School of Cool

Signature Event
Back to class – i4C style.
A cornerstone of the i4C weekend, this event includes a keynote from Sommelier Véronique Rivest, three engaging sessions with guided tastings, and a thoughtfully curated lunch. Networking breaks throughout the day create plenty of opportunity to connect with fellow cool climate enthusiasts.
There is no parking available at White Oaks Resort.
Complimentary parking is available at Niagara College (135 Taylor Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake) with continuous shuttle service to the event.
The shuttle begins approximately 30 minutes prior to the event start time and finishes 30 minutes after the events’ end.

Agenda
8:30am: Registration opens, coffee and food items available
9:30am: Doors open
9:45am: Opening remarks & Keynote Address
With your ticket, you’ll experience: keynote address, three (3) industry sessions with tastings, coffee break, full lunch and Walk-Around Tasting from 4:30pm-6:00pm, following the School of Cool sessions.
(Please note: The Walkaround Tasting is included in the purchase of the School of Cool ticket but it is also sold as standalone event.)

Session 1: Coast-to-Coast Chardonnay: Distinction, Side by Side
Moderated by Véronique Rivest
Bringing together leading producers from across Canada, this School of Cool session explores Chardonnay through a national lens.
From British Columbia to Québec, Nova Scotia to Ontario, each wine reflects a unique intersection of climate, place, and intent. Through guided blind tasting and moderated dialogue, the session reveals not what these wines share—but what sets them apart.
This is a study in contrast, clarity, and confidence—Canada’s Chardonnay story, told side by side.

Session 2: Pop Quiz: Sparkling Edition
Moderated by Chris Waters
Ready to embrace the wines that ‘pop’?  Dive into a blind tasting of nine (9) sparkling wines and put your palate to the test – can you spot the pair that shares a common thread and the one that stands apart?
Led by Christopher Waters, wine columnist for The Globe and Mail, this lively session brings together a diverse lineup of sparkling Chardonnay and the people and places behind them.
Expect great wines, fresh insights, and a few surprises along the way as Chris uncorks the connections.

Session 3: Chardonnay & Pinot Noir on the same site: “We finish each other’s…terroir”
Moderated by Peter Gamble
A School of Cool session that spotlights producers who grow Chardonnay and Pinot Noir side-by-side on the same site, exploring how one place can express two very different grapes varieties. Tasting wines from each producer, the session will dig into the shared variables—soil, aspect, farming, harvest decisions—and then zoom in on the winemaking choices that shape texture, freshness, and precision. It’s a great lens for understanding site expression in cool climate regions, and why Chardonnay and Pinot Noir so often thrive (and tell their best stories) together

Tickets are non-refundable.
This is a 19+ event.

You’re the picture of COOL!
The International Cool Climate Chardonnay Association encourages photography and videography at our events by, our agents, and attendees. These visuals may appear on our website, social media platforms, or be utilized for promotional purposes. Your attendance at our events is considered consent for such use, both for yourself and your guests.

Better yet, share your experience with us on Instagram @coolchardonnay and on Facebook/CoolClimateChardonnayCelebration and tag #i4C26