The Niagara New Vintage Wine Festival is held annually in June to begin the spring and summer wine season in Canada. The two-weekend event gives wine connossieurs and amateurs alike a chance to taste the newest offerings from dozens of Niagara wineries. Gourmet chefs have been invited by the TV Food Network of Canada to create dishes that especially compliment individual wines. The first weekend is a three-day event attended by an impressive array of guests, celebrities, wine and food critics, chefs, sommeliers and entertainers. The event, featuring a wine auction, is held in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, to benefit the children's foundation of St. Catharine's hospital.
Guests mingle with winemakers, sample a variety of Ontario wines, dine on exquisite cuisine, and bid on getaways, fine wines and luxury merchandise. Performers in 2008 included the Pointer Sister, the legendary Temptations and songwriter Jann Arden; the luminary chef Michael Bonacini was among the celebrity guests.
The festival culminates with an unveiling of the first wines from the previous year's vintage at the Niagara Culinary Institute in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Highlights include culinary offerings from top chefs in the Niagara region. Live performances by jazz and soul musicians are performed at the Grill Centre stage. A silent auction is held featuring local goods and services.
A New Vintage Discovery Pass entitles the bearer to a choice of six tastings and dining experiences over two weekends at participating vineyards. Wineries are open from 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. on participating days. Passes can be purchased at the Gateway Center in Grimsby, the Niagara-on-the-Lake Chamber of Commerce, or participating wineries. Age requirement is 19 years of age or older.
