Winemakers and enthusiasts from around the world toast Chardonnay
NIAGARA, ON, May 23, 2013 /CNW/ - Cheers were heard early this morning across the scenic vineyards at Hidden Bench in Niagara as fifty winemakers and Chardonnay enthusiasts toasted the world's most planted grape in celebration of International Chardonnay Day - May 23rd.
Each year the wineries of the International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration (the i4c) fete their favourite varietal to officially launch the "summer of Chardonnay". Over 25 of the international wineries attending this year's i4c Celebration in July are participating in the 24-hour global virtual tasting being hosted by the i4c on Facebook and Twitter (#i4c2013). Wineries across the province are hosting special back-vintage tastings, food pairings and flights, and Food Network Chef Lynn Crawford is headlining a full day of activity at Inniskillin Winery.
Today's festivities are merely a preview of what the International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration will have in store for their 3rd annual event this July 19-21. 61 winemakers from 11 countries will attend the event and will present over 120 wines over the weekend. Special guest Steven Spurrier of Decanter Magazine will join us from London, UK and Vancouver's Vikram Vij - one of North America's most-celebrated East Indian chefs - will spice up the weekend's culinary program.
In only two years, the i4c has become one of Canada's premier wine and culinary events. This 3-day weekend showcases eleven events at stunning locations in the heart of Wine Country Ontario, from elegant vineyard luncheons to festive evening showcase tastings. Saturday evening's signature "Cool Chardonnay World Tour" event features all 120 wines being poured throughout the weekend, and is followed by a champagne and oyster reception and an al fresco international feast. The evening finishes with live entertainment and dancing under the stars. Details on featured wineries and chefs, as well as individual event tickets or special weekend packages are available at coolchardonnay.org.
The International Cool Climate Chardonnay Association is a not-for-profit group of 30 inspired Ontario winemakers and winery owners, devoted to the renaissance of Chardonnay.
The International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration is generously supported by founding sponsors Wine Country Ontario, the Grape Growers of Ontario and the LCBO|Vintages. Event sponsors include Vineland Research & Innovation Centre, Meridian Credit Union, Riedel, and CCOVI at Brock University.
Video with caption: "Spend 3 minutes with the i4c - the annual celebration returns July 19-21, 2013 with over 120 wines from 11 countries.". Video available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/cgi-bin/playback.cgi?file=20130523_C9571_VIDEO_EN_27014.mp4&posterurl=http://photos.newswire.ca/images/20130523_C9571_PHOTO_EN_27014.jpg&clientName=International%20Cool%20Climate%20Chardonnay%20Association&caption=Spend%203%20minutes%20%20with%20the%20i4c%20%2D%20the%20annual%20celebration%20returns%20July%2019%2D21%2C%202013%20with%20over%20120%20wines%20from%2011%20countries%2E&title=INTERNATIONAL%20COOL%20CLIMATE%20CHARDONNAY%20ASSOCIATION%20%2D%20The%20Summer%20of%20Chardonnay%20kicks%20off%20in%20wine%20country&headline=The%20Summer%20of%20Chardonnay%20kicks%20off%20in%20wine%20country
Image with caption: "Tickets are on sale now at coolchardonnay.org (CNW Group/International Cool Climate Chardonnay Association)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130523_C9571_PHOTO_EN_27008.jpg
Image with caption: "Fifty winemakers and chardonnay lovers toast the world's most planted grape this morning in honour of International Chardonnay Day. (CNW Group/International Cool Climate Chardonnay Association)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130523_C9571_PHOTO_EN_27007.jpg
PDF available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/media/2013/05/23/20130523_C9571_DOC_EN_27012.pdf
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SOURCE: International Cool Climate Chardonnay Association
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