From harvesting frozen grapes to debuting a historic beer, it’s Icewine season at NC

Flurries and cold temperatures proved to be the perfect storm for students at Niagara College on the morning of Jan. 16.

At first light, they set out into the vineyard for NC Teaching Winery’s highly anticipated Icewine harvest. They trudged through the deep snow for hours to hand-pick frozen Vidal grapes for a lesson in what it takes to create Niagara’s most treasured vintage.  

Wine Professor Gavin Robertson and Winemaker Allison Findlay – who are both alumni of NC’s Winery and Viticulture Technician diploma program – gave the green light for the Icewine harvest, ensuring the forecast hit the VQA-required minimum of minus-eight degrees Celsius. About 40 wine students answered the call, joined by peers from the School of Wine, Beer and Spirits, and the School of Hospitality, all eager to get into the spirit of the season.

The Icewine harvest is one of the most powerful real-world learning experiences our students have; it’s truly an ‘only at Niagara College’ moment,” said Robertson. “Harvesting grapes right here on campus in extreme winter conditions and then following that fruit all the way through fermentationto bottle teaches lessons about patience, precision, and resilience that simply can’t be replicated in a classroom.

“It’s been a rite of passage for our students for 25 vintages and a cornerstone of hands-on learning at Niagara College.”

For first-year Winery and Viticulture Technician student Rowan McDowell, it was her first Icewine harvest.

“I absolutely love Icewine and I have a higher respect for it now, after being out here in the cold for hours,” she said. “Now I understand why it costs upwards of $50 a bottle.”

Second-year Winery and Viticulture Technician student Dakota George didn’t want to miss the chance to participate for the second time.

“It’s amazing experience. Digging in the snow, pulling grapes off the vine, it’s kind of like being a kid again,” he said.

The St. Catharines resident enrolled in the program after years of working in construction. He chuckled as he recalled how he thought that switching to winemaking would be less physically demanding.

“I had a passion for wine and I wanted to share it with people,” he said. “I underestimated the amount of physical labour involved in winemaking for sure, but it’s amazing. You meet a lot of people and make new connections.”

The fruits of the day’s labour will eventually be released as the Teaching Winery’s Dean’s List Icewine – expected to hit the shelves next year.

“Icewine takes way more time, energy and input than other wines do. It’s a specialty wine and they are all exceptional quality from the start,” said Findlay. “And this year’s growing season was so high quality, it was a really good harvest, so I expect a really good wine.”

For 25 years, NC’s trailblazing Teaching Winery – the first and only facility of its kind in Canada – has been a living laboratory for the College’s Winery and Viticulture Technician students, producing hundreds of skilled graduates who have gone on to advance the wine industry in Niagara and beyond.

“There is no other school in the world that does this. Our wine students are able to experience all aspects of Icewine production right on campus –from picking frozen grapes off the vine in our vineyards, to pressing the grapes, producing and bottling at our Teaching Winery,” said Craig Youdale, Dean of NC’s Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies division.
“It is the definition of applied learning.”

From the vineyard to the village

While aspiring winemakers braved the freezing vines to gain vital experience, a unique hybrid creation from NC’s Teaching Winery and Teaching Brewery is ready to break the ice at the Niagara Icewine Festival with a historic debut.

For the first time in the festival’s history, a beer will be served at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Icewine Village (starting Jan. 17) – and that beer will be NC’s Ice Wine Strong Ale, a collaborative creation from NC’s Teaching Winery and Teaching Brewery.

“We are thrilled to make history at the Icewine Village this year with the debut of Ice Wine Strong Ale, which showcases the collaborative spirit of NC’s Learning Enterprises,” said Marc Nantel, President and Acting General Manager of NC’s Learning Enterprises. “The Ice Wine Strong Ale is an example of the innovation and quality of student learning that truly sets NC apart.”

Katie MacCabe, Marketing Manager for Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake, noted that they approached the College seeking to broaden the beverage menu for this year’s winter festival.

“Niagara College was a natural partner for this,” said MacCabe. “They are the only beer being offered on Queen Street.”

