Upper Bench, west of Oliver.

IMAG1689 — Clos du Soleil winemaker, Ann Sperling and co-owner Leslie LeQuelenec

At a recent tasting at The Brasserie in Kensington, the tasting list included the Capella, Rose, Signature and Saturn. Chef Jorel Zielke paired each wine with a delicious course, created specifically to match the layers and subtleties of the wines.

Brasserie is a well known eatery in Calgary, with a great following and phenomenal reputation. That being said, it was my first visit! The evening’s attendees were a great mix of Calgary culinary and wine community, a lively bunch of hungry people (including Chef Cam Dobranski)! The night’s hosts were Leslie Lequence, co-owner of Clos du Soleil and winemaker Ann Sperling. Ann gave introductions to each of her wines, while Chef Jorel appeared from the kitchen to elaborate on the menu and pairing choices.

The first course was a crispy duck salad, paired with the 2009 Capella (95% Sauvignon Blanc and 5% Semillon). The vineyards are located on a steep, rocky south facing slope. Ann noted that 2009 was a long and warm season, which helped to maintain the minerality and freshness of the wine.

The crispy duck salad had blood orange and lemon segments in a poppyseed dressing. I was worried that the citrus would be too acidic for the wine, but pleasantly surprised that the fruit heightened and brightened the wine. The saltiness of the duck brought out the minerality in the wine, which also added another layer of texture and increased the body. After each bite, the wine provided a different experience, quite complex for a “salad and sauv.”

Next on the menu, seared scallops served with the 2012 Rose. As a side note, Ann had brought this wine with her as it had been bottled just prior to the dinner. It will be interesting to try this again, after the wine has some time to relax. The rose is 100% Cabernet and undergoes a cold soak overnight before press.

I noted floral elements with peaches and raspberry. I think this will be a great option for a fuller-bodied summer wine to pair with BBQ and pot-lucks. The scallops were pan seared in brown butter with a vanilla bean infused EVOO and a balsamic gastrique. A few duck fat frites added some crunch (never too much duck fat).

The main course was a hanger steak from Spring Creek Ranch, roasted marrow bone and cauliflower with red wine au jus and espresso salt, served with the Clos du Soleil Signature. The blend of Cabernet, Merlot, Malbec and Petite Verdot spends 11 months in French oak.

The Signature was dark and garnet in colour, presenting black currant and cassis on the nose. Strong but supple tannins and medium acidity balanced the layers of dark fruit and lush plums. The finish had some savoury qualities with some of the oak showing through in vanilla, cocoa nibs and prunes. The meal was a perfect match, a great balance between savoury-sweet and rich, fatty layers.

The late harvest Sauvignon Blanc, Saturn, was served with a savoury dessert of foie grois on once baked pistachio biscotti and a quince jelly, with julienne apple and passion fruit coullee. The high level of acidity in the Saturn moderated the residual sweetness of canned pears and some vanilla bean while concentrated citrus fruits, marmalade and bright citrus peel added another layer. The wine was harvested at 29 brix, at -6 degrees Celsius.

Unfortunately, I learned shortly afterwards that the Saturn is not available in Alberta and is sold out at the winery. The weather conditions of the last harvest did not allow for any Saturn to be produced this past year.

The upside is that Clos du Soleil has a wine club, Soleil 160, that caters to those who need to have access to these almost unattainable wines. Wine Club members are given access to wines such as the Saturn…when available. Although Clos du Soleil is along a road less traveled in the OK, it is a necessary stop; you won’t regret going a little out of the way to visit!

Anticipating the Season with New Spring Wine Series!

Posted on April 11, 2013April 18, 2013 by Wil Knoll

Moments ago, I took the photo to the left. It’s the view from WineCollective headquarters in Calgary.

We are in week two of April, but we’re still layering our clothing and cranking the heat. Typical for this otherwise awesome city, the weather refuses to cooperate with my stir-crazy plans for wine on a patio. I miss Spring!

Fortunately, it’s bound to show up sooner or later, so I’m going to forge ahead with entry #1 in our Spring wine series. Over the next few months, we’ll look at wines that match the season and pair well with the lighter, fresher fare of warmer weather.

I’d like to begin with my personal favourite, Sauvignon Blanc, because I immediately think of this varietal when the days get brighter. If Spring represents newness and vibrancy, then the fresh, lively flavours of the season are a natural match for this wine.

