School of Cool

Signature Event
Back to class – i4C style.
Join us as School of Cool celebrates its Champagne Birthday—returning on July 16 as i4C marks its 16th anniversary! A cornerstone of the i4C weekend, this signature educational experience features a keynote presentation by Sommelier Véronique Rivest, three engaging guided tasting sessions, and a thoughtfully curated lunch. Networking breaks throughout the day provide plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow cool climate wine enthusiasts from across Canada and around the world.

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 and from the event.
The shuttle begins approximately 30 minutes prior to the event start time and concludes approximately 30 minutes after the event ends.

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  – Same Sites or the Best of Neighbors
Moderated by Peter Gamble
Peter Gamble, veteran winery consultant, has guided Canadian and international producers for decades to bring their wine passion projects to life.  Peter will spotlight five producers who grow Chardonnay and Pinot Noir side-by-side on the same site.  Tasting both 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 flavours, texture, density, complexity , freshness, and longevity. Can these two varieties truly act as channels for site expression in cool climate regions?  Let’s explore 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