Over the past five years they have hosted 150 producers from nine countries around the world. They are hoping that you will consider joining this esteemed group to showcase your version of Cool Climate Chardonnay to the over 2,000 wine enthusiasts, media, sommeliers and LCBO executive that join them each year.

The i4C is a truly a “vine to glass” Chardonnay experience. Friday’s sell-out School of Cool offers sessions on cool climate viticulture and winemaking with esteemed panels of researchers, experts and winemakers from all corners of the globe – a great opportunity to share and learn with other Chardonnay producers. Trade and media exclusive events include the Friday afternoon Trade Tasting, the Thursday LCBO meetings and a Media/Buyers tasting room where all wines are showcased. The three signature wine and culinary showcase events welcome over 1750 guests in fabulous outdoor vineyard settings, and in partnership with the LCBO these engaged consumers can purchase the wines of the i4C.

The Winery Application window is open from November 2 – November 30, 2015.  A limited number of spaces are available and application extensions are not available. 

Please review the Winery Application Guide – the link to apply is on the cover page.
Once you have filled in the application, the Winery key Contact Email you used will receive an email to confirm registration. You/this person must watch for this email, if this email is not received and responded to, the application is incomplete.  Only one email can be used per application.  If you are applying for more than one winery, a different Winery key Contact Email address must be used.
 
For further information and application CLICK HERE

2016 i4C Event at a glance
Thursday, July 21
9:00am – 5:00pm – LCBO meetings with international wineries (reservation required)
6:00pm – *i4C Orientation Session
7:00pm – Chairman’s Dinner for all participating wineries, LCBO representatives

Friday, July 22
8:00am – 3:00pm – School of Cool – Cool Climate Chardonnay industry sessions
12:00pm – 1:00pm – Lunch
3:00pm – 5:00pm – *Trade and media tasting (500+ attendees, all wines)*
7:00pm – 11:00pm – *Barrels & Bonfire (500+ attendees)

Saturday, July 23
8:00am – 2:00pm – Educational Seminars /Roundtable Discussions OR partner with Ontario winery to participate in an Explore Niagara Chardonnay-themed event.
4:30pm – 11:30pm – *Cool Chardonnay World Tour – 6th Anniversary Party (includes Grand Tasting, Grand Dinner and dancing)* (750+ attendees)

Sunday, July 24
11:00am – 2:00pm –*The Moveable Feast – Brunch on the Bench (300+ attendees)

Events marked with a * are mandatory events for all participating winemakers/winery owners.

A FEW KEY NOTES:

• All wineries must have an agent/distributor in Ontario to participate in the i4C event.
• All wineries must donate a minimum of 72 bottles of Chardonnay for sampling events throughout the weekend – ideally 36 bottles of 2 different Chardonnays. Priority will be given to wineries who present 2 Chardonnays (a third wine may be presented if it is a Blanc de Blancs only and must be a minimum of 36 additional bottles).
• The winery must have a WINERY OWNER or WINEMAKER attend the i4C weekend and pour at all mandatory events. Wineries represented by Export or Marketing Managers will be considered only if space permits in their category.
• In 2014 an LCBO VINTAGES Meeting Program was launched at White Oaks Resort on Thursday. All non-Ontario wineries are welcome to present any wines they would like to showcase during this 1-hour private meeting with key LCBO buyers and executive team members. Details will follow, but we’re pleased that the LCBO VINTAGES is enthusiastically continuing this program for 2016.
• Two of the three nights' accommodation at White Oaks Conference Resort are compliments of the i4C. A special rate of $185CAD/night is extended for the third night, as well as any additional nights you would like to stay.
• Transportation is provided throughout the weekend, including airport shuttles.

(Please note: airport shuttles will be provided on Thursday and Sunday only from 8am – 10pm.  If transportation is required outside of these days, arrangements can be made on your behalf at a discounted rate)

DEADLINES (note – there are no exceptions or application extensions to the deadlines below):

• November 30 – Deadline for applications to the i4C. All wineries will be contacted on or before November 26 with confirmation of whether or not they will be participating in the 2016 event. Successful applicants will receive a letter from the LCBO/VINTAGES with next steps and NISS call numbers.
• November 30 – NISS deadline.