Staff and students at Niagara College’s Teaching Brewery are raising a glass to a golden pour with a new medal from the 2026 Canada Beer Cup.

The popular NC Craft Bitter won gold, leading the English Bitter and Pale Ale category.

“Canada Beer Cup is Canada’s national not-for-profit beer competition, and the most technical. Niagara College Teaching Brewery’s NC Craft Bitter stood out and was awarded Gold amongst blind-tasted 1,900 submissions,” said Hilary Hoogsteen, Canada Beer Competition Director. “This is an exceptional accomplishment and demonstrates the level of attention to detail in their program.”

“This incredible achievement is a testament to the hands-on, world-class education our students receive at the Teaching Brewery,” said Gary Torraville, Senior Director, Enterprises. “Winning gold on a national stage demonstrates that NC truly prepares our Brewmaster students to lead, innovate and set the standard for excellence in the craft beer industry.”

NC Craft Bitter is among the Teaching Brewery’s most popular student-made beers. To date, it has won 20 medals – six gold, nine silver and five bronze. While its medal count is tied with Beer 101 Strong, NC Craft Bitter stands out with more gold medals than any other beer in the program’s history.

Initially launched as Butler’s Bitter, which was introduced in 2012 to mark the bicentennial of the War of 1812, the English Pale Ale (4.4% ABV) was later released as Beer 101 Bitter – part of the Teaching Brewery’s flagship brand – while remaining available in bottles under its original name. In May 2026, it took on the NC Craft label as part of an epic rebranding that unified College products from the Teaching Winery, Teaching Brewery and Teaching Distillery.

Brewmaster Professor Jon Downing noted that the award-winning batch was brewed by both the current third-semester class of Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management students, and the latest class of 2026 program graduates. He attributed the brew’s ongoing success to the high and consistent quality of education of the student brewers, the expertise of Teaching Brewery staff, and the original recipe brewed 14 years ago.

“It is fantastic for the efforts of our students and brewing team to be recognized on the national stage,” said Downing. “The medal emphasizes the quality of the student experience, showing that what they are brewing and learning is up with the best in Canada.”

Daily operations at the Teaching Brewery are led by Head Brewer Ian Morrison and Lead Brewer Adam Marshall, who are both graduates of the Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program.

“The credit definitely has to be shared with our teachers and mentors as alumni of the program. And, of course, we are happy to share that win with the students of the Brewmaster program who we are now privileged enough to be involved with leading and training,” said Marshall. “But, most importantly, we hope the customers continue to enjoy our beers, and we can continue to bring people together over a pint.”

For second-year Brewmaster student Blake Hunt, the program’s draw was its focus on hands-on experience and creativity. Now she is celebrating alongside her instructors as the Bitter she and her classmates helped brew has brought home national gold.

“As a Brewmaster student, I feel honoured and elated to be a part of such a great accomplishment,” said Hunt. “We really come together as a community and work towards a better industry. It is always incredible getting to be a part of the brewing process and create products for others to enjoy.”

NC Craft Bitter is regularly produced and available for purchase alongside student-crafted products from NC’s School of Wine Beer and Spirits, at the NC Craft Beverage Centre (Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake) and online at nccraft.ca.

Operated by the Canadian Craft Brewers Association, the prestigious Canada Beer Cup is Canada’s largest and only national not-for-profit craft beer competition, celebrating independently owned and operated breweries across Canada. It showcases quality and innovation in craft beer from coast to coast to coast. Winners of the 2026 Canada Beer Cup were announced in Calgary on October 8.

The NC Teaching Brewery became Canada’s first teaching brewery when it opened in 2010-2011 as a living laboratory for students in NC’s trailblazing Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program. It is located at the College’s Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Products are available at the NC Craft Beverage Centre: visit nccraft.ca.

A leader in applied education, Niagara College offers diploma, bachelor degree, post-graduate and apprenticeship programs at specialized campuses in Niagara-on-the-Lake and Welland. Consistently ranked among Canada’s top research colleges, NC is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world that provide students with important hands-on-experience. NC welcomes students from across Niagara, Ontario, and around the world who are studying in in-demand programs that support key sectors and industries in Niagara and beyond, with graduates making important contributions in all corners of our community. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.

Media inquiries, please contact:

Julie Greco

Communications Consultant, Niagara College

905-328-2532

[email protected]

The post Raising the bar: Teaching brewery taps into national gold for NC Craft Bitter appeared first on Niagara College.

