Nova Scotia’s first annual Winter Ice Wine Festival, Feb. 15 to 24, featured ice sculptures, cooking classes, music, vineyard tours and - of course - wine tasting held at various locations in the area, including alternative clothing store Hatt En Kul in Wolfville. Ernie Robinson of Grand Pre and Paul Wegleitner of New Minas make a toast.
P.Mintz
Nice time for ice wine
BY WENDY ELLIOTT
Kings County Register
The province’s first Winter Ice Wine Festival, based in Wolfville, proved popular – especially the free tastings.
Crowds were especially evident this past weekend, with restaurant patrons and shoppers flocking through the town.
“The weather played an important role,” said Hans Peter Stutz of Domain de Grand Pre. He added the winery association should soon sit down to “look at changes and how we could bring the message out better.”
In his opinion, Stutz said there were probably too many events scheduled for the same weekend in Wolfville, including a Rotary Club gala and several performances.
“But, we got off to a great start with the co-operation of the business community and NSCC/ Kingstec. I heard good comments from visitors.”
Stutz added the ice wine festival is a new idea that occurs at a quiet time of year.
“It’s what we need.”
Doug Corkum from Ste. Familly Winery in Falmouth, who attended the launch Feb. 22, said one of the hallmarks of the festival is its co-operation.
Wolfville Business Development Corporation chairman Peter Herbin commented traffic and spirit were excellent.
“I think it went very well for the first year - especially on short notice. We’re very pleased,” said Herbin.
Sommelier Sean Buckland, co-owner of Valley Wine Tours and a marketing consultant with the Winery Association of Nova Scotia, says the ice wine produced in this province is something to boast about.
“It’s unique and it has a great flavour due to its lively, refreshing acidity,” said Buckland. While ice wine tends to be sweet, “not Nova Scotia ice wine. That’s why we can compete internationally.”
According to Buckland, wineries in places like California try to replicate conditions here in Nova Scotia and can’t do it.
“When you pair Nova Scotia ice wine with local seafood,” Buckland notes, “you can compare it to (a dining experience in) Italy.
“Our ice wine is unique and wonderful.’
Jeanita Rand, co-owner of the Foxhill Cheesehouse in Port Williams, said the festival worked very well for the Wolfville area.
“We have it all here.”
Ambassatours Grayline offered complimentary tours on an hourly basis from Wolfville to local wineries. The festival began Feb. 14 and ran for 10 days.
