Inside the Vines:

Thanksgiving is a holiday rich in tradition, from classic recipes and family gatherings to reflections of gratitude. While Thanksgiving traditions like turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie bring a familiar sense of warmth to the table, each generation adds new twists to make the holiday uniquely memorable. One modern tradition growing in popularity is incorporating ice wine—a sweet, luxurious dessert wine—into Thanksgiving celebrations. Here’s how Nitz Reserve Ice Wine can bring a fresh and elegant touch to the holiday table. 

Producing ice wine is as challenging as it is magical. Unlike traditional wines, ice wine is made from grapes that freeze naturally on the vine. During the freeze-thaw cycle, water inside the grapes freezes, separating it from the sugars and other solids, which remain concentrated in the fruit. This process results in a naturally sweet wine with intensely rich flavors.

Harvesting ice wine is a delicate, labor-intensive process. Our team closely monitors weather conditions, waiting for the perfect moment to pick the grapes when they are fully frozen, but not overripe. We are at the mercy of Mother Nature, as the ideal harvesting temperature falls between 15 to 18 degrees Fahrenheit. To preserve the frozen state of the grapes, we often harvest them at night to prevent them from thawing in the morning sun. Immediately after picking, the grapes are pressed while still frozen to extract a small, highly concentrated amount of juice.