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.