Category: Travel

Niagara Icewine Festival 2026: Elevating Winter Wine Tourism at the Edge of Niagara Falls

The Niagara Icewine Festival returns in 2026 with an expanded footprint in Niagara Falls, marking a significant evolution in the region’s winter wine tourism strategy. With Niagara Parks serving as presenting sponsor, the festival integrates Niagara’s globally recognized Icewine heritage into some of Canada’s most iconic winter landscapes, reinforcing the destination’s position as a four-season hub for premium VQA wine, culinary, and cultural experiences.

Set against the dramatic winter scenery of the Horseshoe Falls, the festival introduces immersive Icewine experiences at landmark locations including the Frozen Falls Icewine Bar at Table Rock Bistro + Wine Bar and the Cool as Ice Gala at the Niagara Parks Power Station + Tunnel. These experiences extend the festival beyond its traditional winery-based footprint, connecting viticulture, gastronomy, heritage architecture, and natural spectacle in a cohesive wine tourism offering.

By situating Icewine tastings at the very edge of Niagara Falls, the festival highlights the strong relationship between terroir, climate, and cultural identity – elements central to Icewine production and to Niagara’s international wine tourism appeal.

Frozen Falls Icewine Bar: Icewine at the Edge of the Falls
Taking place over two winter weekends in January, the Frozen Falls Icewine Bar invites visitors to experience Icewine in a uniquely Canadian outdoor setting overlooking the frozen Horseshoe Falls. Hosted at Table Rock Bistro + Wine Bar, the pop-up installation features a custom-carved ice bar by Iceculture Inc., interactive ice sculptures, live acoustic music, and curated tasting experiences designed to celebrate Icewine as both a luxury product and a cultural expression of winter.

Guests can enjoy a guided pairing of VQA Icewines with seasonal comfort cuisine, including Icewine French onion soup or Icewine apple crumble with caramel sauce, reinforcing the connection between regional wine, local ingredients, and winter gastronomy. Mulled wine, à la carte winter dishes, and complimentary hot chocolate for younger guests ensure broad appeal across visitor segments.

Canadian wine pioneer Donald Ziraldo will host daily complimentary tastings, offering visitors historical and technical insight into Niagara’s Icewine legacy and reinforcing the educational dimension of wine tourism. These tastings take place daily at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
The Frozen Falls Icewine Bar operates January 17–18 and January 24–25, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Cool as Ice Gala: Heritage, Wine, and Winter Luxury

The Cool as Ice Gala returns on Saturday, January 31, 2026, as the festival’s flagship event and a cornerstone of Niagara’s winter tourism calendar. Hosted within the historic Niagara Parks Power Station + Tunnel, the black-tie gala transforms the industrial landmark into an immersive winter venue celebrating Niagara’s winemaking excellence, culinary creativity, and cultural heritage.

Guests will enjoy award-winning Niagara VQA Icewines and table wines, craft cocktails, gourmet offerings from leading Ontario chefs, live entertainment, and exclusive after-hours access to the Power Station’s underground tunnel, culminating at an observation platform overlooking the illuminated Falls.

The all-inclusive experience positions Icewine not only as a luxury product, but as a catalyst for high-value experiential tourism, drawing domestic and international visitors during the winter shoulder season.

A Strategic Milestone for Niagara Wine Tourism

The expansion of the Niagara Icewine Festival into Niagara Falls represents a strategic alignment between wine tourism, agritourism, and destination development. By integrating Icewine culture into high-profile public spaces and heritage sites, the festival strengthens Niagara’s global reputation for cool-climate wines while reinforcing the region’s identity as an all-season destination rooted in authenticity, place, and experience.

Further details and ticket information can be found at www.niagaraparks.com/icewine.

January Reset: The World’s Top Wine Spas to Begin the Year in Balance (Part II)

If Part l explored the icons, Part ll turns toward places where wine spas feel almost monastic, deeply rooted in land, tradition, and quiet luxury. These destinations reward slow travel and reflective itineraries, making them especially compelling the first few months of the new year!

