2016 marks the 6th Anniversary of the International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration.

The International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration or i4C (i for international, 4C for cool, climate, Chardonnay) is a Canadian-hosted tribute to exceptional cool climate wines. Twenty-eight Ontario wineries started the not-for-profit group in April 2010 with the aim of promoting the most diverse –and most planted– white wine grape in the world.

It also happens to be one of the most widely cultivated varietals in Ontario, and it expresses our unique terroir extremely well. Complement Chardonnay with a bit of cool – from altitude, by latitude, by marine influence or by climatic conditions, and it helps create magical wines.

The i4C allows you to enjoy that magic at a casual but in-depth celebration of wine, food, learning, and (most importantly) enjoying this seriously cool wine.

On the invite list are other cool climate Chardonnay producers from across the globe. In the past, some of the world’s most prominent producers have participated, including Louis Jadot, Drouhin, Taittinger, Champy, Laroche, Torres, Kistler, Ramey, Kumeu River, La Crema and Hamilton Russell.

This year, the Chardonnistes have invited some other “cool characters” to share the spotlight:   Varietals Pinot Noir, Gamay, and Cabernet Franc have been selected for their shared “coolness.”  But you can be the judge of that.

Think about it for a minute. 159 wines from 64 winemakers in 9 countries, in the picturesque setting of Niagara wine country. Plus food from the best chefs in Niagara.  Can you imagine a better way to spend a hot summer weekend?

The International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration runs July 22-24.  For more info, click here.