CCOVI joins in to help celebrate i4C Conference

This summer, Niagara will once again welcome some of the world’s top Chardonnay producers to celebrate the rebirth of a seriously cool grape.

The International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration — known as i4C — will happen July 20-22, as wine enthusiasts and food lovers come together to enjoy the many reasons to celebrate everything Chardonnay.

This year, Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute is honoured to host the educational stream of the conference:  Extreme Winemaking – viticulture and winemaking in cool climate regions. This inaugural educational event takes place Friday July 20, from 9:30 am until 3 pm, and features a set of talks with a “Cool by” theme. Speakers include winemakers and growers from France, Argentina, British Columbia, California, Australia and Ontario.  

The 2012 i4C offers attendees the opportunity to discover many ways that Chardonnay can be “cool” — from latitude and altitude to misty ocean breezes, from steep alpine vineyard sites to extreme variations in weather conditions. Attendees will gain an enhanced understanding of, and appreciation for, climatic influences on wine, allowing them to draw parallels between cool climate regions once perceived as unrelated.  

“Our goal is not only to celebrate this fabulous grape, but to empower our guests to discover more fantastic cool climate Chardonnays after the event weekend” says Ron Giesbrecht, winemaker at Henry of Pelham and i4c co-chair of the Educational Program.

Following the panel presentations, tasting and Q&A, a casual “Chardonnay-friendly” lunch will be prepared complete with Chardonnay pairings with a “Cool by” theme, allowing ample time for continued conversations and connections.   

Cost of the event is $60 for trade/industry professionals and $99 for consumers. Public tickets are limited so it is advisable to purchase them in advance.