Frozen on the Vine

Ice Wine in Niagara USA

The temperature is below freezing and a fresh coating of snow has just fallen on the vineyards of eastern Niagara County. For many farmers along the Niagara Wine Trail USA the harvest season was months prior.

However, for a select few vintners, these are perfect conditions for the harvesting of Ice Wine, a super sweet dessert wine, which grows only in certain climates and wine regions across the globe.

Many say that ice wine is winter’s gift to wine connoisseurs, as the harsh winter weather conditions play a key role in the quality of the final product.

Leaving grapes on the vine through November, December and sometimes into January, the water crystallizes, leaving behind a high concentration of sugar and other solids. The production of ice wine can be extremely labor intensive, as the outside temperature must be at 14 degrees for at least four hours, meaning workers usually pick the product in the early morning, before pressing them outdoors while still frozen. With an array of natural risk factors threatening the harvest, production typically results in small amounts of wine.

This process provides Ice Wine with a characteristic refreshing sweetness, balanced by high acidity and delectable, distinctive final product.

A handful of wineries along the 15-member Niagara Wine Trail USA have mastered the art of producing ice wines, even earning honors at prestigious international wine and food festivals.

Sweet Samplings

Leonard Oakes (10609 Ridge Road, Medina, NY 14103 585.318.4418) features the 2008 Ice Wine, which earned a gold medal at the New York Ice Wine Festival, Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, International Eastern Competition. In addition it was named best dessert wine of the Niagara Region by New York Cork Report and was recently awarded a score of 88 by the prestigious Wine Spectator Magazine. Wendy Wilson, President of Leonard Oakes estate winery said the 2008 vintage posses fruit characteristics of apricot, pear and honey, something which is “totally unexpected and luxurious” for visitors.

Niagara Landing (4434 Van Dusen Rd, Lockport, NY 14094 716.433.8405) was one of the first wineries in Niagara USA to begin producing Ice Wines. Currently they are featuring a 2007 Vidal Blanc Ice Wine which earned a gold medal at the 2008 New York Wine and Food Classic.

Schulze Vineyards and Winery (2090 Coomer Rd. Burt, N.Y., 14028) features three unique Ice Wines at their award-winning winery. RCR red is a “Port-style” dessert wine is made from 100% Cabernet Franc grapes. Made using authentic Eiswein techniques, Schulze’s Vidal Ice Wine posses rich flavors focused with sweet apricot, mango and honey. Block Three Ice Wine has unique flavorings of peach and apricot and a nice sweetness.

Freedom Run (5138 Lower Mountain Rd, Lockport, NY 14094) features a Vidal Ice Wine which has a delectable flavoring of apricot, fig and marmalade that pairs well with many foods.

Take a Tour

Niagara Wine Trail USA is one of the fastest growing wine regions in the United States. With 15 unique wineries offering an array of products, taking a wine tasting tour of the trail is one of the best ways to truly experience this side of Niagara USA.

Throughout the month of January, an event is called "Warm your Winter with Wine," gives visitors an opportunity to sample these great wineries at a discount.  For $20, customers receive a ticket for a wine tasting at each winery along the trail. It is good any Saturday or Sunday at any winery along the Niagara Wine Trail for the entire month of January.  In addition, each winery will have special offering discounts on their products. Visitors are encourages to bring their favorite wine glass, or they can purchase a wine glass along the way.

For more information visit: www.niagarawinetrail.org.