Niagara College is ready to shine a spotlight on the finest wines in the history of Canada’s first Teaching Winery with a unique dinner event this fall.

On Thursday, November 19, the College will host An Evening on the Dean’s List. The ticketed dinner event, to be held at Benchmark Restaurant, will shine a spotlight on a roster of select NC wines that were hand-picked as the “best of the best” premium vintages from the Teaching Winery since its inception more than 25 years ago.

Craig Youdale, Dean of Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies, gathered a team of College winemakers and expert faculty from the School of Wine, Beer and Spirits to sample the Teaching Winery’s collection of Dean’s List wines for a mass tasting before nine Dean’s List wines were ultimately selected: 2019 Blanc de Blancs, 2019 Blanc de Noirs, 2022 Viognier, 2019 Chardonnay, 2019 Pinot Noir, 2022 Riesling, 2022 Cabernet Franc, 2017 President’s Red and 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Fortified.

The final wine list inspired a custom menu, which was curated by the dean himself to ensure each chosen wine would be poured alongside a perfectly paired dish.

“Usually, we select wines to complement the menu for our dinner events, but on Nov.19, our wines will be the star of the show,” said Youdale. “My key role is to make sure that the food we produce allows the wines to shine and showcase their best qualities for our guests.”

The event will offer a highly educational comparative tasting of the Teaching Winery’s history. Guests will explore the 2019 vintage by tasting Chardonnay and a bronze-medal-winning (National Wine Awards) Pinot Noir as both sparkling and still wines – a rare, side-by-side comparison that highlights the versatility of Niagara wine and the impact of critical winemaking decisions.

“People are in for a sensorial treat as well as some surprises,” said Allison Findlay, Head Winemaker at the NC Teaching Winery, who graduated from the Winery and Viticulture Technician program in 2014. “We have been making exceptional wines since the day we launched the program and we are excited to tell the story of our 25 years through these bottles. They show growth, education, innovation, and quality.”

The event will feature the first ever crops from NC’s estate vineyard, along with a 2022 Viognier, a gold-medal winning (National Wine Awards) 2022 Riesling, and a 2022 Cabernet Franc, which recently earned a prestigious platinum medal (National Wine Awards).

The vintages hold a personal connection for Gavin Robertson, Professor and Coordinator of the Winery and Viticulture Technician program. Robertson began working at the Teaching Winery as a student in the program in 2010 and served as Head Winemaker from 2014-2021.

“We don’t often get an opportunity to put this many wines from the Teaching Winery’s history on the table at once and taste them comparatively,” said Robertson. “Wines such as the 2017 President’s Red, allow us to show what can happen when quality Niagara fruit, thoughtful winemaking and time come together. These wines provide a great snapshot of what our approach to wine education has produced over time.”

The selected 2019 sparkling wines have earned prestigious accolades, including two gold medals for the Blanc de Blancs (Decanter World Wine Awards and National Wine Awards), and a double gold (Ontario Wine Awards) for the Blanc de Noirs.

“Over the past 25 years, the Teaching Winery has been a place where students have learned by working with real equipment and real production decisions,” said Robertson. “The legacy we are celebrating isn’t only a collection of wines; it’s also the people who learned through making them and then carried that knowledge and experience into the evolving Canadian wine industry.”

The event will be held at NC’s Benchmark Restaurant – where the next generation of culinary and hospitality leaders gain real-world hands-on experience at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake – supported by the Benchmark team led by Victor Oliveira and Chef Justin Downes.

The signature dinner event will also put experiential learning into action for culinary and hospitality students, who gain the experience and expertise they need to succeed in the industry at a high-pressure, real-world dinner event.

Youdale noted that An Evening on the Dean’s List is a prime example of what makes NC’s Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies division so unique.

“Our students aren’t just learning in classrooms; they’re making world-class wines alongside our expert, award-winning winemakers, and delivering world-class culinary and hospitality excellence in real-world settings,” he said. “This event will be a true celebration of their work.”

A limited number of tickets are on sale for the Nov.19 event (reception at 6 p.m., dinner at 6:45 p.m.). For information and tickets visit https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/an-evening-on-the-deans-list-tickets-1995780204316?aff=oddtdtcreator

The NC Teaching Winery became Canada’s first commercial teaching winery in Canada when it was launched in November 2002 and is the only facility of its kind in the country today. A living laboratory for students in NC’s Winery and Viticulture Technician program, it is located at the College’s Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Products are available at the NC Craft Beverage Centre: visit nccraft.ca.

