Sun Peaks Icewine Festival - A Wine Masters Dream

How Does Icewine Differ From Other Wines?

Icewine is unique from other wines and spirits not only in taste, but also in its process of manufacture. The grapes in icewine are frozen on the vine in a temperature of approximately -8 degrees Celsius (17 °F) for about 36 hours before they are harvested and fermented. This is a very sensitive step in the production of icewine; if the grapes do not freeze fast enough, they could decompose. However, if the grapes become too frozen, juice cannot be extracted.

The renowned sweetness of the wine is dependent on the freezing process of the grapes. If executed correctly, the sugars and other dissolved solids in the grapes do not freeze, but the water does; this results in a more concentrated and sweeter tasting wine. Since the process of production is extremely complicated and laborious, icewine takes longer to manufacture, is more expensive and sold in smaller amounts than regular table wine.

Sun Peaks Icewine Festival

Sun Peaks Resort has hosted the Icewine Festival annually since 1998. Held typically in January, this 5 day affair was developed to attract guests to the resort after the holiday period. Since the beginning, the festival has proved to be a remarkable success attracting crowds of enthusiastic wine tasters and connoisseurs each year.

Since the event platforms icewines from the BC's top Okanagan wineries, it provides an excellent opportunity for local wineries to introduce their product and promote their business. Dairy Farmers of Canada are also often present at the wine festival hosting some of their own events. Guests can indulge in a variety of Aged Goudas, Blue Cheese and more while strolling throughout Sun Peaks village tasting icewine and other treats.

Past Icewine Festival agendas have included events such as:

Sun Peaks Wine & Dine
Taste of Sun Peaks
Al You Need is Cheese... for Dessert
Icewine & Nothing More
Sinful Chocolate & Heavenly Wine
Taste the Aromas of Coffee & Wine with Starbucks
The Sun Peaks Progressive Tasting
Medal Winners Tasting