Canada’s only commercial Teaching Winery is housed in the Wine Visitor + Education Centre with winemaker and profesor Gavin Robertson overseeing the students and teaching vineyard on the St. David’s Bench. The broad portfolio of intensely flavoured wines is topped by the premium Dean’s List labels. While visiting the winery, be sure to inquire about the Single Batch Ciders, the craft spirits from the Teaching Distillery, and stop by the College’s Teaching Brewery & Retail Store and Benchmark Restaurant.
Hours
We are currently offering in person tastings, assisted shopping, drinks and snacks on the patio. For your safety we are strictly adhering to the regional and provincial health and safety guidelines during all our operations.
May – October
10 am – 6 pm
November – April
Sunday to Friday 11 am – 5 pm
Saturday 10 am – 6 pm
WINEMAKER PROFILE
Raised in the Ottawa Valley, Gavin Robertson studied the Humanities before moving to Europe where he encountered wine as a culture, and as a crop, picking grapes to fund his travels and developing his palate at every opportunity. On his return to Canada, Gavin enrolled in the Winery & Viticulture Technician program right here at Niagara College, and expanded his education through the Wine and Spirits Education Trust program and the Court of Master Sommeliers.
Gavin has several years’ experience in the Ontario wine industry as a cellar hand, assistant winemaker, winemaker, vineyard manager and winery consultant, as well as taking opportunities as a vintage winemaker in Central Otago, New Zealand and Tasmania, Australia. Gavin is our head winemaker and cidermaker here at Niagara College Teaching Winery, as well as a professor for our wine programs, and has played a major role in bringing innovative techniques and opportunities to our staff, students and products.
