July 17-20, 2025
Niagara-on-the-Lake Locations
Wine lovers from around the globe will converge in Ontario’s Niagara region for the highly anticipated International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration (i4C), running from July 17 to 20, 2025. This world-class event is dedicated to one varietal only — Chardonnay — and showcases the best cool climate expressions from renowned winemakers in Canada and beyond. Over four unforgettable days, the festival combines exceptional wines, gourmet cuisine, and immersive experiences in some of Niagara’s most picturesque vineyard settings.
The i4C is more than a wine tasting event; it’s a celebration of terroir, craftsmanship, and community. Held across various iconic locations in Niagara wine country — including wineries, vineyards, and culinary hotspots — guests enjoy a diverse program of tastings, seminars, and festivities. The region’s unique cool climate gives rise to fresh, elegant, and complex Chardonnays that rival those of Burgundy and New Zealand, and the i4C brings these gems into the spotlight.
Weekend Highlights
School of Cool – Thursday, July 17 @ 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
White Oaks Conference Resort and Spa
Join industry leaders for i4C’s signature School of Cool event, featuring keynote speaker Clive Pursehouse (Decanter Magazine), three dynamic tasting sessions, a full lunch, networking, and a Walk-Around Tasting. Explore the future of Chardonnay, from sparkling innovations to retrospective vintages. Tickets include all sessions, tastings, and meals. Must be 19+. Photography may be used for promotional purposes.
Walkaround Tasting – Thursday, July 17 @ 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
White Oaks Conference Resort & Spa
Mingle with international winemakers, media, and wine lovers while sampling exceptional cool-climate Chardonnays and sparkling wines from around the world. This casual tasting event follows School of Cool and is included with that ticket or available separately. Complimentary parking at Niagara College with shuttle service provided. Must be 19+. Photography may be used for promotional purposes.
Flights of Chardonnay – Friday, July 18 @ 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Niagara District Airport, NOTL
This structured tasting event offers a deep dive into the nuances of cool climate Chardonnay. Led by international wine experts, attendees explore curated wine flights and learn about diverse winemaking techniques and regional influences.
Chardonnay in the Vineyard World Tour Tasting & Dinner – Saturday, July 19 @ 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
The Riverbend Inn
The signature evening event brings together more than 50 winemakers and chefs in a grand tasting celebration. Guests stroll through the vineyard grounds sampling wines and gourmet offerings under the stars, accompanied by live music and a magical ambiance.
Why It Matters
The i4C is a unique opportunity for wine enthusiasts and industry professionals alike to engage with Chardonnay in its most expressive forms. It promotes education and appreciation for the varietal while highlighting the excellence of Ontario’s wine country. Beyond the glasses of wine, the event supports local tourism and showcases the rich culinary and cultural offerings of the Niagara region.
Tickets and event packages for the 2025 International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration are expected to sell out quickly. Visit www.coolchardonnay.org to learn more and secure your place at this unparalleled celebration of cool climate Chardonnay.
