The International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration (i4C) is always a highlight on the Wine Country Ontario calendar, and this year’s event was extra special—it marked the long-awaited return of in-person celebrations! Over the course of a jam-packed weekend, we immersed ourselves in the world of cool-climate Chardonnay, experiencing world-class wines, exceptional food, and insightful discussions with top winemakers and industry experts.
Kicking Off i4C: The School of Cool & Chardonnay in the City
The weekend began with a deep dive into cool-climate winemaking at the School of Cool, an educational session that brought together some of the brightest minds in viticulture and oenology. From soil science to stylistic diversity, it was an eye-opening look at what makes cool-climate Chardonnay so unique.
As the sun set, the excitement continued at Chardonnay in the City, where we sipped our way through a dazzling lineup of VQA Ontario and international Chardonnays under the stars. It was the perfect way to ease into the weekend, and we couldn’t wait for more!
A Star-Studded Chardonnay Saturday
Saturday was all about great wine, insightful conversations, and unforgettable culinary experiences. We started the day at BarBea Wine Shop & Snack Bar, where Chef Ryan Crawford hosted a fascinating panel discussion featuring Thomas Bachelder (Bachelder Wines) and winemakers from Stratus Vineyards, Boschendal Wine Estate (South Africa), Deux Roches (Burgundy, France), and Ernest Vineyards (Sonoma, California). With five incredible winemakers, a top-tier chef, and Andrew Jefford (this year’s keynote speaker and an absolute legend in the wine world) in attendance, the conversation was as rich and layered as the wines themselves.
After a quick stop in the media room to taste and take notes on some standout Blanc de Blancs, we made our way to the World Tour Tasting and Dinner at the breathtaking Riverbend Inn & Vineyard.
This grand outdoor tasting showcased the full range of i4C 2022’s Chardonnay lineup, allowing us to compare and contrast expressions from different regions. Following this, we enjoyed a meticulously curated five-course dinner that paired cool-climate Chardonnay with Niagara’s finest cuisine. The evening wrapped up with the “Après Chardonnay” bar, where winemakers shared their favourite cool-climate reds (Pinot Noir, Gamay, and Cabernet Franc), followed by dancing under the stars and a fireworks show. A truly magical way to celebrate Chardonnay!
Wrapping Up with a Moveable Feast
The Moveable Feast at Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery was the perfect way to cap off the weekend. We brunched in the vineyard with wine writers Dr. Jamie Goode & Janet Dorozynski, discussing—what else?—Chardonnay! (With a side conversation about the Spice Girls and the TikTokification of wine, proving that wine chat can go in just about any direction.)
Until Next Year, i4C!
From the incredible wines to the thought-provoking discussions, outstanding food, and warm hospitality, i4C 2022 was an absolute success. It’s safe to say that this festival continues to showcase the best of the best—or, should we say, the coolest of the cool!
We can’t wait to do it all again next year. Cheers!