Depending on who you ask, International Chardonnay Day is either always on a (late) Thursday of May (like  Beaujolais Nouveau is in November) in which case it’s May 22 this year), or it’s on May 23th each year. Why quibble? I say celebrate it both days!

Anyway – in celebration of International Chardonnay Day and in anticipation of the International Cool Climate Chardonnay (i4C for short) celebration in July, some of the wineries that’ll be participating in i4C held a “pop-up” tasting in Toronto today.

This year 58 wineries from around the world will be at i4C and of the handful of wineries at today’s event, there wineries terrific examples from South Africa, France, Spain, Argentina, Chile, and Ontario.

I have to say, the differences – some subtle, some quite distinct – was remarkable. I’ve always thought that one of the best ways to learn about a varietal is to try different examples of it – and at i4C you’ll be able to try Chardonnays from cool climate growing regions around the world. Can’t wait!

i4C runs from June 18-20, 2014. Information about the events happening over the three days (and ticket information) can be found at: coolchardonnay.org.