While the Niagara Region’s icewine is world famous, not everybody has a sweet tooth, particularly when it comes to alcoholic beverages. I’ve consequently taken the liberty of copying and pasting below all the food & wine pairings from this month’s Niagara Icewine Festival site, which takes place the next three weekends, and added non-icewine options for those who’d like to mix things up (provided you ask nicely). Just keep in mind that pretty much any other wine listed below won’t jive as well as the icewine pairings specifically designed for the accompanying dishes. (Note that for designated drivers, there are varying choices of complimentary beverages among the participating wineries, from sparkling water and juices to punches, which many of the wineries are putting their own non-alcoholic spin on.)

More of a beer kinda person? One of my favourite Irish bars—anywhere—is The Irish Harp just off the main drag in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Apart from their famous beer tasting flights, they’ve got nightly entertainment Friday and Saturday, as well as some ‘Fiddlin’ Around’ Sunday afternoons at 2 p.m.

Just a reminder: If the participating Icewine Festival wineries are offering non-icewine options, I’ve listed it immediately following their food & wine pairing below.

 

TWENTY VALLEY REGION

13th Street Winery

1776 Fourth Avenue, St. Catharines
905–984–8463 | 13thstreetwinery.com
Fridays & Saturdays Only

Black Truffle Gnocchi with Braised Beef Ragu and Aged Gouda
Savour our 2015 13 Below Riesling paired with Black truffle gnocchi with braised Beef Ragu and aged Gouda made by 13th Street gourmet Chef Josh Berry.

Creekside Estate Winery

2170 Fourth Avenue, Jordan
1.877.262.9463 | creeksidewine.com
Saturdays & Sundays Only

Creekside’s Signature Icy Hot Chicken Wings
Awaken your tastebuds and warm those chilled bones from the inside out with this juxtaposed pairing of sweet and heat. Enjoy traditional hot buffalo wings, covered with pungent blue cheese crumble and our 2015 Vidal Icewine reduction. This is a food and wine adventure not for the faint of heart.

Non-Icewine options?Hey, this dish specifically includes an icewine reduction, so they’d reallyrecommend an icewine pairing. But they’ll provide something different if need be.

Fielding Estate Winery

4020 Locust Lane, Beamsville
905.563.0668 |fieldingwines.com

Taste our Gold Medal Winning Icewine!
Enjoy a Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake with Upper Canada Cheese Company’s Nosey Goat with Micro Basil, prepared by Chef Mitch Lamb of Revalee Brunch Cafe. It is the perfect pairing with our 2016 Riesling Icewine, Gold Medal winner at the National Wine Awards. We will also have a white and red alternate wine pairing available.

Non-Icewine Options?Fielding is offering its Red Conception (Cab/Merlot/Malbec blend) or Estate Bottled Riesling.

Flat Rock Cellars

2727 Seventh Ave, Jordan
905–562–8994 | flatrockcellars.com

A Little Sweet and a Hint of Heat!
Join us for a memorable culinary experience as we pair our award-winning Riesling with savoury tandoori meatballs, sweet peas and mint, all while taking in the breathtaking views of our vineyards and Lake Ontario in the distance.

Non-Icewine Options?Their award-winning Riesling is already the planned wine, but they’ll offer their Pinot Noir instead, if you’re dead set against the white.

Harbour Estates Winery

4362 Jordan Road, Jordan Station
905–562–6279 | hewwine.com

50 Ways to Leave a Sweet Tooth!
You may have heard about “The fifty ways to leave your lover”, but this event is all about icewine and it’s sure to leave a Sweet Tooth. We’ve thought up 50 ways to enjoy our 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Icewine – your passport will give you access to try up to three of the top ten icewine-inpired delicacies. Preview the list on our website.

Non-Icewine Options?Yup—they’re happy to offer other wine options for those without a sweet tooth.

Hernder Estate Wines

1607 8th Avenue, St.Catharines
905.684.3300 | hernder.com

Pulled Pork and Ice—That’s Nice!
Enjoy chef Mick’s pulled pork parfait paired perfectly with our award-winning 2013 Cabernet Franc Icewine. Fluffy mashed potatoes smothered with a generous helping of succulent pulled pork infused with the Icewine you’re sipping.

