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 the Teaching Winery’s 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 production 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 awards. In 2021, Cider 101 won its fourth gold medal at the U.S. Open Cider Championship – a historic first for the competition. It also won a bronze at the U.S. Open in 2022, as well as a bronze at the Ontario Cider Awards (2016).
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.
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