A leader in applied education, Niagara College offers diploma, bachelor degree, post-graduate and apprenticeship programs at specialized campuses in Niagara-on-the-Lake and Welland. Consistently ranked among Canada’s top research colleges, NC is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world that provide students with important hands-on-experience. NC welcomes students from across Niagara, Ontario, and around the world who are studying in in-demand programs that support key sectors and industries in Niagara and beyond, with graduates making important contributions in all corners of our community. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.

Media inquiries, please contact:

Julie Greco

Communications Consultant, Niagara College

905-328-2532

[email protected]

The post An Evening on the Dean’s List: Sip, savour and celebrate NC Teaching Winery’s finest appeared first on Niagara College.

Niagara College has officially launched its new Indigenous Education Strategy, Paddling Together, outlining a shared vision, strategic priorities and roadmap for advancing Indigenous education, strengthening relationships and supporting the College’s ongoing commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation process.

The Strategy was developed over two years through consultations, surveys, conversations, and teachings and was led by the College’s Indigenous Education Strategy Advisory Group. The group brought together Indigenous staff, Indigenous Education Management Circle representatives, and non-Indigenous colleagues to help shape the Strategy’s vision, priorities and commitments.

“Niagara College has been on an important journey to deepen our understanding of Indigenous perspectives and to centre those perspectives in our work,” said NC President, Sean Kennedy. “By drawing more fully on the diverse knowledge and experiences within our community, we can create a place where Indigenous learners continue to thrive, feel a stronger sense of belonging, connection, support and representation, and have meaningful opportunities to share their voices and shape the future of NC.”

In keeping with the principles of the Two Row Wampum and recognizing the waterways that have shaped the Niagara region, the Strategy’s five priority areas are represented as canoes: Community Relationships, Governance, Teaching and Learning, Indigenous Student Empowerment, and Organizational Culture and Systems.

The name Paddling Together reflects both the journey ahead and the importance of moving forward through listening, learning, relationships, and shared responsibility.

“Paddling Together is an important step in the College’s work to increase access, inclusion, and support for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across NC and to imagine what is possible for all learners when Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing are considered”, said Leah Hogan, Director, Indigenous Education. “It has been an honour to work alongside our Indigenous partners and NC colleagues to bring this vision to life and to build a foundation for meaningful, lasting change across our College community.”

The Strategy launch also provided an opportunity to celebrate Indigenous Education’s new visual identity, created by Indigenous woodland-style artist Tsista Kennedy. The artwork was developed to complement Paddling Together, reflecting themes of Indigenous education, connection and community, and the College’s continued journey toward Reconciliation.

At the launch event, the artist shared the inspiration and meaning behind the artwork, which features his distinctive style of semi-bold black lines, intricate patterns and vibrant colours.

The artwork has been installed as a mural wrapping around the Indigenous Education Centre at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Additional installations will be added in other areas of the College, extending the visual identity of Paddling Together at NC.

 “As we launch Paddling Together, I invite our entire College community to carry this work forward with respect, openness, reciprocity and a commitment to Indigenous leadership as we all have a role to play in creating a more inclusive College community, strengthening relationships with Indigenous Peoples and communities, and contributing to meaningful and lasting change,” said President Kennedy.

To learn more about NC’s new Indigenous Education Strategy, please visit niagaracollege.ca/paddling-together 

A leader in applied education, Niagara College offers diploma, bachelor degree, post-graduate and apprenticeship programs at specialized campuses in Niagara-on-the-Lake and Welland. Consistently ranked among Canada’s top research colleges, NC is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world that provide students with important hands-on-experience. NC welcomes students from across Niagara, Ontario, and around the world who are studying in in-demand programs that support key sectors and industries in Niagara and beyond, with graduates making important contributions in all corners of our community. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.

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Media inquiries, please contact:

Courtney De Caire
Communications Consultant
289-407-8298
[email protected]

The post Paddling Together: Niagara College Launches Indigenous Education Strategy appeared first on Niagara College.

When the College’s trailblazing learning enterprises team up with its award-winning Research Innovation division, the results are decidedly effervescent.

The proof is in the latest ready-to-drink (RTD) offerings rolled out by the NC Craft Beverage Centre: “Campus Crush” seltzers. The new seltzers debuted just in time for summer with two distinct, refreshing flavours: Raspberry Rhubarb Rosé and Lime Cucumber Riesling.

The College’s first seltzers are the fruit of a collaboration between the College’s Teaching Winery – part of the NC Learning Enterprises Corporation (NCLEC) – and innovative Food and Beverage Innovation Centre (FBIC), which sits within NC’s award-winning Research and Innovation division.

