The Niagara region is set to host the annual International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration from July 16 to 19, drawing attention to the versatility and appeal of the white wine grape. This year’s event features a Canada-wide focus, with wineries from British Columbia and Nova Scotia joining prominent Ontario producers such as Hidden Bench, Le Clos Jordanne, Rosehall Run, Stratus, and Thirty Bench. The celebration includes various events throughout the region and special tastings at participating wineries.
In conjunction with the festival, the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) has highlighted a curated selection titled Nothing But Chardonnay in its current Vintages release. The collection features 14 chardonnays from established and emerging wine-producing regions, including Canada, Australia, France, Spain, and Italy. This theme counters the previous trend known as Anything But Chardonnay, a consumer movement that emerged in the 1990s and early 2000s as a reaction against warm climate Chardonnays characterized by heavy oak and overly ripe flavors. The celebration aims to showcase the evolving styles of Chardonnay, particularly those from cooler climates known for producing brighter and more balanced wines.
Since its inception in 2011, the International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration has worked to educate consumers, sommeliers, and retailers about the diversity within Chardonnay wine production, especially the refreshing styles developed in Canadian vineyards. The event also highlights a resurgence in bold and buttery versions of Chardonnay, which now often emphasize enhanced texture and freshness rather than replicating older, warmer climate profiles.
Among the notable wines featured in the LCBO’s release is the Henry of Pelham Speck Family Reserve Chardonnay 2024 from Niagara, which scored 92 points and is priced at $34.95 in Ontario. This barrel-fermented wine displays bright citrus and melon notes with creamy and toasted accents, reflecting a rich yet focused style suitable for extended cellaring until 2034. Another Canadian highlight is the Tantalus Riesling 2025 from Kelowna, British Columbia, noted for its vibrant citrus and peach character with a lengthy finish, earning 92 points and priced at $30.99.
International selections include the Château de Rochemorin Pessac-Léognan 2022 from France’s Bordeaux region, a Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon blend recognized for its floral and dark fruit complexity, rated 93 points and retailed at $39.95. From Australia, The Practice Chardonnay 2024 presents a ripe and creamy expression reminiscent of traditional styles, scoring 88 points and available for $16.95 in Ontario. Spain’s Beronia Rueda Verdejo 2025, known for its crisp and herbaceous profile, scored 90 points and is offered at $16.95.
Additional wines featured include Les Jamelles Merlot 2024 from southern France, Mare di Sirena Pinot Grigio 2025 from Italy, and Viña Cobos Felino Chardonnay 2024 from Argentina, each showcasing distinctive regional characteristics and accessible price points.
For further information on the 2026 International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration and participating wineries, interested parties can visit coolchardonnay.org.