Sauvignon Blanc has a colourful history, with speculative origins (possibly a relative of savagnin) and popular offspring (along with Cabernet Franc, it is parent to worldwide varietal hit, Cabernet Sauvignon). Performing exceptionally well collaboratively, it’s also a frequent partner in aromatic white blends, such as Australian Semi-Sauvs.

Originating in Bordeaux, the Sauvignon Blanc variety has been cultivated worldwide since first migrating to Chile in the 19^th century. California came next, the first cuttings arriving in the 1880s, and the varietal became popularized in 1968 as Fumé Blanc by acclaimed Napa vintner, Robert Mondavi. The grape has enjoyed great success in New Zealand (check out the 2011 Cottesbrook Sauvignon Blanc from our February packages) since the 90s, where the maritime climate is considered by some critics to produce the best Sauv Blancs in the world.

The diversity of the regions producing Sauvignon Blanc is reflected in the wines that emerge from each area. The cooler climates of the Loire Valley deliver more minerality and Sauvs that pair with fresh raw seafood (think sushi). Australian blends often show grassy, herbaceous elements and are fantastic with fresh spring salads with asparagus, pea-shoots, and Fava Beans. Grapes from New Zealand and Argentina tend to produce wines that are citrus focused with intense flavours of lemon or grapefruit that work well with grilled fish and Greek cuisine featuring green onions, olives and feta.

This month, we’re featuring an excellent representation of Chilean Sauvignon Blancs on WineCollective with the Veramonte Sauvignon La Gloria Reserva (pictured, right).

True to the regionally characteristic lively, racy expression, this vibrant Sauv falls into the citrusy category, but has also collected some herb and minerality with its age. Refreshing, palate cleansing, and with high acidity, this is a wine that can be enjoyed with spicy, Asian cuisine. Enjoy!

While Sauvignon Blanc is my personal favourite, there are many great springtime wines that I look forward to exploring in the months to come. In the meantime, while we wait in stubborn parts of Canada for a little greenery, we’d love to hear from you!

What are your favourite Spring wines?

Canadian Wine Consumption on the Rise!

Posted on February 25, 2013February 25, 2013 by Wil Knoll

We already know at WineCollective that Canadians love great wine; we ship to hundreds of wine lovers across Canada each month. But according to Vinexpo’s report on the world’s wine and spirits consumption, interest is only increasing.

Vinexpo, began in 1981 by the Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is the leading trade fair for the wine industry, with more than 50, 000 attendees in 2011. The ultimate event for industry to showcase, connect, and exchange product, information, and ideas, Vinexpo also conducts frequently updated market research to determine trends and establish effective strategies.

You need to pay to view the full report, but The Toronto Sun published findings relevant to Canadian consumption:

“In the lead-up to its trade fair in Bordeaux, France this June, Vinexpo commissioned a detailed report on the world’s wine and spirits consumption that revealed Canadians go through 15 litres of wine per capita, or roughly 100 glasses per year.

Canadian consumption reached 43.21 million cases in 2011, with one case representing 12 bottles.

… Of course, wine consumption rates are misleading because a small segment of the population consumes a disproportionately large volume of wine. But it is clear that more interest and awareness in wine in Canada is seeing an increase in consumption.

The Vinexpo report suggests that Canada’s consumption rate is growing three times faster than the global average and our nation is set to become the world’s fifth fastest growing market for wine, behind China, the United States, Russia and Germany. Expect more international producers to target our markets. With declining markets at home, French, Italian and Spanish producers will be increasingly looking to sell wine elsewhere.”

This is great news if you, like us, enjoy the palate expanding experience of trying wine from all parts of the world. With Spanish wine month behind us, and features in March from both Italy and France, we love sharing international wine selections, and we look forward to increased access in the future!

Share the gift of wine this Valentine’s Day!

Posted on January 29, 2013January 29, 2013 by Wil Knoll

As Valentine’s Day approaches, we can’t help but think of the vast romantic history of wine. Great for any occasion, an excellent bottle of wine is practically a requirement for the one day completely devoted to love. Of course, we believe good wine is a necessity for any day, but we love the holiday for reminding us how wonderful it is to be romantic. Why limit yourself to just the 14th?

If you’d like to make Valentine’s Day an ongoing occasion this year, why not share a WineCollective gift package with the special person in your life? We’ll help you give the promise of romance; set aside some time for each other every month, and we’ll bring the wine for date night right to your door!

Let us take care of all the details. Purchase a gift for your significant other (make sure you include a romantic personalized message!) and we’ll send an email on your behalf welcoming them to a great wine experience. From now until the end of February, take advantage of our VALENTINE5 coupon code to receive $ 5.00 off any subscription or gift package.

