Created in 1794, Germany during an early frost, the decision was made to harvest the partially frozen grapes anyway resulting in a wine that was pure and sweet. However, despite being established in Germany, Canada is now the world's largest ice wine producer.

Ice wine production, by Canadian law, must freeze at a minimum of 17º F to earn the Vintors Quality Alliance symbol. This is where it gets tricky because the lower the freezing temperature, the higher the sugar content gets but if the grapes are too frozen the producer might not be able to extract any juice at all. At best it usually takes an entire vine to make just one bottle of ice wine. During harvest the grapes are hand picked while still frozen, sorted and pressed quickly. Left to ferment for up to several months, stopping naturally with an 11 percent alcohol content the wine is then aged in barrels. The result is a sweet tasting wine comprised of tropical fruits and honey flavours that's best served chilled, accompanied by a slightly less sweet dessert or aged cheese.

Taking such a high risk on weather paired with keeping the grapes free from hungry birds and being battered by sleet can make ice wine very hard to produce. This is why you can expect to pay more for a smaller quantity than you would for any other wine. The good news is that there is an alternative method of making ice wine. Recently winemakers have started to simulate ice wine by freezing the grapes in a commercial freezer. This is great news because you no longer have to forego the luxury of enjoying this sweet elixir as it can be made year-round and bought at a fraction of the cost of a traditional ice wine!

If you are thinking about enjoying ice wine this holiday, please remember to order soon so that we at Wine Place Niagara Falls, can have it ready for you to enjoy by December.