If you’re a Chardonnay lover, the International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration (i4C) is the place to be! This year’s event was nothing short of spectacular, bringing together producers and enthusiasts from around the world to celebrate the versatility and brilliance of this beloved grape. From deep dives into climate change and winemaking techniques to exclusive tastings and unforgettable winery visits, here’s a recap of our incredible i4C 2024 experience.
School of Cool: Learning and Tasting with Chardonnay Aficionados
Our i4C journey began with the School of Cool, where we joined nearly 300 Chardonnay lovers for a morning of education and exploration. The discussions covered everything from the effects of climate change on winemaking to the nuances of Blanc de Blancs and the many expressions of Chardonnay.
Ontario’s wine scene was well represented alongside producers from South Africa, France, Italy, and beyond. Twenty-four wines were poured after an engaging keynote address by sommelier Stefan Neumann, setting the tone for a weekend where over 100 examples of cool climate Chardonnay would be available to taste.
A highlight of the morning was the sparkling wine session, where we were reminded that Blanc de Blancs is a category worth celebrating in its own right. We certainly look forward to continuing to champion this style in the sparkling days ahead!
A New Home for Le Clos Jordanne
One of the most exciting developments of the weekend was the long-awaited opening of Le Clos Jordanne’s permanent home on Mountainview Road in Beamsville. The newly renovated winery blends elegance with modernity, offering breathtaking views of the Niagara Escarpment, Lake Ontario, and even Toronto in the distance.
Of course, we visited for i4C, so our focus was firmly on Chardonnay! While there, we had the opportunity to taste the newly released Crémant de Jordanne, a Blanc de Noirs made in the traditional method. Aged in stainless steel tanks and neutral barrels for 36 months, it was bright, expressive, and full of fresh red fruit character.
We also sampled a lineup of Chardonnays, with the 2021 Le Clos Claystone Terrace Chardonnay standing out for its complexity. Winemaker Thomas Bachelder shared insights into the vineyard’s terroir, explaining how aspects of geology and positioning contribute to the wine’s unique profile of stone fruit, yellow plums, crisp apple, fresh summer herbs, and minerality.
A huge thank you to Thomas, Levi DeLoryn, and Phillip Andrew Brown for an amazing visit and for keeping i4C as cool as ever!
Sparkling Chardonnay at Kew Vineyards
A sunny summer Saturday at Kew Vineyards made for the perfect setting to sip on Blanc de Blancs and enjoy an Italian lunch by La Casetta Food Truck. This was Kew’s first time participating in i4C, and what a debut it was!
Winemaker Phillip Brown led us on a vineyard tour, where we tasted through a stellar lineup of sparkling and still Chardonnays. Among the highlights were the 2017 Barrel Aged Blanc de Blancs, the 2021 Amalia (made solely from free-run Chardonnay juice), and the Old Vines Chardonnay, which showcased the rich history of Kew’s vineyards.
We’ve been calling Kew a “hidden gem” for nearly a decade, but after this weekend, it’s safe to say the secret is out! Their stunning wines shone brightly throughout the i4C celebrations.
Bubbles & Brunch at Foreign Affair
What better way to cap off i4C 2024 than with bubbles and brunch? We visited Foreign Affair Winery in Vineland for a guided tasting of their sparkling wines, including the 2021 Blanc de Blancs and the 2022 Tradition, which were paired with an epic brunch spread.
Sommelier Ed Haddon and winemaker Rene Van Ede walked us through the winery’s recent shift toward sparkling wines and whites, which complement the big reds for which they’re already well known. We also took a detour to Sicily with Planeta Winery, represented by Santi Planeta, where we tasted their 2022 Chardonnay and Planeta Brut—made from the high-altitude Carricante grape. This sparkling wine, sourced from volcanic soils, was aromatic, fresh, and reminiscent of a summer breeze off Mount Etna!
Cheers to Cool Climate Chardonnay!
As the weekend wrapped up, we were once again reminded of the magic of cool climate Chardonnay. Whether from Ontario, France, South Africa, or even Sicily, this versatile grape shines with bright acidity, minerality, and an expressive fruit profile that makes it truly special.
We hope you’ll be reaching for a glass of cool climate Chardonnay in the weeks and months ahead. Until next year, cheers to i4C!