The holiday season has arrived, and with it comes the opportunity to express gratitude to our loved ones through thoughtful gifts. This year, why not consider a luxurious and rare present, like Inniskillin Icewine. In this blog, we'll dive into the rich history of Inniskillin, explore the exquisite qualities of Icewine, and provide you with three delightful ways to enjoy this exceptional wine.  

Inniskillin: Pioneers of Canadian Winemaking

Inniskillin is not just a winery; it's a legacy that began in 1975 when its founders made history by establishing Canada's first estate winery post-prohibition. Since then, the legacy of this premium, world-class Canadian wine has continued, bringing passion and obsession to the craft of creating prestigious and award-winning wines.

In fact, Inniskillin’s Icewines have garnered global recognition, earning the title of the #1 Icewine in the world for their outstanding quality and craftsmanship. 

Three Ways to Enjoy Inniskillin Icewine  

Icewine is a rare and luxurious wine crafted from grapes naturally frozen on the vine during the harsh Canadian winter. This natural freezing concentrates the sugars and flavours in the grapes, resulting in a wine of exquisite sweetness and complexity.   

Ontario's climate, characterized by hot, sunny summers and bone-chilling winters, creates the ideal conditions for crafting elegant and world-famous Icewines. Harvested from vines in their frozen state, the grapes undergo pressing, resulting in a remarkable combination of vibrant fruit flavours and delightful crispness. The versatility of Inniskillin Icewine offers an array of enjoyable possibilities, and here are three of our favourites: 

1. Sip Icewine Solo: Luscious and aromatic, with a fruity sweetness balanced by natural acidity, Icewine is delicious on its own. Serve it in a small, chilled glass, such as a flute or a small white wine glass that’s big enough to allow you to swirl the wine around. Chill your Icewine thoroughly to achieve the ideal temperature of 50ºF (10ºC), which is a couple of hours in the fridge. 
2. Pair Icewine with Food: An important rule when serving Icewine: Avoid pairing it with foods sweeter than the wine itself. Complementary pairings include dark chocolate, fruity tarts, crème brûlée, aged gruyere, and other strong-flavoured cheeses. Icewine also pairs well with spicy dishes, like Indian or Thai curries.
3. Enjoy Icewine in a Cocktail: The rich, complex flavour of Icewine makes it a perfect addition to cocktails. Heat things up by trying a decadent Icewine Hot Chocolate on a chilly winter’s night or keep things cool with an easy yet elevated Icewine Martini, made with only a few ingredients: Vidal Icewine, premium vodka, and frozen grapes to garnish.  

Shop Icewines to Gift or Treat Yourself at Wine Rack

At Wine Rack, we offer an exquisite selection of Icewines, including iconic ones from Inniskillin, the winery that put Canadian wine on the international map. Recognized globally as the #1 Icewine, Inniskillin's offerings are awarded for outstanding quality and craftsmanship.  

This holiday season, you can make your celebrations even more special with a bottle of Inniskillin Icewine. In addition to award-winning and prestigious Icewines, Inniskillin also crafts rich, balanced, and versatile wines for an elevated experience. You can find a wide assortment of table wines, from their crowd-pleasing Estate Series and unique Discovery Series to their exceptional Reserve and Montague Series at Wine Rack. Whether you need recommendations for pairings, are looking for a last-minute gift, or want to elevate your festive moments, our team of local wine experts is ready to assist you in finding the perfect bottle for any occasion. 

From premium local reds, whites, and rosés to sparkling and Icewines, we have something for everyone. You can visit one of our 160 locations in Ontario or shop online for added convenience and wine delivery. With select Wine Rack locations open late, even on long weekends, you can rely on us for all your last-minute gifting and wine needs. So, this holiday season, why not give the gift of luxury and tradition with a bottle of Inniskillin Icewine. Enjoy this versatile wine on its own, paired with delectable dishes, or incorporated into a festive cocktail.  

Cheers to the holidays and the joy of sharing exceptional wine with those we care about!