Ice wine dates back to 1794 in (Germany) and can only be consistently produced in Canada. The ice wine juice we purchase from our Canadian supplier come from VQA certified vines.

Ice Wine Process Defined

The process of obtaining juice for ice wine involves leaving Vidal, Cabernet Franc, Gewurztraminer or Riesling on the vine to freeze. Nets are placed over the grapes for bird protection and at temperatures between -9 and -10 degrees Celsius (14-15 degrees Fahrenheit) the frozen grapes are picked and pressed. Yields are 13-17% of regular harvest. Typical Brix is in the 37 to even 40 range.

Late Harvest Process Defined

Late harvest is a similar process with the difference being the harvesting temperature. The parameters for this wine are -4 to -7 degrees Celsius (24.8 to 19.4 degrees Fahrenheit) and the yield is between 27-37% of regular harvest. Typical Brix is in the 30 range.

The choice of which juice to use is really a mater of preference, as both are certain to produce wines that your guests will clamor for.