Masterclass

Welcome to Wine Country

— Date

2026-08-20

— Time

6:30 pm

– 8:30 pm

— Location

135 Taylor Rd, NOTL, L0S 1J0

— Price

$69

Per Guest

— About this event

Discover the Wines, History & Terroir of Niagara

Every Bottle Has a Story. Discover the Place Behind the Glass.

Introduction

Why does Niagara produce some of Canada’s most celebrated wines?

Is it the lake?

The Escarpment?

The soil?

The climate?

The people?

The answer is all of the above.

Join us for an immersive evening exploring what makes Niagara one of the world’s great cool-climate wine regions. Through five carefully selected wines, you’ll discover how geology, climate, grape variety and winemaking come together to create wines that could only come from here.

Whether you’re new to wine or have been visiting Niagara wineries for years, this Masterclass will give you a deeper appreciation for every bottle you open.

What You’ll Experience

This isn’t a traditional wine tasting.

It’s an evening of discovery.

Together we’ll explore:

Why Niagara’s climate is ideal for premium wine
The Niagara Escarpment, Lake Ontario and the role of terroir
The grape varieties that define our region
The history of Niagara wine, from early vineyards to today’s world-class wineries
How to taste wine with confidence
What VQA means—and how to read a wine label
Why Icewine made Niagara famous around the world
How Niagara College is helping shape the future of Canada’s beverage industry

Your Masterclass Includes

Five guided wine tastings
Artisan cheese & charcuterie
Masterclass workbook
Guided tasting notes
Illustrated Niagara wine map
Opportunity to purchase featured wines
Take-home educational resources

This Masterclass is intentionally limited to just 20 guests to encourage conversation, questions, and a more personal learning experience.

Your Guided Tasting

Throughout the evening, you’ll enjoy a curated tasting of five Niagara wines selected to tell the story of our region.

Your tasting may include:

Riesling
Chardonnay
Cabernet Franc
Icewine
A featured winemaker’s selection

Each wine becomes part of the story as we explore how place influences what’s in your glass.

Who Should Attend?

This Masterclass is designed for anyone who enjoys wine and wants to understand it a little better.

Perfect for:

First-time visitors to Niagara Wine Country
Curious wine drinkers
Couples looking for a unique evening out
Visitors wanting more than a traditional tasting
Local wine enthusiasts

No previous wine knowledge is required.

Bring your curiosity.

We’ll take care of the rest.

— Reserve your spot

$69

Per Guest

Ticketed Event

— Organizer

Brad Tandy

Events & Marketing Coordinator

905-641-2252 x4079

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David Dickson

Head Distiller

David Dickson brings a wealth of experience and passion to Niagara College’s Artisan Distilling program, joining us from his role as Head Distiller at Dillon’s Small Batch Distillers in Beamsville.

With an academic background that includes an Honours Specialization in Biology and a Master of Environmental Sustainability from Western University, David combines science with craft. He’s also certified in Absinthe Distillation from Moonshine University — a renowned artisan distillery and education centre in Louisville, KY — and played a key role in creating Ontario’s first legal absinthe.

A proud Niagara native, David is known for crafting unique fruit-infused spirits that celebrate the region’s local flavours — a signature approach he’s excited to share with students in the College’s distilling program.

As Head Distiller, David oversees all production, leads practical distilling courses, and guides the next generation of craft distillers with expertise and enthusiasm.

Jon Downing

Head Brewmaster

Jon Downing is a true pioneer of modern craft brewing — and quite possibly the most experienced brewery start-up consultant in the world. With over 120 brewery launches under his belt (yes, really), Jon has spent the past 30 years helping brewers and breweries across the globe turn passion into professional success.

Originally from the UK, Jon trained at the United States Brewers Academy and holds a degree in Commerce from Birmingham University. His work combines deep technical knowledge with hands-on business savvy — from launching Ontario’s first brewpub to designing pilot breweries for global names like Diageo (Guinness) and experimental labs focused on beer recycling.

Jon’s brewing adventures have taken him everywhere from Japan and South Korea to Cyprus, the Caribbean, and across North America. His clients range from independent brewers to branches of the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force. The beers born from his projects have gone on to win medals at the World Beer Championships and the Great American Beer Festival — and his students continue to carry that winning tradition forward.

In the late 2000s, Jon approached Niagara College with a bold idea: create a hands-on brewing program to complement the College’s existing work in wine and culinary. After years of planning and development, the Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program launched in 2010 — and it’s been turning out top-tier brewers ever since, with a near 100% employment rate.

Jon remains a fixture at the Teaching Brewery, where he mentors students, innovates with new styles, and stays plugged into the brewing world through organizations like the Master Brewers Associations of Canada and the U.S., the Institute of Brewing & Distilling, the American Society of Brewing Chemists, and The Association of Brewers.

Allison Findlay

Head Winemaker

Originally from Dryden, Ontario, Allison Findlay didn’t always picture herself in a wine cellar — her early passion was rooted in plant science and ecology. But a visit to Niagara’s wine country changed everything. After completing her Bachelor of Science at Lakehead University, she enrolled in Niagara College’s Winery & Viticulture Technician program and never looked back.

After graduating in 2014, Allison’s winemaking journey took her around the world — from harvests in Australia and Oregon to hands-on roles at wineries across Niagara. In 2016, she joined Flat Rock Cellars, where she climbed the ranks from cellar crew to Head Winemaker, producing award-winning wines, including a Best in Show at the 2022 Decanter World Wine Awards.

In 2022, Allison returned to where it all began — this time as the first female Head Winemaker at the Niagara College Teaching Winery. She brings with her not just global experience, but a deep love for Ontario wine and a dedication to mentoring the next generation of winemakers.

Allison follows in the footsteps of fellow NC grad and former winemaker Gavin Robertson, who helped shape the program for over a decade. Today, she carries that torch forward — continuing to produce exceptional wines and guide students with the same hands-on philosophy that launched her own career.

When she’s not in the cellar, you’ll find Allison crafting, solving crosswords, or chasing after her two dogs, Maeve and Lola. Her drink of choice? A cold glass of bubbly, great company, and (ideally) a couple dozen oysters.

SNOW DAY!

The retail store and tasting room are closed today due to the severe weather.

We open tomorrow at 11:00 AM.

Sorry for any inconvenience.