After spending a decade as a flight attendant, Nicole Hennig came to NC ready for something new. With a passion for wine and a curiosity for how it’s made, she enrolled in the Winery and Viticulture Technician program, while also starting a family.
As she prepares to cross the stage at convocation on June 10, she is proud of how far she’s come and her recent accomplishment of earning the highest grade point average and the Dean’s Award for the School of Beer, Wine and Spirits. She is excited for her path post NC and where her second career will take her.
Q&A with Nicole Hennig:
How do you feel about your upcoming convocation day and what does it personally mean to you?
This convocation is particularly important to me because it gives me the opportunity to celebrate my accomplishments. Going through this program and balancing family life was really challenging, and it’s nice to have an opportunity to acknowledge that I got through it and am now on the other side, prepared to take on a whole new career path.
What were you doing before attending NC?
Prior to the program, I had been working as a flight attendant for nearly 10 years. COVID meant layoffs and a chance for me to reconsider what life I wanted for myself. I moved to the Niagara area with the intention of completing the program and starting a family. I had taken several wine tasting courses out of interest while living in Toronto and was fascinated by the processes and people that make wine. Studying wine meant combining my love for learning, science and creativity. This is my second experience with post-secondary education, my first being at the University of Alberta in Edmonton where I completed a bachelor’s degree with a specialization in atmospheric sciences.
What did you find rewarding about your program and area of study? Does something stand out to you that you will never forget about your time at NC?
The program has been rewarding not only in that I now have a keen understanding of grape growing and winemaking, but also a deeper appreciation for the Niagara region and all that it has to offer. I feel the responsibility and drive to start making my own contributions to the grape and wine industry here in a meaningful way that respects the work of those who have built and tended it since the beginning.
Did you work a placement or co-op as part of your program?
Participating in a co-op term was a definite highlight of the program. To be able to see and apply learned knowledge was extremely valuable and I’m grateful to my colleagues and mentors that made that possible. Another highlight was being a part of team Wine in the college’s Caps, Corks and Forks event.
What have you been doing since you completed your studies at NC?
Following graduation, I’ve been working in the vineyard of a local winery as a vineyard scout. I’m getting to see the whole growing season through until harvest and am gathering valuable experience to find a full-time placement sometime in the near future. In the fall, I will join the harvest team of a local winery that I really enjoy and have the opportunity to learn from some beloved industry pros. I look forward to finding my own more permanent place in the industry, and for now I will continue learning from those who make Niagara wine as special as it is.