Ice Wine Strong Ale was crafted for the occasion, blending the College’s 2023 Prodigy Icewine with a Strong Ale.

College Brewmaster Professor Jon Downing developed the ale from a batch of his popular Rudolph’s Red Nosed Ale (later known as Strong 101), which is a regular offering brewed by students in the Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program. Staff from the Teaching Brewery and the Wine Visitor and Education Centre then collaborated to determine the perfect blend.

“It’s awesome that a College beer will be the first to ever be served at the Icewine Village,” said Downing. “Getting the flavour balance right was tricky; we wanted balance more than anything.”

The result is a rich, full-bodied ale (7.3% ABV) with subtle caramel notes that balance the bitterness, finishing with a delicate hint of Icewine on the palate.

“It’s very drinkable, well balanced, and feels like a perfect fit for a winter street festival,” added McCabe. “Their Teaching Winery and Brewery were able to collaborate in a really thoughtful way to create an Ice Wine Strong Ale that feels unique to the festival and rooted in Niagara’s wine culture.”

As a partner of the Niagara Icewine Festival and a participating winery, staff from the College’s Wine Visitor + Education Centre will pour wine and the new Ice Wine Strong Ale at the NOTL Icewine Village (Jan. 17-18, 24-25) as well as the Icewine Gala (Jan. 31).  For information visit niagarawinefestival.com/icewine-village.

Limited quantities of NC’s Ice Wine Strong Ale will also be available for purchase while supplies last at the Wine Visitor + Education Centre retail store (Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake), where a variety of student-crafted products from the College’s Learning Enterprises are available.

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

905-328-2532

[email protected]

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The Niagara College Teaching Winery’s popular Cherry Cider has struck sweet success at one of the world’s largest hard cider competitions.

At the prestigious 2025 U.S. Open Cider Championship, the College’s Cherry Cider recently reaped a bronze medal. It shared the honour with Yellow Belly Cherry Cider from Minnesota, alongside the gold-winning McKenzie’s Black Cherry (New York) and silver-winning Ciderboys Cherry Jubilee (Wisconsin) in the Cherry Cider category.

“We’re proud of our Teaching Winery’s continued success as an established leader in wine production over the past 25 years, as well as cider production over the past decade,” said Marc Nantel, President and Acting General Manager of NC’s Learning Enterprises. “This latest international medal is a tremendous win for not only our staff but our students, who gain hands-on experience producing high-quality products which are recognized among the best in the world.”

College Winemaker Allison Findlay, who crafted the cider with the Teaching Winery’s production team, noted the significance of the international achievement.

“It is important to showcase the quality of product coming out of the Teaching Winery/cidery,” she said. “It is also important to participate in these competitions to understand where we stand within our industry.”

Cherry Cider uses its flagship cider, Cider 101, as a base, which is then blended with Montmorency cherry juice sourced locally from Cherry Lane in Vineland. The result is a visually distinct and flavourful beverage. It began as a seasonal item but quickly became a permanent fixture on the Teaching Winery’s shelves due to overwhelming demand.

“It is a beautiful pink colour, with notes of fresh cherry on the nose and a hint of apple notes,” said Findlay, “If one person orders it, people turn their heads because of the fun colour. It is a bit of a change from regular cider, and it is a delicious option for those looking to sip a lighter alcohol beverage, and an alternative to beer.”

The new bronze award is the first for NC’s Cherry Cider since Findlay became NC Winemaker in 2022.

While the wine curriculum is the focus for students, the Teaching Winery’s overall cider program has experienced significant growth over the years. Findlay noted that the NC Teaching Winery is a member of the Ontario Craft Cider Association and offers two main ciders, alongside four seasonal varieties.

News about the medal was applauded by staff at the Wine Visitor + Education Centre where student-crafted products from the College’s learning enterprises, including the Teaching Winery, Teaching Brewery and Teaching Distillery are available for purchase.

“We’re excited about the victory as well,” said Amanda Baldinelli, Hospitality Event Manager from the NC Learning Enterprises Corporation. “The Cherry Cider is a very popular product, it’s great that it was awarded this prize.”