From the Douro Valley to Burgundy and Sonoma, these wine spas prove that wellness doesn’t need reinvention, only intention.

6. Quinta da Pacheca – Douro Valley, Portugal

Why it’s unforgettable

Red wine baths, barrel-shaped suites, and sweeping river valley views define this historic estate.

Why January, February and even March works

The Douro is hushed and atmospheric, ideal for contemplation and unhurried indulgence.

Recommended January–March
3 night itinerary

A cozy three‑night winter retreat featuring wine‑infused spa rituals (including a red wine bath), private wine and port cellar tastings, and quiet walks along the terraced Douro. Firelit evenings and a gentle river cruise create a warm, restorative start to the year.

Website: https://www.quintadapacheca.com

7. Herdade da Malhadinha Nova – Alentejo, Portugal

Why Herdade da Malhadinha Nova is distinctive

This is a design-forward estate that emphasizes sustainability, privacy, and holistic wellness within its vineyards and olive groves.

Why are January, February and March ideal

Cool temperatures and golden winter light make outdoor walks and spa time especially restorative.

Recommended January–April
3 night itinerary

A serene early‑year escape blending botanical spa treatments, horseback rides through open countryside, and farm‑to‑table dining. Hands‑on culinary sessions and sunset vineyard moments bring softness and creativity to the three‑night stay.

Website: https://malhadinhanova.com

8. Castillo Monasterio Valbuena – Ribera del Duero, Spain

Why is Castillo Monasterio Valbuena remarkable

A 12th-century monastery transformed into a wine spa where thermal waters echo centuries of contemplation.

Why the winter months enhance this wine estate

Winter amplifies the sense of history and solitude.

Recommended January–April
3 night itinerary

A tranquil winter wellness retreat with thermal‑circuit relaxation, Tempranillo‑based vinotherapy, and guided visits to top Ribera del Duero bodegas. Monastery quietude and riverfront strolls set a deeply calming rhythm.

Website: https://www.castillomonasteriovalbuena.com

9. Hotel Le Cep Spa — Beaune, Burgundy, France

Why does Hotel Le Cep Spa belong on this list

There are three good reasons: Pinot Noir-based treatments in the intellectual heart of Burgundy, and steps from legendary cellars.

Why are the winter months perfect

Burgundy becomes introspective, offering meaningful tastings without distraction.

Recommended January–April
3 night itinerary

A refined three‑night immersion in Burgundy’s winter charm, centered on personalized spa rituals (including a grape-extract facial), intimate tastings at historic domains, and wandering Beaune’s medieval streets. A sophisticated, slow‑paced seasonal escape.

Website: https://www.hotel-lecep.com

10. Kenwood Inn & Spa — Sonoma, California, USA

Why it endures

A Mediterranean-inspired retreat offering quiet luxury in Sonoma’s rolling hills.

Why the early months of the year deliver

Cool air, empty tasting rooms, and a slower pace define wine country at its most authentic.

Recommended January–April
3 night itinerary

A gentle winter‑into‑spring retreat offering vineyard‑sourced treatments, heated outdoor pools, and private tastings at boutique Sonoma wineries. Sunlit terraces and scenic valley drives add relaxed California warmth to the stay.

Website: https://www.kenwoodinn.com

Wine spas represent a shift in wine tourism, from consumption to connection, from indulgence to balance. The first months of the year and particularly January, with its emphasis on renewal, is when these destinations feel most honest and most powerful.

Taken together, these ten wine spas show how wellness and wine culture can coexist beautifully – rooted in place, shaped by tradition, and designed for travelers who value depth over display.

Your January 2026 reset begins here!

January 2026 Reset: Top Wine Spas to Start the Year in Balance (Part I)

January is the quiet inhale after the excess of the holiday season. Vineyards lie dormant [depending on the hemisphere] travel slows, and intention replaces indulgence. It’s the moment when wine travellers stop chasing novelty and start seeking meaning, and this is where wine spas come into their own.

