News Release – i4C 2023

13th Annual International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration Promises Unforgettable Weekend of Chardonnay Excellence

The coolest event of the summer – the International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration (i4C) – returns for its highly anticipated 13th edition from July 20th to 23rd. From in-depth educational sessions to Chardonnay in the city and the vineyard, this event is one of the most anticipated weekends for wine lovers in Ontario’s wine country. Hosted in the breathtaking Niagara Peninsula, this year’s event will showcase 50 wineries from six countries and feature over 90 Chardonnays.

The festivities will kick off early this July, with the School of Cool taking place on Thursday, July 20th, to allow guests the opportunity to enjoy the weekend at a more relaxed pace. This year will feature a headlining keynote address by Michelle Cherutti-Kowal, Master of Wine, followed by three dynamic sessions and tastings.  Attendees will have the chance to learn to taste like a Master of Wine, blend like a winemaker, fill in the “blancs” and connect with cool climate classmates at the walk-around tasting following the sessions.

Friday evening’s Chardonnay in the City event brings guests along the Niagara wine route to the heart of St. Catharines for an unforgettable and energetic evening at the city’s Market Square. New this year, tickets include both food and wine to ensure guests can enjoy all curated food pairings from the team of local chefs alongside premium VQA Chardonnays from Ontario and around the world.  

One of the most anticipated highlights of the weekend, the Chardonnay in the Vineyard World Tour Tasting & Dinner, will once again take place at one of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s most iconic accommodations, the Riverbend Inn. The enchanting ambiance of the vineyard and orchards serves as the perfect backdrop for an outdoor grand tasting of i4C 2023’s entire showcase of Chardonnays, followed by the return of the popular family-style dinner. Post dinner, guests will enjoy the “Aprés Chardonnay” bar and live entertainment. 

The weekend culminates with the Moveable Feast, featuring a Chardonnay-inspired brunch menu paired with cool climate Chardonnay, sparkling and a selection of Ontario VQA Rosé at Ravine Vineyard. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Chardonnay lovers from around the globe to the 13th annual International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration,” said Trisha Molokach, Event Director of the i4C. “This year’s event promises an unforgettable weekend where attendees can dig deep into the diversity of cool climate Chardonnay. From educational sessions to exclusive tastings and delectable culinary experiences, the i4C offers guests a unique opportunity to explore the captivating nuances of this beloved varietal amidst the stunning landscapes of Ontario’s wine country.”

Tickets are now available for purchase. For full details and the latest updates, please visit coolchardonnay.org or follow us on social @coolchardonnay.

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About the International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration:

The International Cool Climate Chardonnay Association is a not-for-profit group of 62 Ontario VQA wineries passionately pursuing a vision of raising the benchmark of Ontario wines on the global stage through their affiliation with celebrated international Chardonnay producers. Each summer, i4C hosts a world-class wine and food celebration in Niagara that shines the spotlight on the elegance and diversity of cool climate Chardonnay from all over the world. Since the inaugural event in 2011, over 262 wineries from 38 cool climate wine regions and over 17,000+ consumers have participated in the event.

Media Contact:

Trisha Molokach

Event Director

International Cool Climate Chardonnay Association

trisha@coolchardonnay.org | 905.921.0210

@coolchardonnay, #i4C23, #iLIVEchardonnay