NC’s Teaching Winery officially launched in November 2002 as the first commercial facility of its kind in Canada and continues to lead the way in beverage education and production.

The Teaching Winery ventured into hard cider production in 2015 when it introduced Cider 101 – a modern, approachable, and fruit-forward New World pub cider – which has since won multiple international awards. In 2021, it became first cider in the history of the U.S. Open to achieve four gold medals by that year. It won a bronze at the competition in 2022, as well as a bronze at the Ontario Cider Awards (2016). 

It has also won medals at the U.S. Open Cider Championship for other ciders over the years, including gold for its Cidre Fermier (2022,Heritage Cider category), gold for its Brut Cider (2019, Brut Cider category), and silver for its Les Marmitons Gastronomy Cider (2021, Fruit and Berry Cider category).

The Teaching Winery has also been ranked highly overall in the U.S. Open Cider Championship: in 2019 it tied for third place among all cideries, and in 2021 it ranked among the Top 10 Cideries and was the only college and Canadian producer on the list. 

Cherry Cider is available for purchase in 750 ml bottles ($16.75 per bottle) and by the pint (when available on tap) at NC’s Wine Visitor + Education Centre retail store – alongside products from the Teaching Winery, Teaching Brewery and Teaching Distillery – located at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake (135 Taylor Rd.). Select products are also available online at niagaracollegewine.ca. Proceeds from the sale of products from the College’s Learning Enterprises support student learning.

For information about the U.S. Open Cider Championship visit usopencider.com/

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

905-328-2532

[email protected]

The post Pick of the season: Teaching Winery’s Cherry Cider brings home international medal appeared first on Niagara College.

As demand for skilled clean-energy professionals grows, Niagara College and the Province of Ontario are investing in the training tools needed to prepare tomorrow’s workforce.

New, leading-edge instructional equipment has arrived at the Welland Campus, enhancing learning for students in the two-year Renewable Energies Technician program.

The equipment was made possible through a provincial investment from the College Equipment and Renewal Fund (CERF) of $300,000 matched by the college’s contribution of $312,084, for a total project cost of $612,084 in 2024-45.

“Niagara College thanks the provincial government for its remarkable support,” said President Sean Kennedy. “This investment helps future-proof our technology programs and enhance student learning. It will ensure we continue to prepare the next generation of skilled technicians, especially in clean and sustainable energy, where our grads are in high demand and key to Canada’s sustainable future.”

As demand for clean energy soars, the program trains highly skilled graduates to install, operate, repair, and maintain renewable energy systems for in-demand careers in technology. Students in the program learn to assess energy consumption and optimize efficiency for both residential and commercial settings.

“As our government continues to protect Ontario and build on our clean energy advantage, the province is making strategic investments to train skilled workers in the renewable energy sector,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West. “This investment through the College Equipment and Renewal Fund for Niagara College will help secure an affordable energy future for our region and across the province.”

“Canada’s renewable energy industry is growing fast and urgently needs skilled workers,” said program coordinator Bryan Mewhiney. “Many of our students have jobs lined up before they even graduate, but the challenge is awareness. Too few people know this field exists, nor that the sector offers lifelong, meaningful careers.”

The funding has enabled advanced learning in solar, HVAC, and geothermal energy through a new solar training facility, four heat pump trainers, and two geothermal learning systems.

“Designing and managing renewable energy systems takes specialized training and a strong foundation in engineering – that’s exactly what we provide at Niagara College,” said Mewhiney.

The solar training facility simulates a real house roof where students gain hands-on experience installing solar panels, but on ground-level for safety. Students from the college’s own School of Trades, led by instructor Craig Brown, constructed the half-truss roof.

New heat pump trainers and geothermal learning systems are preparing students to service this emerging and highly efficient technology that uses heat from the ground to do the work of an air conditioner, furnace or boiler all-in-one to both heat and cool. Unlike solar and wind energy, geothermal is available year-round, 24/7.

