NC’s Learning Enterprises has rolled out a suite of virtual experiences packages for wine, beer and spirits enthusiasts.
The virtual experiences, which are held via zoom, are free to participants who register. Special product packages are also available for purchase to accompany each virtual experience, which will enable participants to taste the products along with the experts during the events.
Registration is now underway for three virtual experiences to take place May 13 and May 14 via zoom – a wine experience led by College winemaker Gavin Roberston, a beer experience led by College brewmaster Jon Downing, and a spirits experience led by College distiller David Dickson.
For Robertson, May 14’s rosé tasting will be his second virtual tasting event for the NC Teaching Winery, following a previous session on Bordeaux varietals.
“Working in the vineyard and cellar with safe physical distancing measures in place right now is a bit like making wine in a vacuum, and it’s easy to forget that the end product of these labours is something that connects people socially and stimulates conversation,” he said. “It’s really amazing to see how remote communications technology has allowed us to continue to do what we do best at NC: deliver educational experience through practical application – in this case by swirling, sniffing and tasting, in our own homes, together.”
Dickson noted that he is looking forward to hosting his first virtual spirits tasting event on May 14, which will shine the spotlight on gin and will include a cocktail demonstration.
“I hope it will be a way for people to connect,” Dickson said. “I would like it to be more informal to allow people to interact.”
Each zoom chat will be able to accommodate up to 100 participants and registration will be open until the day before the event date (midnight) until the maximum number is reached. Registration links for each event are posted within the event descriptions at niagaracollegewine.ca/ (click on ‘experiences’).
After registering, participants will receive an email including details and links pertaining to their experience.
To order an experience package, visit niagaracollegewine.ca/ and click on ‘Experiences.’
For those who plan to order the experience package for curbside pickup, products will be available for order and pick-up before 5 p.m. on the scheduled event day. To order for local delivery, allow one or two business days.
Beer Experience: Lager and pub chat
Wednesday, May 13 at 7 p.m. (60-90 minutes)
You may need to skip the pub but the NC Teaching Brewery is bringing the pub to you! Learn about lagers from College brewmaster Jon Downing before taking part in a virtual ‘pub chat. Featured beers for the session include the NC Teaching Brewery’s Lager 101, Vienna 101, Pilsner 101 and Bock 101.
The Beer Experience Package ($85.80) from the NC Teaching Brewery includes a six-pack of each of the featured beers (free local deliveries and curbside pickup).
Wine Experience: Rosé tasting
Thursday, May 14 at 7 p.m. (60 minutes)
Think pink as you raise a glass with NC’s head winemaker Gavin Robertson. Featured wines will include the 2017 Balance Pinot Noir Rosé and 2018 College Rosé. The 40-minute tasting will be followed by a 20-minute interactive period.
The Wine Experience Package ($95.70) from the NC Teaching Winery includes two bottles each of the featured wines, one bottle of Pinot Grigio and one bottle of Pinot Gris (free shipping across Ontario, local deliveries and curbside pickup).
Spirits experience: Gin and cocktail demonstration
Friday, May 14 at 7 p.m. (60 minutes)
Lift your spirits with NC distiller David Dickson as he uncaps a lesson on gin. Then stir things up with a cocktail demonstration featuring the Teaching Distillery’s School Spirits Gin.
The Gin Experience Package ($98.85) from the NC Teaching Distillery includes two bottles of School Spirits Gin and three assorted KVAS flavoured syrups (free shipping across Ontario, local deliveries and curbside pickup).
Order online, curbside pickup and delivery available
Products from the Teaching Winery, Teaching Brewery and Teaching Distillery are all available for online order, curbside pickup and delivery seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit niagaracollegewine.ca/ or call 905-641-2252 ext. 4070.
Free province-wide shipping is available for the purchase of more than six wines. To order for shipping, please allow eight to 10 business days.