Wine spas sit at the intersection of wellness and terroir. Drawing on vinotherapy, treatments that use grape skins, seeds, vine extracts, and mineral‑rich waters, they offer an experience that is restorative rather than performative. These destinations don’t simply pamper; they recalibrate.

Part One of this two‑part series explores five of the world’s most iconic wine spas, each offering a January escape that blends vineyard culture, spa science, and place‑driven calm.

  1. Les Sources de Caudalie – Bordeaux, France

Why Les Sources de Caudalie leads the category

Often cited as the birthplace of modern vinotherapy, Les Sources de Caudalie is woven into the vineyards of Château Smith Haut Lafitte. Treatments are grounded in rigorous research into grape polyphenols and antioxidants, delivering results without theatrics.

Why winter matters here

Winter in Bordeaux is reflective and restrained. With fewer visitors, tastings become conversations, and spa rituals feel deeply personal.

Recommended January–April
3‑night itinerary

A three‑day stay at Les Sources de Caudalie is designed around gentle immersion. Day one begins with arrival among the vines, followed by a vinotherapy bath and grape‑seed body wrap to unwind after travel. Day two balances wellness and wine culture: a morning facial using grape extracts, a private château tasting in the afternoon, and an elegant dinner paired with Bordeaux crus. Day three is deliberately unhurried, with a final spa ritual, a walk through the winter vineyards, and a relaxed lunch before departure – restored rather than rushed.

Website: https://www.sources-caudalie.com

  1. ADLER Thermae Spa & Relax Resort – Tuscany, Italy

Why it’s exceptional

Set in the Val d’Orcia, ADLER Thermae merges ancient thermal bathing traditions with vineyard‑inspired wellness. The landscape includes rolling hills, stone villages, and winter light – quite magical.

Why go early in the year

Steam rises from outdoor thermal pools as frost settles over the vineyards, creating one of Tuscany’s most cinematic winter moments.

Recommended February–April
3‑night itinerary

At ADLER Thermae, three days unfold at a Tuscan pace. Day one centres on the thermal pools and a grape‑infused massage, best enjoyed outdoors as steam rises against the Val d’Orcia hills. Day two ventures beyond the spa with a guided Brunello di Montalcino tasting, returning for vinotherapy facials and yoga. The final day is reserved for slow rituals – thermal soaking, countryside walks, and a long, unhurried Tuscan lunch that allows body and mind to recalibrate before departure.

Website: https://www.adler-thermae.com

  1. Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa – Champagne, France

Why it belongs on this list

Royal Champagne redefines Champagne tourism through wellness. The spa is contemporary and expansive, with vineyard panoramas that reframe the region beyond celebration.

Why visit early in the year

The region slows dramatically after the holidays, offering intimate cellar visits and uninterrupted spa time.

Recommended January–April
3‑night itinerary

A three‑day escape at Royal Champagne blends restraint with indulgence. Day one begins with the thermal spa circuit and a sunset aperitif, followed by dinner overlooking grand cru vineyards. Day two pairs a private Champagne house visit with a bespoke spa treatment, ending with an elegant dégustation dinner that reframes Champagne as contemplative rather than celebratory. Day three offers a final swim, a leisurely breakfast with vineyard views, and a late checkout—proof that winter in Champagne is as much about calm as sparkle.

Website: https://www.royal-champagne.com

  1. Entre Cielos Wine Hotel & Spa – Mendoza, Argentina

Why Entre Cielos Wine Hotel & Spa stands out

Entre Cielos blends modern design with traditional vinotherapy against the dramatic backdrop of the Andes. Treatments highlight Malbec grape extracts and regional ingredients.

Why this season is ideal

It’s midsummer in the Southern Hemisphere. Vineyards are vibrant, and wellness is paired with energy rather than hibernation.

