by Malcolm Jolley

Nobody is as excited for the upcoming International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration than Stephen Gash, the marketing and communications man at Malivoire. Not only will “I4C” showcase the best Ontario Chardonnays but winemakers from across the world are bringing their juice to a handful of Niagara wineries for a weekend of fun, food and wine, with special guests ranging from Chef Jamie Kennedy, to The Wine Spectator’s Matt Kramer to singer Murray McLauchlan. A list of events follows the video below, in which Stephen describes the events in detail and explains why anyone who likes a glass of wine ought to attend. (More information at coolchardonnay.org)

Can’t see the video? Click here.

While many events have sold out, the Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration events below still have room. Visit coolchardonnay.org to book your event now.

AW SHUCKS! KICK OFF PARTY ~ FRIDAY ~ FLAT ROCK CELLARS
FRIDAY, JULY 22
7:30pm – 10:30pm
Flat Rock Cellars, Twenty Mile Bench
Tickets $75 plus HST

Nothing can compare with party atmosphere that results when you co-mingle boisterous bubbles and the humble oyster.  The sounds of sipping and slurping will fill the air as guests indulge in oyster creations paired with some of the best sparkling wines around.  Stations will be located throughout the winery and surrounding property, including a 5-level gravity flow winery and open fire pit.  Rub shoulders and talk barrels with wine producers from 15 international wineries, soak in the views overlooking the spectacular 98 acre estate and Lake Ontario, and dance the night away to the sounds of local musicians on the Green Roof Patio.

COOL CLIMATE CHARDONNAY WORLD TOUR
SATURDAY, JULY 23
4:30PM – 8:30PM
Tawse Winery, Twenty Mile Bench, Vineland
Tickets $75 plus HST

Here’s a chance to travel the world with one glass.  Rub shoulders and hang out with all 56 winemakers of the i4c festival and taste up to 100 cool climate chardonnays from around the world. This is an evening of sensational sipping, extraordinary food and incredible live music, set amongst the vines on Niagara’s famous Bench.  Legendary Canadian entertainer Murray McLachlan will play throughout the afternoon by Tawse’s organic and biodynamic vineyards.

VINTAGES TASTE & BUY
SUNDAY, JULY 24
2:00PM – 5:00PM
Roy Thompson Hall, Toronto
Tickets $95 including HST

Enjoy all the cool… in the heart of the city. Meet the winemakers and sample over 40 cool climate chardonnays from Canada, Italy, France, Austria, USA, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Chile at this afternoon tasting event. Chardonnay-inspired dishes will enhance the tasting, set at this scenic Toronto landmark location. To order tickets for the VINTAGES Taste and Buy, kindly contact VINTAGES at 416-365-5767 or 1-800-266-4764 (Monday–Saturday 9am to 6pm, excluding holidays).

Malcolm Jolley is a founding editor of Good Food Revolution and Executive Director of Good Food Media, the non-profit organization that publishes GFR. Follow him at twitter.com/malcolmjolley. Photo: John Gundy. This video is made possible through the kind support of Fortessa Canada/Schott Zwiesel: casual elegance for everyday living.