Wine and conversation flow at Cool Chardonnay World Tour Grand Tasting & Dinner.
Want to rub shoulders with wine rock stars? Head to Niagara for this year's International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration (July 17–19), where 58 Canadian and international winemakers will gather at venues across the region and offer 121 vintages to tempt attendees.
Participating wineries at this annual event, now in its fifth year, include Champagne Taittinger, Domaine Laroche, Norman Hardie, Inniskillin Wines, Henry of Pelham, Stratus Vineyards and Flat Rock Cellars.
The festival was created to combat the public's ABC – "anything but chardonnay" – attitude, which has prevailed after years of palates being saturated with the heavy butter flavours of chardonnays aged in oak from warmer climates.
"We want to change public perception and let people know [chardonnay] is a different wine from 20 years ago," says Dorian Anderson, event director of the International Cool Climate Chardonnay Association, which is based in Beamsville, Ontario. "Fresh, fruit-forward, un-oaked chardonnay is a gateway for the doubters."
Friday is opening day, with the School of Cool drawing hardcore oenophiles to viticulture and winemaking sessions at White Oaks Conference Resort & Spa. A laid-back boots-and-blue jeans crowd is apt to get together at Barrels & Bonfires for a barbecue meal and live music.
At the 13th Street Winery, which is hosting the chardonnay celebration, anticipate a pig roast – plus vegetarian options – and matching wines.
On Saturday evening, winemakers gather at Ridley College to showcase their products at the signature event – the Cool Chardonnay World Tour Grand Tasting & Dinner. Participants can also dig into a family-style dinner for 800, prepared by a dream team of local chefs.
The weekend wraps up on Sunday, with Brunch on the Bench at Ravine Vineyard in the historic village of St. Davids.
Meanwhile, on Friday and Saturday nights, those seeking a little wine guidance are welcome to visit the booth "What kind of cool are you?" Hosted by Brock University's Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute, the booth invites guests to blind-taste-test four chardonnays to determine their preference – fruity, crisp, rich or smooth.
Interested to know how Ontario's chardonnays measure up internationally? Just ask Matt Kramer, a keynote speaker at the School of Cool.
"Ontario wines are the epitome of cool climate, which puts them right on the cutting edge," says Mr. Kramer, who's also a columnist at the Wine Spectator. "I'm anxious to taste the latest, as quality keeps surging with every new vintage."
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