Explore Wine Country Ontario during the i4C Weekend

We’re excited to welcome Chardonnay lovers and their makers from across the world July 19-21 for the 9th annual International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration. Most of all, we’re excited to highlight the amazing wineries we have in our own backyard.

On Saturday, July 20th, some of our Ontario Member wineries will be hosting special lunches, tours, and tastings to celebrate all that is Chardonnay.

Vine to Table: Chardonnay’s Journey at Henry of Pelham

Take a journey that starts on the vine and ends on your table. Join Henry of Pelham’s Head Winemaker Lawrence Buhler in their underground barrel cellar for a past, present, and future tasting featuring Chardonnay from their oldest vineyards.

L’art de Vivre Chardonnay Picnic at Henry of Pelham

A picnic-style lunch featuring local cuisine paired with Gerard Betrand Chardonnay from the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France.

Chardonnay Celebration! at Leaning Post Wines

Leaning Post offers a casual afternoon with their winemaker Ilya Senchuk, pouring their latest releases alongside winemakers from Roche de Bellene, Borthwick Vineyards, Cantina Bolzano, and Champagne Frese-Ducret. Mingle and chat with fellow Chardonnay fans and winemakers; glass in hand enjoying an oyster bar and charcuterie spread.

The Ultimate Chardonnay Lunch at Peller Estates Winery

Join Peller’s winemaking team alongside special guests from La Maison Vigneron and Thirty Bench Winemakers. Mingle with fellow aficionados as you participate in a tasting from each winery before sitting down to a 3-course lunch by Executive Chef Jason Parsons. His menu has been locally-inspired to completely the wines from their international guests as well as their own award-winning portfolio.

Judgement of London 2010 at Southbrook Organic Vineyards

Join Southbrook Vineyards on Saturday July 20 as they put Ontario Chardonnay to the test. Taste and discuss 7 different wines originally showcased at the “Seriously Cool Ontario Chardonnay Tasting” which took place at Canada House in London, England on May 17, 2010. 9 years later, they’re giving guests the opportunity to see how well these wines held up, plus a few new ones. Led by Ann Sperling and Bill Redelmeier.

The Continental Personalities of Cool Chardonnay at Stratus

In this tasting and lunch, you will explore the personalities of Chardonnay spanning 5 continents, not to mention the passionate people behind each one. A casual blind tasting will be followed with a touch more formality with a three course lunch to further delve into Chardonnay’s continental DNA.

Wines from Stratus, Bachelder, Viña Echeverria, Domaine Laroche, De Wetshof, and Te Awa will be featured.

Niagara/Australia: Side by Side Chardonnay Tasting & Lunch at Strewn Winery

Strewn winemaker, Marc Bradshaw (originally from Melbourne, Australia), Strewn president, Joe Will (who did his wine training in Australia) and Master Sommelier Gillian Ballance, the Senior Education Manager for the iconic Coldstream Hills Winery (located approximately 50 km north-east of Melbourne) will provide their perspective on the Niagara-on-the-Lake and Yarra Valley wine regions.

i4C Sparkling Brunch at Trius Winery and Restaurant

Celebrate Chardonnay at Trius Winery with winemaker, Craig McDonald along with international guests from Penfolds and Hahn Family winery while Executive Chef Frank Dodd creates a Chardonnay-centric three-course brunch, with wine from their guests and from the Trius portfolio.

Chardonnay Themed Brunch on the Bench at Westcott Vineyards

Enjoy brunch on the bench with outstanding vineyards views at Westcott with food by chefs Rickey + Olivia. Each course will be perfectly paired to Chardonnay with some wines from our i4C friends from around the world. Chill out in the Muskoka chairs, play lawn games like giant Jenga, bocci, and horseshoes and slow down on a lazy Sunday morning.

Chardonnay Themed Lunch with Visiting Winemakers at Westcott Vineyards

Please join Westcott under the Bedouin Tent and enjoy a four course lunch prepared over the wood-fired grill and perfectly paired to Chardonnay. Welcome international visiting winemakers and compare their wines with Westcott’s with each course.

Book directly through the host winery. More information here.