Vintages New Release Collection – December 20, 2025

LOCAL TALENT

Vidal Icewine is the style that originally brought Ontario wine worldwide acclaim, thanks in part to the hardy Vidal grape’s propensity for enduring the wintry conditions required. Bella Terra Vineyards gives a nod to the style that started it all by crafting an Icewine using Vidal grapes naturally frozen on the vine. The fruit is harvested in winter at night when conditions are the coldest and thus best for separating the lusciously sweet, concentrated juice from the icy crystals that form inside the grape. Bella Terra’s 2024 vintage delivers all the jammy exotic fruit and honeyed notes for which the style is famous, while keeping brilliant acidity for balance.

While Vidal is the grape variety behind Ontario Icewine’s rise to fame, Inniskillin is the winery that made it happen. Their surprise Grand Prix d’Honneur victory at Vinexpo in 1991 not only caught the world’s attention, it also made Inniskillin synonymous with Icewine excellence. This tradition continues with their Niagara Estate Cabernet Franc Icewine, which takes advantage of Cab Franc’s resilience and ability to thrive in chilly conditions. Icewine made from Cab Franc has more tannin and structure than most of its white-grape counterparts, making it a delightful surprise for dedicated red- wine fans. Made from fruit harvested in January, the 2023 vintage was crafted in stainless steel to emphasize pure fruit character.

Another grape variety that seems to love the cold is Riesling. A signature of many Ontario vineyards, Riesling is known for its piercing acidity, which in the context of Icewine provides a fascinating counterpoint to the luscious sweetness. Icewine made from Riesling is also prized for its longevity, with the best examples capable of evolving for decades. Lakeview Cellars crafted their 2019 Riesling Icewine from fruit harvested in December and vinified in stainless steel, after which the wine was moved outdoors to undergo a natural cold stabilization. This wine has earned multiple awards in global competitions, including a Gold Medal at the 2022 International Wine Challenge.

24 VINTAGES