For a unique thing to do in Niagara-on-the-Lake you need to visit the jaw-dropping ice bar at Peller Estates. 10Below is an igloo-like bar where you can sip sweet chilled ice wine. For those of you who have never heard of Niagara-on-the-Lake, it is one of the prime wine-growing regions in Canada. It is only a short drive from the world-famous Niagara Falls and 1 hour and 45-minute drive from Toronto.
The name or the ice lounge comes from the temperature the grapes are harvested at (-10C). To enter the space, you’ll need to wear one of the provided parkas to help you from getting too cold.
For all of you worried about the temperature, I must admit I’m not too fond of the cold. But inside with a warm jacket, I was absolutely comfortable. So don’t let the below zero temperatures scare you off.
Once you step into 10Below you can’t help but marvel at the design. Nearly everything inside is made out of ice, from the bar, seating, and shelves.
For my visit, I had the pleasure of trying several icewines with my favourite being the Signature Series Vidal Icewine. Compared to other icewines I’ve had in the past, it was not as sweet and had tropical fruit notes like mango.
Prior to my visit, I wasn’t someone who liked ice wine. I always found it too sweet, so it was incredible to have the chance to discover one I could want to drink again. I’d love to have a bottle of the Vidal icewine to pair with blue cheese. I think it would make a tasty treat for a future dinner party.
Sipping my chilled ice wine, I loved reading the facts etched into the walls. It was insightful to learn how much work goes into the products I got to sample.
If you want to try visiting the ice bar, one of the best ways is signing up for Peller Estates Greatest Winery Tour. The daily tour is $35 per person.
It includes sipping sparkling wine while you tour of the vineyard, visiting the cellar, and finally sipping the liquid gold ice wine in 10Below.
For more information about the tour, or to book it visit the Peller Estates website.