Graduates from the Renewable Energies Technician program go on to careers managing renewable energy projects, designing and implementing sustainable systems, installing and maintaining solar PV, solar thermal, wind turbines, and geothermal HVAC systems, retrofitting buildings for energy efficiency, and working in technical sales to promote clean energy technologies.

Renewable Energies Technician alum Ayodele Aderinkoye (2024) came to NC from Nigeria with a background in electrical and electronics engineering and a passion for sustainable energy. Now working as a Wind Turbine Technician with Enercon Service Canada, he says the program set him up for success.

“The hands-on learning, excellent training facilities, and the continuous support from my professors gave me the skills and confidence I needed to succeed in the renewable energy field,” said Aderinkoye.

Aderinkoye returned to NC to speak with students this fall and said the new training facility will give future students a strong start.

“It will give students access to state-of-the-art technology, combined with the outstanding teaching from our professors. “It will prepare them to excel in the renewable energies world.”

Apply for Fall Term 2026

Applications are being accepted for the Fall 2026 intake of the Renewable Energies Technician program. Domestic and international students are welcome to apply, and international students who enroll will be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

Ministry of College and Universities College Equipment and Renewal Fund

The funds support colleges to acquire and renew instructional equipment and learning resources to deliver relevant, high-quality education and training that meet evolving employer needs and support Ontario’s economy.

A leader in applied education, Niagara College (NC) 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:

Jessica Torok
Communications Consultant 
Niagara College
905-932-1520
[email protected]

The post Niagara College enhances clean energy training with provincial investment appeared first on Niagara College.

For up-and-coming photographer William Mitchell, patience is part of the craft.

One morning in the woods, the Niagara College Photography student from St. Catharines captured the elusive silver fox; an extraordinary image that was selected to be featured in Canadian Geographic magazine.

“The silver fox is a very beautiful animal and one I’ve been interested in photographing for a number of years,” said Mitchell, an aspiring wildlife photographer in his second year at the College.

Mitchell’s final image – one of 98 selected from about 10,000 entries – was framed to the right, zoomed in, cropped, and the background selectively darkened to emphasize the fox’s natural characteristics. The result: beautiful balance and strong composition.

“There’s an intimacy about William’s photo that is captivating,” said Abi Hayward, Senior Editor of Canadian Geographic. “The fox’s amber eyes are fixed on the photographer and, now the image is printed, the reader. It’s a moment of quiet, enhanced by the play between light and dark, capturing the moment after the squirrel’s life had been taken by the fox, as life begets life. There’s a closeness between predator and prey that William caught here, almost as if the squirrel is submitting to the fox. All of this tells a story, which is why it was included in our special issue.”

The magical shot is as unique as the creature itself. Not only are foxes shy, guarded, and typically nocturnal, the silver fox is an uncommon colour variation of the red fox, making up only 10 per cent of the population.

“Tracking it involved patience, understanding, and research … you have to wait for nature to reveal itself,” said Mitchell. “You will not always be successful, but that’s the fun of it all. Be two steps ahead of the animal without chasing. Listening to your surroundings is huge.”

Mitchell credits all his professors in NC’s  Photography program for inspiring him to follow his passion. In particular, Grace Smith who first encouraged Mitchell to submit his photographs to the magazine and helped him print a poster of the silver fox image. 

Mitchell also says he will never forget what Jerry Zolner, a professor who passed away earlier this year, once told him:

“There is never a reason to not do what you love,” said Zolner, who taught at NC for over a decade.

“Niagara College has prepared me through the knowledge and guidance of the professors, the quality curriculum of the Photography program and helped me to widen my skills and given me the basis for success.”

“It is so wonderful to see one of our students achieve recognition for their work at the highest level even before they graduate,” says Charles Kopun, Associate Dean of Media Studies. “We’re thrilled for William. It not only speaks to his innate talent but also to his commitment to the craft and building on the skills that we’re helping him develop in our Photography program.”

With dreams of global expeditions and leading nature workshops, the exposure and recognition of being featured in a national magazine is a step toward turning his photography ambitions into reality.

The moment he heard the news, Mitchell rushed out of class to pick up a copy.