Recommended January–April
3‑night itinerary

Three days at Entre Cielos capture Mendoza’s energy and elegance. Arrival day includes a grape‑seed scrub and a Malbec‑inspired wine bath to ease into the rhythm of the Andes. Day two explores high‑altitude wineries, followed by a traditional hammam ritual that blends heat, water, and aromatherapy. The final day slows the pace with a vineyard‑view breakfast, light spa treatments, and time to absorb the mountain landscape before departure.

Website: https://www.entrecielos.com

  1. Awasi Mendoza — Argentina

Why Awasi Mendoza is a classic

A Relais & Châteaux property where spa treatments are discreet, personalized, and inseparable from the surrounding vineyards.

Why the early‑year months shine

Warm evenings, private plunge pools, and alfresco dining elevate the sensory experience.

Recommended January–April
3‑night itinerary

A three‑day stay at Cavas Wine Lodge is intimate and deeply personal. Day one begins with an arrival massage and private wine tasting as the Andes glow at dusk. Day two is devoted to vineyard exploration and spa immersion, alternating between Malbec‑focused treatments and long, leisurely meals. The final morning is intentionally quiet – breakfast overlooking the vines, a final soak, and a departure that feels unhurried and complete.

Website: https://www.cavas-wine-lodge.com

These first five wine spas share a seductive commonality: they treat wine not as ornament, but as a tactile, transformative material. The winter months, with their instinct for pared‑back beauty, only heighten their allure. Each destination leans into a kind of quiet luxury – treatments infused with craft, spaces washed in intentional light, and an atmosphere where refinement feels less performed than lived‑in and luminous.

Part Two continues the journey, shifting to Portugal, Spain, Burgundy, and California, where wine spas offer a different expression of wellness shaped by history, architecture, and landscape. Stay tuned!

Perrier-Jouët was my final Champagne of 2025 + the perfect beginning for 2026

The final dinner of the year always feels symbolic, a quiet threshold between what has been and what is about to begin. To close 2025 and welcome 2026, I chose Perrier-Jouët. Some Champagnes feel like an occasion before the cork even moves, and Perrier-Jouët belongs to that rare category, a house whose history is inseparable from the aesthetics of refinement.

Perrier-Jouët manages something timeless: honouring tradition while moving confidently into the future. That is exactly the energy a turning year deserves.

A House Defined by Grace

Founded in 1811 in Épernay by Pierre-Nicolas Perrier and Rose-Adélaïde Jouët, the house was shaped from the beginning by discipline and precision. Vineyard selection, controlled yields, and meticulous blending became its quiet signature. Over generations, Perrier-Jouët developed a deep affinity with Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs, prized for its floral character, purity, and mineral drive.

In 1902, artist Émile Gallé created the iconic anemone motif that now adorns Belle Époque bottles. Far more than decoration, it reflected the philosophy of Art Nouveau: harmony with nature, craftsmanship, and beauty with intention.

Beneath Épernay, Perrier-Jouët’s chalk cellars cradle the wines, regulating temperature and allowing time to do its patient work. The resulting house style is unmistakable: shimmering freshness, fine-boned structure, and delicacy with poise.

Tasting and Food Pairing: Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut Champagne, Perrier-Jouët Belle Époque Brut Rosé Champagne 2014 and Perrier-Jouët Belle Époque Brut Champagne 2016

Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut

Grand Brut is the introduction to the house style. The blend brings together Chardonnay with Pinot Noir and Meunier, balancing lift and generosity.

Aromas recall citrus blossom, white peach, brioche, and a subtle almond note. The palate shows fine mousse, orchard fruit, and a touch of toast, finishing with bright, linear acidity.

Pairing:
We opened this early in the evening with oysters and seafood canapés, effortless, conversational, quietly refined.

Perrier-Jouët Belle Époque Brut Rosé 2014

Belle Epoque Rosé always carries a lyrical quality, and 2014 adds precision and tension. Its pale salmon hue conceals layered depth.

