1. Ice Wine’s Irresistible Sweetness

Ice wine is a dessert wine known for its intense sweetness, achieved by using grapes that freeze naturally on the vine. As the water in the grapes freezes, the sugars remain, resulting in a highly concentrated, sweet flavor.

2. Michigan’s Perfect Climate for Ice Wine

Michigan’s cold winters create ideal conditions for producing ice wine, something many other U.S. states cannot achieve. Several Michigan wineries, particularly on the Leelanau Peninsula and Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trails, offer this delightful wine.

3. Strict Guidelines Ensure Quality

Ice wine production is governed by strict rules concerning the harvesting, processing, and labeling of the wine, not just in Michigan but worldwide, to maintain authenticity and quality.

4. Frozen Grapes Make the Difference

Ice wine is crafted from grapes that freeze on the vine. While some wines are made from grapes harvested and then frozen, only those naturally frozen can be labeled as “ice wine.” Visiting vineyards in winter provides a unique experience, highlighting the stark contrast to other seasons.

5. A Risky Endeavor

Leaving grapes on the vine for ice wine production is risky. The longer they remain, the more their sugar concentrates, attracting birds and other animals. Growers often use netting to protect the grapes from these natural threats.

6. Weather is Crucial

Ice wine production is highly dependent on weather conditions. Grapes can be lost to hail, wind, or unexpected warm spells, making the process even more challenging.

7. The Magic Number: 18 Degrees

For successful ice wine production, grapes must be harvested when the temperature reaches around 18 degrees Fahrenheit. At this point, the water within the grapes freezes, but the sugars do not, preserving the sweetness.

8. Too Cold Can Be a Problem

If temperatures drop too low for too long, the grapes can freeze too hard, making it impossible to extract juice. These over-frozen grapes become unusable.

9. Timing is Everything

Grapes used for ice wine must be harvested quickly before they thaw, often with little notice. Harvesting is usually done by hand, sometimes in the middle of the night, and the grapes are pressed while still frozen to extract the highly concentrated juice.

10. Perfect Pairings

Ice wine is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with desserts like crème brûlée or pecan pie. It also complements strong cheeses or creamy pâté, making for a luxurious evening of indulgence.