“This initiative is an excellent example of what can be achieved when Niagara College’s learning enterprises and applied research expertise come together with a shared vision for innovation,” said Gary Torraville, Senior Director, Enterprises. “This collaboration between the Teaching Winery and NC’s Food and Beverage Innovation Centre brought together winemaking excellence, product development expertise and a commitment to creating industry-relevant experiences for students. Campus Crush is definitely a prime example of the power of collaboration to transform ideas into market-ready products.”

Following the debut of these small-batch seltzers, NCLEC plans to offer seasonal varieties moving forward.

“They were made with our Rosé and Riesling as a base, so quality VQA wine, and are only 4.5% alcohol,” said Allison Findlay, Winemaker at the NC Teaching Winery.

A recipe for collaboration

The seltzers were initiated over a year ago as a partnership between the Teaching Winery and FBIC. The teams sought to create premium, wine-based RTD beverages, showcasing the NC Teaching Winery wines while meeting strict standards for sensory quality, food safety, regulatory compliance, and commercial scalability.

Achieving this required careful selection of the wine base, sweetener levels, acidity profiles, and pasteurization and carbonation conditions.

“It was fascinating to work together and learn from each other in terms of flavour definition, standardization and wine-pairing to offer a unique and outstanding RTD experience while ensuring quality and safety,” said Dr. Ana Cristina Vega-Lugo, Scientific Manager at FBIC. “We wanted to offer a unique and outstanding RTD experience while ensuring quality and safety.”

After evaluating numerous flavour combinations in FBIC’s product development laboratories, the team landed on two profiles they felt perfectly complemented the base wines: Raspberry Rhubarb Rosé and Lime Cucumber Riesling.

The first is formulated as a light, fruit-forward beverage with balanced acidity and moderate sweetness. The rosé wine provided the flavour backbone, colour, and aromatic complexity, while the raspberry and rhubarb deliver a vibrant, fruit-dominant finish.

The second is a crisp, wine-forward beverage, where lime and cucumber add complexity, offering a refreshing twist tailored for summer weather.

Using NC’s own VQA wines as the alcohol base gives the seltzers a strong regional identity.

Both products were designed to align with current consumer demands for convenient, natural, and premium RTD beverages. They were packaged in sleek 335-mL aluminum cans at FBIC’s HACCP-certified beverage pilot plant.

The successful launch was made possible by the dedicated work of the research team, including Research Technologist Stephanie Skotidas, and Research Assistant Mya Dodd who is a current student.

The project was applied learning in action for Dodd, who will be entering her third year of the Culinary Innovation and Food Technology program and has been working with FBIC since October 2024.

She helped formulate the recipes, prepare trial batches, and evaluate flavour profiles — adjusting throughout the process to achieve the desired results, and gaining hands-on experience in product formulation, sensory evaluation and beverage innovation.

“I enjoyed seeing how small changes to ingredients and formulations could significantly impact the final product. Working alongside experienced professionals helped me build confidence, strengthen my technical skills, and further confirmed my passion for food and beverage research and product development,” said Dodd. “This experience has been an important part of my growth as a future food scientist and product developer.

Where to find them

Campus Crush seltzers are available in 355-mL cans while supplies last at the NC Craft Beverage Centre (formerly the Wine Visitor + Education Centre) located at the College’s Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake (135 Taylor Rd.). Visit nccraft.ca/.

Consistently ranked among Canada’s top research colleges, NC is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world that provide students with important hands-on-experience. NC welcomes students from across Niagara, Ontario, and around the world who are studying in in-demand programs that support key sectors and industries in Niagara and beyond, with graduates making important contributions in all corners of our community. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.

Media inquiries, please contact:

Julie Greco

Communications Consultant

905-328-2532

[email protected]

The post Campus Crush seltzers serve up summer innovation appeared first on Niagara College.

On June 25, three recent graduates from Niagara College’s Public Relations (PR) graduate certificate program were recognized by the Hamilton chapter of the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) at the annual Pinnacle Awards Gala.

2026 graduates Jade Cappadocio of Stoney Creek, Karolina Odrzywolski of Hamilton, and Robert Liota of Lincoln each won awards at the ceremony in Burlington.