Non-Icewine Options?They’ll offer a host of options, and also have also set aside a special non-alcoholic punch for those not wishing to partake in the alcoholic side of things.

Kacaba Vineyards Winery

3550 King St., Vineland
905.562.5625 | kacaba.com

More Rock’n Times With Kacaba & Zooma Caters
Savour an exotic North African-styled pairing. Experience Kacaba’s small batch Gewürztraminer Icewine 2016 complimented by the flavours of Zooma Caters’ pan-seared Moroccan spiced jumbo prawns, served over red pepper lychee couscous. A fantastic pairing not to be missed.

Non-Icewine Options? The wine options hadn’t been chosen at the time of contact, but they’ll have a white and red to be sure.

Legends Estates Winery

4888 Ontario Street, Beamsville
905.563.6500 |legendsestates.com

Whoa, Nelly! “Icewine Baked Beans”
I never knew baked beans could be this good! Our Baked Beans are made the way you’d make them…if you had the time! This family recipe is an all-time favorite BBQ side-dish, slow-cooked with the plumpest beans and our signature blend of spices, for any occasion. Paired with Legends Estates Winery Silver Medal 2008 Vidal Icewine & Legends Estates Winery Malbec-Shiraz.

Non-Icewine Options?They’ve set aside two non-icewine recommendations (Malbec/Shiraz and Sauvignon Blanc), but can offer one of a number of other options from the tasting bar.

 

Magnotta Winery

4701 Ontario Street, Beamsville
905–563–5313 | magnotta.com

COLD FUSION
Northern luxury meets southern flair as we pair our 2016 Riesling Icewine with artisanal spicy tacos topped with peach salsa. Trendy and authentic. Don’t miss your chance to visit Magnotta Beamsville each weekend during the Niagara Wine Festival to ignite your taste buds! $10 without a Discovery Pass.

Malivoire Wine Company

4260 King Street East, Beamsville L0R 1B0
905-563-9253 | malivoire.com

Sweet Meets Savoury
Malivoire visitors will enjoy a two-part treat. First, our Pinot Gris served with a selection of artisanal cheese from The Cheesy Guys. Then, 2 ounces of Musqué Spritz co-stars beside Chef Jan-Willem Stulp’s savoury and crispy smoked ham tart.

Non-Icewine Options? Their pairings already consist of non-icewine beverages: a Pinot Gris with a selection of artisanal cheese, and two ounces of Musqué Spritz with a crispy smoked ham tart.

Megalomaniac Winery

3930 Cherry Avenue, Vineland
905.562.5155 | megalomaniacwine.com

A Perfectly Pretentious Pairing
Indulge with a classic match of sweet and savoury. A sublime paté in one hand and our deliciously sweet Coldhearted Riesling Icewine 2014 in the other. A delicate balance, so perfectly paired, to delight your senses.

Non-Icewine Options? (Unofficially, they’ll pour something else if you like, but they’re among the big group that really wants you to try the icewine pairing.)

Redstone Winery

4245 King Street, Beamsville
905.563.9463 | redstonewines.ca 

It’s Gonna be ‘Chili’
Don’t fret because we’ve got just the thing to warm your soul…a cup of Chef Sider’s Icewine-inspired creation. A sweet and savoury pairing of our newly-released 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Icewine with a braised venison and dark chocolate chili.

Non-Icewine Options? (Same thing here. They’ll pour something else, but really want to remind folks that this is the ICEWINE festival.)

Ridgepoint Wines

3900 Cherry Avenue, Vineland
905.562.8853 |ridgepointwines.com

Sweet and Sparkling
Tantalize your taste buds with a sweet and savoury pairing of our Riesling Appassimento dessert wine and our first-ever sparkling wine, Frizzy, made from Moscato grapes, with a stuffed prosciutto wrapped pork tenderloin and peach Tiramisu.

Non-Icewine Options?(Well, there’s the Frizzy sparkling, although it’ll be on the slightly sweet side given its main ingredient of Moscato grapes.)

