Producing Icewine is as much an art
as a feat of nature.
Unlike table wine grapes, harvested from September to October in Niagara, Icewine grapes remain on the vine until the temperature drops to at least -8°C. These conditions allow the water inside the grapes to freeze, leaving behind a concentrated sugar-rich juice. When pressed, the frozen berries yield only about one-fifth the juice of unfrozen grapes, resulting in an intensely sweet and complex wine.
This year, thanks to an unusually warm growing season, the Icewine harvest arrived earlier than typical, aligning with an early table wine harvest. The advanced ripeness of the 2024 crop brings bold flavours with a touch of tropical vibrancy.
As we eagerly await the arrival of the 2024 vintage on our shelves, we’re taking the opportunity to celebrate this distinctly Canadian wine. From delectable food pairings to innovative cocktail ideas, there are endless ways to enjoy Icewine all year long. So, pour yourself a glass, and let’s explore!
Red Icewine
Red Icewine captivates with its intense and vibrant fruit profile, dominated by luscious strawberry and raspberry aromas. These bold, berry-forward flavours are balanced by subtle cocoa undertones. While delicious when enjoyed young, Red Icewine can also be aged for 1 to 4 years from vintage to allow its flavours to develop further.
Perfect Pairing
Treat yourself to a sweet indulgence. The rich berry and cocoa notes of Red Icewine pair beautifully with dark chocolate truffles or a decadent flourless chocolate cake. This unexpected yet luxurious combination creates a symphony of flavours that’s sure to impress.
Cocktail Hour: Kir Catherine
Elevate your happy hour with this simple yet sophisticated cocktail:
- 1 oz Red Icewine
- 3 oz Cuvée Catharine Brut
Instructions
- Combine both in a flute glass
- Drop in a few fresh raspberries, and enjoy a sparkling toast to Niagara’s finest.
Whether you savour it on its own, with dessert, or in a festive cocktail, Red Icewine is a bold addition to any occasion.
Riesling Icewine
Crafting Riesling Icewine is no easy feat, but the early winter cold on the Short Hills Bench allows Henry of Pelham to produce this exceptional wine year after year. With its rich, perfumed aromas and vibrant citrus notes, Riesling Icewine is a sensory delight in its youth. Over time, it evolves beautifully, revealing enhanced minerality along with nuances of dried fruits and honey. Thanks to meticulous grape selection and the removal of Botrytis-affected fruit, this Icewine is built to age gracefully, offering a cellaring potential of at least 15 years.
Perfect Pairing
Elevate your next gathering with a Riesling Icewine and charcuterie board. Pair it with blue cheese, aged cheddar, or Parmesan for a simple yet sophisticated experience. The wine’s citrusy sweetness perfectly balances the salty, umami-packed character of these cheeses, creating a harmony of flavors that’s irresistible.
Cocktail Hour: Rio de Ice
Celebrate the tropical citrus notes of Riesling Icewine with this Brazilian-inspired cocktail by Liquid Culture
Ingredients:
- 1.25 oz Cachaça (Avuá Prata Cachaça recommended)
- ¾ oz Riesling Icewine
- ¾ oz Fresh Lime Juice
- ½ oz Honey Syrup (1:1 honey and water)
- 6 Granny Smith Apple Slices
- 1 Mint Sprig (for garnish)
Instructions:
- In a shaker, muddle 3 of the Granny Smith apple slices.
- Add the Cachaça, Riesling Icewine, lime juice, honey syrup, and a handful of ice.
- Shake well and strain over crushed ice in your favorite glass.
- Garnish with the remaining 3 apple slices and a mint sprig.
This tropical-meets-Niagara cocktail is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for sharing with friends and celebrating the best of both worlds.
Vidal Icewine
Vidal Icewine dazzles with its tropical aromas, led by vibrant notes of pineapple and mango. On the palate, it offers a delightful balance of tart, piquant acidity and rich, complex sweetness, delivering a long, persistent finish. This iconic style of Icewine is both indulgent and refreshing, making it a versatile choice for pairing or sipping on its own.
Perfect Pairing
For a truly decadent experience, pair Vidal Icewine with foie gras or duck pâté. Its luxurious sweetness cuts through the richness of these savoury dishes, creating a perfect balance of flavours that’s ideal for special occasions or holiday celebrations.
Cocktail Hour: Pomegranate Spritz
Bring a festive touch to your next gathering with this refreshing Vidal Icewine cocktail:
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Vidal Icewine
- 1 oz Pomegranate Juice
- 3 oz Sparkling Wine
- 1 oz Tonic Water
- Grapefruit slice for garnish
Instructions
-
Fill your glass with ice and grapefruit slice.
-
Add the rest of the ingredients and stir until combined.
Garnish with optional Grapefruit or Pomegranate Seeds.
Icewine is not just a dessert wine—it’s a versatile companion to bold flavours and refined dishes alike. Its high acidity keeps it refreshing, while its concentrated sweetness enhances both savoury and sweet flavours on the plate.
Invite this Niagara treasure to your next meal and let its magic transform your dining experience.
BOOK YOUR OWN EVENT
Birthday party? Bridal shower? Business meeting? Be the host with the most.
Intimate spaces for special occasions
Henry of Pelham offers several spaces for formal and informal events and meetings, with room for up to 30 people. We've helped host anniversaries, office parties, showers, birthdays, annual general meetings and more. Our light-filled ballroom, which is also a beautiful gallery space featuring work from Canadian artists, is a bright venue for daytime events and an elegant room to host evening gatherings. Our barrel cellar is a cool retreat from the summer heat and cozy space for fall and winter events for smaller groups. Catering is available from the Coach House Café.
And with anything from Henry's wine list available to event organizers, the drinks are guaranteed to be crowd-pleasers.
WHEN:
September 25-26, 2017
TIME:
1 -4 p.m.
COST:
1 -4 p.m.
JOIN CLUB HENRY.
A Classic membership gets you complimentary tastings for two on every visit to the winery, 15% off regularly priced non-wine items in our retail store, and advance notice of special release wines, events and contests—all for free! We'll even mail you a membership card.
