5 Things to Know About Pairing Ice Wine With a Cheese Plate in Niagara

Ice wine is Niagara’s legitimate claim to fame Ontario’s side produces world-class ice wine, a sweet dessert wine made from grapes frozen on the vine. It pairs naturally with cheese.

Stick with local cheeses from New York State Sharp cheddar from the U.S. side cuts through the wine’s sweetness. Avoid generic supermarket cheese.

Add local stone fruit in summer Peaches and plums from Niagara-on-the-Lake complement the wine’s honeyed notes. They’re a seasonal must.

Skip the poutine and butter tarts These are fine on their own but clash with ice wine. Save them for a separate meal.

Keep the pairing simple and regional The best meals in Niagara lean into what’s local. Don’t try to fake a French or Italian cheese plate.