Rockway Vineyards

3290 Ninth Street, St. Catharines
905.641.5771 | rockwaywine.ca

Sweet Heat Crisp
Sip our 2013 Riesling Icewine with chopped apples and hazelnuts in a spicy chipotle-infused caramel sauce on top of a buttered rosemary focaccia crisp topped with a sprinkle of salt.

Non-Icewine Options:Yes, they’ll substitute, if you request. (they have a

Stoney Ridge Winery

3201 King St. Vineland
905.562.1324 |stoneyridge.com

Go Curry for Gewürztraminer!
Dazzle your taste buds with our delectable fresh herbed foccacia with mild, aromatic curry, alongside our 2011 Barrel Fermented Gewürztraminer Icewine as well as our 2017 Gewürztraminer. This sweet and savoury pairing is sure to satisfy everyone’s palate!

Non-Icewine Options?As mentioned above, if the Gewürztraminer Icewine is a little too sweet for ya, Stoney Ridge also has its 2017 Gewürztraminer table wine available.

Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery

3210 Staff Avenue, Jordan
905.562.1719 | sue-annstaff.com

C’est Parfait!
Sweet Potato & Icewine – it’s a pairing that’s tried, tested and truly delicious! Experience savory layers of flavor with our Sweet Potato & Mushroom Parfait, topped with Sue-Ann’s own Icewine Candied Salmon, and perfectly paired with her extraordinary 2016 Howard’s Icewine Vidal. C’est parfait, non?

Non-Icewine Options? Their 2015 Lavelle’s Vidal is the suggested alternative!

Tawse Winery

3955 Cherry Avenue, Vineland
905.562.9500 | tawsewinery.ca

Icewine Two Ways!
Baked Brie and Apple Tartlet paired with 2013 Chardonnay Icewine and 2013 Estate Chardonnay.

Non-Icewine Options? As noted above, the best recommendation is the 2013 Estate Chardonnay.

Vieni Estates

4553 Fly Road, Beamsville
905–563–6521 | vieni.ca

Sweet Carolina’s Crostini
Two golden crostini, with succulent pulled pork and sweet apple paired with 2011 Vidal Icewine or Dolce Piccante Graspa.

Non-Icewine Options? There are actually four icewines to choose from, but if you’re into something different, try Vieni’s semi-dry Riesling. (They’ll probably set you up with something else if none of the above fits the bill.)

Vineland Estates Winery

3620 Moyer Road, Vineland
905–562–7088 ext. 25 | vineland.com
Saturdays & Sundays Only

Cultured Childhood Treat
Who does not nostalgically love caramel corn? Now, for the adults, let’s add some Walnuts, Icewine Jam AND Foie Gras? Interested now? Bring it all together with our 2016 Vidal Icewine, or if you are feeling bubbly and adventurous, how about our Cliché Late Harvest Sparkling? Hopscotch anyone?

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE REGION

Coyote’s Run Estate Winery

485 Concession 5 Road, St Davids
905–682–8310 | coyotesrunwinery.com

Smokin’ with the Buddha
Our friends from Smokin’ Buddha are back with us this year! Come and sample their crispy Thai Spring Roll wrapped in basil and lettuce, served with nuac cham, a spicy Thai sauce, which pairs perfectly with our beautiful 2016 Vidal Icewine. Sweet ‘n spicy is how we warm up the winter!

Non-Icewine Options? As long as your entire group is not looking to go in another direction, Coyote’s Run is happy to change it up to accommodate.

 

Inniskillin Wines

1499 Line 3 & Niagara Parkway, Niagara-on-the-Lake
905.468.2187 | inniskillin.com

Let’s Make it a Tradition!
A “Southern” Ontario delight! We’re pairing Our 2017 Sparkling Vidal Icewine with southern fried chicken on a vanilla waffle, topped with cocoa Icewine hot sauce.

Non-Icewine Options? Coming with a big group of anti-icewiners? Just give them some notice ahead of time. If it’s just one of two people here or there, they’re happy to accommodate.