“Niagara College is incredibly proud of 2026 Public Relations graduates Karolina, Robert and Jade for this well-deserved recognition from CPRS,” said Michelle Giroux, Associate Dean of NC’s School of Media. “Just weeks after graduating, they are already making an impact with local employers across the Golden Horseshoe. Their success reflects their remarkable talent and dedication to the profession and the commitment of the faculty in the PR program who prepare our graduates for rewarding careers.”

Cappadocio, who works in communications for Tim Hortons Foundation Camps, won the Student Award of Excellence. This marks the fourth consecutive year that an NC PR student has received the honour.

“I am so honoured and so proud to have received such incredible recognition for all my hard work this early on in my career,” said Cappadocio. “For the first time in my life, I am completely sure of who I am, what I want, and what I am capable of achieving.”

After completing Journalism at Mohawk College, Cappadocio transitioned into NC’s one-year graduate certificate PR program, prompted by conversation with program coordinator Emily McInerney.

“Niagara College helped me hone my skills and grow into a strategic communicator,” she said. “The program set the industry standard and gave me the confidence to pursue the job I wanted, knowing I had the skills to succeed and the courage to put myself out there. I will forever be grateful for my teachers, the curriculum, and the confidence this program reawakened within me.”

Odrzywolski, who works in communications for the City of Port Colborne, won the Heather J. Pullen Memorial Award, presented to a graduating student member of CPRS Hamilton in recognition of outstanding commitment to professional integrity and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Kim Zarzuela, Chair of Awards at CPRS, said Odrzywolski demonstrated excellent academic performance and active involvement with CPRS Hamilton.

“What made Karolina stand apart was how she was proactive in getting involved with CPRS Hamilton as the student representative for 2025-26, and her efforts to support event planning, and her participation in the mentorship program,” said Zarzuela.

A graduate from McMaster University with an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and Political Science, Odrzywolski sees her role with the City of Port Colborne as a ‘perfect fit,’ marrying her background in political science with municipal communications.

“I’ve always wanted to bring those two areas together: my understanding of politics and my passion for clear, accessible communication that serves the public,” she said.

Odrzywolski was moved by the recognition by CPRS Hamilton, calling it not only encouraging, but validating.

“It has strengthened my confidence, deepened my passion for this industry, and made it clear that this is exactly where I’m meant to be,” said Odrzywolski. “One thing I know for certain is that I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in today without the Niagara College Public Relations program. It has given me a strong foundation through hands-on learning and a lifelong network of professionals and peers who continue to support and inspire me as I grow in my career.”

Liota and Odrzywolski were each recognized for their real-world communications work, earning them prestigious silver level Pinnacle Awards.

Zarzuela said both Liota and Odrzywolski demonstrated exceptional aptitude in submissions that exceeded the rigor typically expected of student work.

Zarzuela called it an “exceptional feat.”

“It was a clear demonstration of the high quality of instruction they’ve received within the Niagara College PR program, and it was such a joy to see students put their work forward with confidence, knowing it would be judged against a professional-level criteria,” said Zarzuela.

Liota, who came to NC to polish his skills after earning a Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication from Brock University, was recognized for crafting a communications plan for EB Games. His campaign, True North Strong and Stream, sought to reinforce the brand’s Canadian identity through collaborations with Canadian streamers.

Liota found employment soon after graduating in a communications role for the City of Welland.

Odrzywolski developed a communications plan for the Hamilton Street Railway, leveraging hands-on experience from her NC program. Her winning campaign focused on building awareness among residents on new bus routes.

NC alumnus Bhrigu Bagga (PR, 2023) was also recognized with a Pinnacle Award in the Employee Engagement category for his work as Communications Advisor for Brant Community Healthcare Systems, in addition to the Mark Gregory Memorial Award. Bagga received the Student Award of Excellence in 2024.

Applications for the one-year graduate certificate are open for the Fall Term with classes starting in September. Learn more: niagaracollege.ca/media/program/public-relations

Related stories:

• Niagara College Public Relations student makes national waves with top honour

A leader in applied education, Niagara College offers diploma, bachelor degree, post-graduate and apprenticeship programs at specialized campuses in Niagara-on-the-Lake and Welland. Consistently ranked among Canada’s top research colleges, NC is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world that provide students with important hands-on-experience. NC welcomes students from across Niagara, Ontario, and around the world who are studying in in-demand programs that support key sectors and industries in Niagara and beyond, with graduates making important contributions in all corners of our community. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.

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Media inquiries:
Jessica Torok
Communications Consultant
905-932-1520
[email protected]

The post Three recent Niagara College graduates recognized by Canadian Public Relations Society – Hamilton for early industry impact appeared first on Niagara College.