The Niagara College Teaching Winery is a unique learning environment where students gain hands-on experience in winemaking, viticulture, and sales. Established in 2000, it pioneered wine education in Canada, offering students the opportunity to learn from industry professionals and produce award-winning wines. Led by talented winemaker Allison Findlay, a Niagara College alumna and first female winemaker, the winery continues to innovate and produce exceptional wines, while providing invaluable training for the next generation of wine industry leaders. Visit the winery to experience this dynamic learning environment firsthand and sample the fruits of our students’ labor.
Hours
May – October
10 am – 6 pm
November – April
Sunday to Friday 11 am – 5 pm
Saturday 10 am – 6 pm
WINEMAKER PROFILE
Originally from Dryden, Ontario, Allison looked forward to a future in plant science and ecology. After completing her Bachelor of Science at Lakehead University, her passion sparked for Ontario viticulture while visiting the Niagara Region and falling in love with the art, science and beauty that is Ontario wine.
Allison then enrolled and graduated from the Niagara College Winery & Viticulture Technician program in 2014 and she hasn’t looked back since. Her new passion took her around the world to participate in grape harvests in Australia and Oregon, while also spending some time at a few local wineries before landing an exciting job with Flat Rock Cellars in 2016. With a little time, and a lot of hard work, Allison grew into the role of Assistant Winemaker, and finally Head Winemaker where she perfected her craft in producing award-winning wines, including a Best in Show at the 2022 Decanter World Wine Awards. At the beginning of a new harvest in 2022, Allison began her role as Head Winemaker at Niagara College Teaching Winery, coming back to where it all began.