 

Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate

2145 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake
905.468.4637 | jacksontriggswinery.com

BYOB (Bring your own Bib)
Don’t forget your bib! You’ll need it while enjoying our delicious smoked beef ribs with Icewine BBQ sauce and house slaw. Paired with our 2017 Reserve Cabernet Franc Icewine!

Konzelmann Estate Winery

1096 Lakeshore Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake
905–935–2866 | konzelmann.ca

Smoke Show
Creamy Ontario corn and slow smoked chicken chowder paired with our award winning 2017 Vidal Icewine.

Non-Icewine Options? If they’re not too busy, feel free to request another option.

 

Lailey Winery

15940 Niagara Parkway, Niagara-On-The-Lake
905–468–8188 | laileywinery.com

Old Vines Chardonnay Icewine
Come try our 2015 Chardonnay Icewine from our 44-year-old vines planted in 1975, paired with a homemade butter tart and Icewine Chocolate.

 

The Lakeview Wine Co.

11067 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake
905–685–5673 | thelakeviewwineco.com

Presto, Pesto, Malbec Magic!
Enjoy a sample of our newly released Lakeview Cellars Malbec & Lakeview Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Icewine perfectly paired with a slice of Pesto B.B.T. Pizza, courtesy of N’ata Cosa Ristorante.

Non-Icewine Options? They’re offering their Lakeview Cellar Malbec as an option.

 

Lundy Manor Wine Cellars

9941 Lundy’s Lane, Niagara Falls
905–354–6999 | lundymanor.ca

Savoury meets Sweet & Spice
Incredible local dish of Savoury meets Sweet and Spice. Slow Braised Ontario Pork Belly with Parsnip Creme Fraiche and Jerked Spiced Coulis. Accompanied with 2016 Vidal Late Harvest and 2016 Vidal Icewine.

Non-Icewine Options? Yep—they’ll offer either their Proprietor’s Blend Red or White.

 

Marynissen Estates

1208 Concession 1 Road, Niagara–on–the–Lake
905–468–7270 | marynissen.com

Chicken Red Curry Soup
Creamy coconut and red curry broth with roasted chicken lime and cilantro—the perfect pairing with our Gold Award-Winning 2013 Vidal Icewine.

Non-Icewine Options? Want something less sweet? Marynissen will pour you a glass of their Heritage Riesling.

 

Niagara College Teaching Winery

135 Taylor Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake
905.641.2252 ext 4070 | niagaracollegewine.ca

Twice as Nice + Ice
Stop by NCT Winery to experience the versatility of our award-winning 2014 Dean’s List Prodigy Icewine and sparkling Balance Brut with a duo pairing! Indulge in two perfectly paired, one sweet and one savoury, from the culinary team at our very own Benchmark Restaurant.

 

NOMAD at Hinterbrook Estate Winery

1181 Lakeshore Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake
905.646.5133 | hinterbrook.com

Nature’s Gold
Japanese Style Cheesecake with Honeycomb and Almonds. Along with the smooth texture of the cheesecake, the honey and nutty flavours scrumptiously pair with our award winning 2015 Riesling Icewine. Simple, elegant and flavourful.

Non-Icewine Options? Yep—they say they’ll pour you something else from the bar.

 

Palatine Hills Estate Winery

911 Lakeshore Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake
905.646.9617 | palatinehillsestatewinery.com

Wellington Court Pork Rillettes
Wellington Court’s pork rillettes with vintage icewine-infused spiced apple compote. Served alongside the international award winning ‘Palatine Hills’ 2012 Estate Vidal Icewine.

Non-Icewine Options? Yes. Likely a Riesling.

 

Peller Estates

290 John Street East, Niagara-on-the-Lake
905.468.4678 |peller.com

Sweet and Icy, Fireside
Keep toasty warm at Peller Estates and indulge in a sweet pairing. Join us to roast Chef Parson’s signature Icewine marshmallows fireside while sipping your choice of Andrew Peller Signature Series Cabernet Franc Icewine 2016 or Ice Cuvée Rosé.

