i4C 2024: Summer’s coolest event celebrates the diversity of chardonnay

By Alana Lapierre, for VineRoutes

Scheduled over four summer days in the heart of Ontario’s wine country, the 2024 edition of the International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration (dubbed i4C by the trade) took place between July 18-21.

The event kicked off on a Thursday morning with the ‘School of Cool’ and an informative, and highly engaging, keynote address by Stefan Neuman, MS. Neuman is a London based Master Sommelier and educator for the Court of Master Sommelier Europe. Speaking to the evolving landscape of chardonnay and to the diversity of cool climate chardonnay styles, he highlighted the grape’s adaptability and global appeal, setting the stage for an exploration of chardonnay’s many facets.

In closing, Neuman urged anyone working in the wine trade, be it writers and/or sommeliers, to be ambassadors, and to help educate consumers and buyers about cool climate chardonnay.

“The world of wine needs to learn more about Canadian wine, and in particular hear about its cool climate chardonnay.” – Stefan Neuman, MS

Read more about The School of Cool, plus Friday Night Flights, Chardonnay in the Vineyard and more i4C events here.