You still have two days left to get your wine for mid-February. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy the holiday with our Spanish Wine Month features! If you are looking for more great Valentine’s gift ideas, WineAccess has some suggestions that would pair perfectly with your WineCollective package!

On behalf of all of us at WineCollective, we wish you and those you love a happy Valentine’s Day.

Cheers!

Celebrate Spanish Wine Month with WineCollective!

Posted on January 18, 2013January 18, 2013 by Wil Knoll

Considering the Icewine festivals in Canada last week, I couldn’t help but explore wine festivals in all months. In anticipation of WineCollective’s Spanish Wine month in February, I was pleased to find my search yielded a country rich in wine history, tradition, and several wine-themed festivals to celebrate it all.

Wine Enthusiast’s Jay Franz gives a primer:

“Spanish wine has a long history, with vines growing in the diverse and primarily arid country since 4000 B.C. If one knows Spain they know the country is enamored with its history and traditions and do not give them up easily, for good or bad. But it’s only in modern times, after much of Spain’s wine industry broke with its centuries-old tradition of viticulture and winemaking that the country’s wines have risen beyond their reflexive and derisive plonk perception.

Quality and quantity have improved, immeasurably influenced by the French wine industry to the immediate north and by adopting modern winemaking practices without abandoning the best from the past. Today… the nation produces world-class ranking wines and offers some of the best wine values anywhere. Ironically, while Spain is one of the world’s oldest wine-producing regions, its star has only begun to rise recently.”

Spain is a country that loves wine and WineCollective loves Spanish wine! They’re the world’s third largest wine producer, they drink it abundantly, and they celebrate it far more than most countries. At times, they even drench themselves with it.

Such is the case with my favourite of the many Spanish wine celebrations. The Haro Wine Festival takes place every year on June 29th in the town of Haro in the Spanish La Rioja region. In honor of the patron saint San Pedro, the festivities begin bright and early. People of all ages don their whitest whites, pack containers of red wine, and follow the mayor in a procession through the town to the Hermitage of San Felices de Bilibio. After observing mass, it’s time to cut loose and get soaked! If you’ve ever participated in a water fight, you know that if somebody leaves dry, they’re doing it wrong. The Batalla de Vino (Battle of Wine) in Haro takes this a step further; by the end of it all, you should be soaking wet and stained purple.

Here, the white shirts present their purpose. As folks begin to throw wine at each other with abandon, the town (certainly not a dry county by any stretch) takes on a pinkish hue. By noon, everyone is dyed, wet, and ready to continue the celebration with a mild bullfight.

I think we can all agree that this town knows how to throw a party.

Of course, if you’re looking for a way to enjoy the Spanish selections in your February package without staining your clothes (or spilling your wine!), consider one of my favourite Spanish traditions and enjoy a tapas night. Have some friends over and serve a wide variety of small bites, or check which local restaurants feature tapas on their menu.

buen provecho!

Enjoy wine in sub-zero temperatures…

Posted on January 8, 2013January 8, 2013 by Wil Knoll

… because we’re Canadian! If you’re familiar with our winter climates, you probably understand why we’re known for producing some of the world’s best Icewine.

For the uninitiated, Ontario Wine 101 explains:

“Icewine is a luscious, intensely flavoured wine, boasting rich aromas and flavours of ripe tropical fruits (such as lychee, papaya and pineapple). All varietals are sweet, but with a firm backbone of acidity, making them perfectly balanced.”

In one of the few horticultural cases where a frost is actually essential to the process, a frozen crop is key in making Icewine. The grapes need to be cold enough to extract a higher concentration of sugars and other dissolved solids, but not so cold to be frozen entirely.

January is a big month for Icewine producers who harvest all at once when the weather reaches −8 °C, or colder. That means assembling a large crew, bundling up, and heading to vineyard after midnight to go to work!

At WineCollective, we haven’t featured an Icewine yet, but make sure you check out Southbrook Vineyards’ unique selections! Pioneer of biodynamic Icewines in Canada, this innovative winery offers award winning Cabernet Franc or Vidal.

Of course, if you’re looking to get outdoors and truly experience great wine in colder weather (and given the climate, why wouldn’t you?), the Niagara wine region hosts festivals all through January. Including tastings, tours, ice sculptures, and cocktails, it’s a wine lover’s winter wonderland!

Choose your event at Niagara Icewine Festival or tour a local vineyard!

Happy Winter, Canadian wine lovers!