Chilled chardonnay's always a good idea in the summer, but there's a whole weekend devoted to celebrating the world's number one white wine in Niagara July 22-24, with events and good food.

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Every year Lifford throws a big bash with cars, cigars, and fine wines. A big crowd checked out the Lifford and other agents' ranges at the Audi showroom on Thursday, July 14.

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If you can't make it to Montreal this summer for the Jazz Festival, maybe you can make it to Niagara on July 9th. Hillebrand has a long-standing summer tradition of hosting live jazz concerts.

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And wine too... The Toronto Wine & Spirit festival happens this year at Polson Pier overlooking the harbour. Key word here is "affordable" and the focus is on fun. It takes place June 16th - 18th.

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BBQ Afrikaans-style with a braai and 40+ wines from South Africa. The event is hosted by iYellow Wine Club, which throws some cool tastings - like, who else gives you actual beats? From an actual DJ? June 15th at C-Lounge.

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Cafe Taste is a "wine and cheese bar" run by the genial Jeremy Day. With one of the best selections of VQA wines he displays his gold medal accreditation. His 4th annual Ontario Wine Fair is on June 4th.

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The division of Niagara into sub-appellations a couple of years ago - some said "premature" - seems to be gelling with a few of them, particularly the Beamsville Bench. Go grazing there June 4-5.

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There's a lot of great wine made in Niagara and locals support the industry by regularly attending festivals, fairs and dinners. But soon, for the first time in Niagara, there'll be an international wine fair.

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