The nose suggests strawberry, blood orange, pomegranate, and rose petals, with delicate pastry tones. The palate is textured and mineral, structured yet graceful.

Pairing:
This was the centrepiece at dinner: duck breast with cherries and roasted potatoes. The wine elevated the dish, harmonizing rather than overpowering.

Perrier-Jouët Belle Époque Brut 2016

Belle Epoque 2016 feels composed and confident. It opens with pear, lemon zest, acacia, and fresh hazelnut. The palate is crystalline and precise, finishing with a saline whisper, proof that great Champagne doesn’t need volume to make its point.

Pairing:
Our midnight bottle. We served it with aged Comté and caviar-topped blinis, salt, richness, and bright acidity coming together in an elegant, poetic final act.

Why Meukow Cognac Defines the Season

The holiday period invites reflection, hospitality, and the quiet continuity of tradition. Selecting a spirit for this time of year is less about simple preference than about heritage, craftsmanship, and the sense of occasion a bottle brings to the table. Two expressions from Meukow: the Meukow Feline VSOP, and a thoughtfully curated Meukow XO pairing experience, capture these dimensions with clarity.

Together, they articulate different modes of celebration: the VSOP offers warmth, accessibility, and elegance; the XO introduces depth, patience, and an almost meditative pause between courses, conversations, and the turning of the year.

A Short History of Meukow

Meukow’s origins trace to 1862, when brothers Auguste-Christophe and Gustav Meukow were sent to the Charente by Tsar Alexander II to secure high-quality eaux-de-vie. Recognizing the potential of the region, they founded A.C. Meukow & Co. in Cognac, establishing a house that would steadily build an international reputation.

In 1979, the brand joined Compagnie de Guyenne, a family-owned group whose stewardship broadened distribution while preserving continuity and identity. The panther emblem, introduced in the 1990s, has since become synonymous with Meukow, signalling power, refinement, and a supple aesthetic. Today, the house is present in more than 80 markets worldwide.

Location and Wine Tourism

Meukow is based at 26 rue Pascal Combeau, in the historic center of Cognac. The visitor experience integrates architectural heritage with contemporary multimedia interpretation. Throughout 2025, guests can join a guided, 45-minute tour that includes the Chai Paradis, home to treasured eaux-de-vie, and concludes with a structured tasting of three expressions.

Chai Meukow, a former warehouse transformed into a gastronomic venue, extends the visit with cuisine by Chef Cédric Coulaut, designed specifically to interact with the house’s spirits. The result is an immersive encounter that combines pedagogy, hospitality, and gastronomy in a way that feels both rooted and forward-looking.

I’ve been lucky to experience both the tour and cooking with the chief, which was an extraordinary experience!

Tasting: Meukow Feline VSOP

The VSOP blend, aged beyond the category minimum, shows balance and precision.

Nose: candied orange, plum, apple, subtle florals, and gentle spice.
Palate: supple texture with caramel, vanilla, dried fruit, and faint leather, lifted by citrus.
Finish: smooth, persistent, lightly spiced oak.

It performs beautifully on its own and pairs especially well with nut-based desserts or aged cheeses. Its familiarity, nuance, and quiet grace make it particularly suited to holiday gatherings.

Elevating the Table: Meukow XO

In contrast, Meukow’s XO, drawn from older eaux-de-vie, offers layered complexity and a slower rhythm. The category requires significant aging, and here it reveals aromas of dark chocolate, orange confit, toasted almond, and molasses, followed by a silk-textured palate and a long, warming finish.

Suggested pairings include:

• Bûche de Noël with dark chocolate
• Duck braised with cherry reduction
• Blue cheese with a touch of honey

The XO functions not simply as dessert, but as an elegant digestif; contemplative, resonant, and understated.

Taken together, the Feline VSOP and the XO trace the emotional arc of the season. The VSOP offers welcome and conviviality. The XO invites reflection and closure. Both honour Meukow’s history while framing the holidays with restraint, depth, and continuity, qualities that feel especially right at this time of year.