Pillitteri Estates Winery

1696 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake
905.468.3147 | pillitteri.com

“Pilli” Cheesesteak Sandwich
Enjoy a “Pilli” Cheesesteak sandwich packed with shredded beef, , cheese, caramelized onions and peppers in an Icewine reduction. Paired with our 2016 Cabernet Franc Reserve Icewine.

 

Pondview Estates Winery

925 Line 2 Niagara on the Lake
905.468.0777 | pondviewwinery.com

Double Your Pleasure, Nothing Short of Spectacular!
Savour our 2015 Platinum Award Winning Riesling Icewine paired with our Amazing Chocolate Ganache Tart, plus our New Release 2017 Riesling Gewurztraminer paired with our Asian Pancake Beef Rolls with Kimchi.

Non-Icewine Options? For the icewine portion, they’re happy to replace it with a sparkling wine, if you ask.

 

Queenston Mile Vineyard

963 Queenston Rd. Niagara-on-the-Lake
905.684.6453 | queenstonmilevineyard.com

Vindaloo Vagabond
Like our winemaking philosophy; we know that hard-work and dedication deserve to be rewarded. So why not kick-back and enjoy the fruits of our labour as you sip our inaugural Mile High Sparkling Wine perfectly paired with Chef Mitchell Lamb’s Vindaloo Curry. These winning combination is sure to get you down your last mile as well! Featured Icewine: 2017 Sweet Victory Viognier.

Non-Icewine Options? They’ve already got their Mile High bubbly set aside for the event—just the palate-cleanser many will be seeking!

 

Reif Estate Winery

15608 Niagara Parkway, Niagara-on-the-Lake
905.468.WINE (9463) | reifwinery.com

Living the Sweet Reifstyle…
Join us for our annual pig roast! Savour our signature Vidal Icewine produced from our oldest vineyard blocks paired with Spit Roasted Porketta with apple Icewine sauce. No reservations required.

 

Riverview Cellars Estate Winery

15376 Niagara Parkway, Niagara-on-the-Lake
905.262.0636 | riverviewcellars.com

Chocolate Falls on Niagara
Fondue fan? Enjoy our award-winning 2017 Cabernet Franc Icewine while savouring fresh fruit and homemade cinnamon-cranberry biscotti, both dipped in a fountain of Belgian Chocolate.

Non-Icewine Options? They say sure! Have a looking at the tasting wine and they’ll help you pick out a table wine.

 

Strewn Winery

1339 Lakeshore Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake
905–468–1229 | strewnwinery.com

A Winter Delight—Cabernet Franc Icewine & Chocolate Mousse
Strewn’s decadent pairing is based on two principles: Icewine should be sweeter than the dessert, and chocolate and red wine are a classic match! Our 2013 Cabernet Franc Icewine has intense aromas of strawberry, raspberry and rhubarb with a surprising touch of tannin at the finish. The creamy, chocolate mousse provides a perfect backdrop. Heavenly!

Non-Icewine Options? Ask nicely and they can probably find you a lovely red to pair this chocolate mousse with.

 

Trius Winery

1249 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake
905.468.4678 |triuswines.com

Chilled & Cheesy
Indulge in a hearty, cheesy pairing by Chef Dodd at Trius Winery. Enjoy Chili Mac and Cheese paired perfectly with 2016 Trius Vidal Icewine before walking next door to Wayne Gretzky Estates for a sweet dessert.

Non-Icewine Options? No guarantees, but they’ll probably find you something different if icewine is not your thing.

 

Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery & Distillery

1219 Niagara Stone Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake
1.844.643.7799 |gretzkyestateswines.com

Baby, it’s cold outside
Spoil your senses at Wayne Gretzky Estates and try Chef Dodd’s Gretzky Cream Whisky Cheesecake Bar with Dark Chocolate and Icewine Cranberries. Pair this frozen treat with either our Wayne Gretzky Icewine Cabernet Franc 2017 or Whisky Oak Aged Red. Afterwards take a break and skate before heading over the bridge to Trius Winery.

Non-Icewine Options? As noted, there’s Gretzky’s Whisky Oak Aged Red if you’re pondering a drier red.