“I saw my photo in the opening pages of the edition… I was amazed, surprised and joyful.”

Rare as a silver fox, Mitchell’s story reminds us that success belongs to those who keep up the chase.

Canadian Geographic is published by the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, and is distributed through subscriptions, online access and retail sales across Canada and internationally.

A leader in applied education, Niagara College (NC) 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: 

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

The post Canadian Geographic publishes work by NC Photography student appeared first on Niagara College.

Following Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent announcement of increased federal investments in border security, including the hiring of 1,000 new Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers, Niagara College is answering the call with programs designed to train and prepare the next generation of law enforcement professionals.

Through its School of Justice and Fitness, Niagara College offers a suite of programs that provide students with real-world experience and practical skills for careers in policing, border services, and investigations.

“We prepare students to enter the workforce with confidence,” said John Bauer, Professor in the School of Justice and Fitness and former CBSA officer. “Our programs provide comprehensive training across all areas of law enforcement. From psychology and criminology to analytical writing, criminal and civil law, and contemporary social issues, we continually adapt our teaching to reflect the evolving landscape of law enforcement.”

Niagara College’s law enforcement programs combine traditional coursework with hands-on learning and emerging technologies. Professors Bauer and Natalie Mazzarelli, also a former CBSA officer, have developed new coursework that integrates artificial intelligence into report-writing exercises, mirroring how law enforcement professionals are leveraging AI in real-world scenarios.

“Students are tasked with identifying procedural or legal issues in sample reports and then improving them before using AI tools to analyze them,” explained Mazzarelli. “It’s an exercise in critical thinking and technological literacy, skills that are increasingly important in modern policing.”

Students also benefit from Niagara College’s strong industry connections. Faculty bring extensive experience from agencies across Canada and maintain partnerships through the Program Advisory Committee (PAC), ensuring that course content remains aligned with current law enforcement practices and standards.

Hands-on training takes place in the College’s state-of-the-art Justice Simulation Lab, which features an interactive, floor-to-ceiling screen for realistic police use-of-force scenarios and simulated crime scene labs for investigative training. Students also receive the physical testing expected in policing and border services from certified trainers as part of their hands-on preparation. They participate in mock interviews with police recruiters, ride-alongs with Niagara Regional Police, and virtual reality simulations that test decision-making and communication under pressure.

“Our facilities are so advanced that local law enforcement agencies often use them for their own training,” said Bauer. “Our students graduate not only with classroom knowledge but with the interpersonal and physical readiness that law enforcement demands.”

Niagara College’s Advanced Law Enforcement and Investigations Certificate, designed for students who already hold a diploma or degree in a justice-related field, boasts a near-perfect graduate employment rate. Alumni have gone on to careers as CBSA officers, police officers, private investigators, and insurance fraud investigators.

Beyond technical expertise, the College emphasizes the soft skills essential to modern policing.

“We’re seeing a shift toward community-based policing,” Bauer noted. “It’s not just about enforcing the law, it’s about building trust. Our students learn to manage situations with professionalism and respect, which is essential in today’s environment.”

As law enforcement agencies at all levels of government expand their recruitment efforts, Niagara College continues to play a vital role in preparing skilled, adaptable, and ethical graduates ready to serve their communities.

“There are so many opportunities once you’re in,” said Mazzarelli. “Within the CBSA alone, there are paths in customs, immigration, investigations, and more. The same is true for the RCMP and other agencies.”

With Canada strengthening its border and public safety systems, Niagara College remains committed to producing graduates who serve with competence, integrity, and adaptability and who are ready to meet the challenges of a changing world.

For more information about Niagara College’s programs in the School of Justice and Fitness Studies, visit https://www.niagaracollege.ca/justiceandfitness/

A leader in applied education, Niagara College (NC) offers diploma, bachelor degree, post-graduate and apprenticeship programs at specialized campuses in Niagara-on-the-Lake and Welland. Ranked as the No.1 research college in Canada, 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 Niagara College programs prepare students for careers in law enforcement amid national hiring surge appeared first on Niagara College.