Allison Findlay has been filling her cup this summer with new accolades and experiences that highlight her passion for winemaking and education.
Niagara College’s Head Winemaker was recently honoured as a 2025 recipient of the VQA Promoters Awards, presented at the annual Experts Tasting event on June 5. The VQA Promoters Awards, which acknowledge those who celebrate the Ontario VQA wine industry with enthusiasm, constructive input and unsolicited promotion, are executed by a volunteer industry committee managed through the Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute at Brock University.
Findlay was presented with the award in the Education category, recognizing teachers, in formal or informal settings, who educate and inspire students about Ontario VQA wines. Since joining NC’s Teaching Winery in 2022, she has become a valuable mentor to Winery and Viticulture Technician students, the next generation of wine industry professionals.
“I have always felt supported and at home in the Ontario wine industry and I am so excited to further share my passion and knowledge through my role on the education side of things,” said Findlay. “This award feels different than other wine accolades I have received; this is about making a difference in people’s lives.”
To connect with students and uncork their love for the industry, Findlay has a few tricks up her sleeve.
“I try to inspire students with my love of winemaking and the vineyard, with cool tastings and stories from my past to get them excited for the career they are about to enter,” she said. “It can be hard work, but it is so interesting and there is never a dull moment in wine.”
For Findlay, who is an NC Winery and Viticulture Technician alumna herself (2014), the best part about the job is seeing students grow throughout the two-year program.
“It is so amazing to watch our students be engaged in the amazing things that are happening in wine all over the world and to see them gain practical skills to achieve their goals,” she said. “It is also rewarding when they come back and visit and become friends and colleagues of mine.”
Shining a spotlight on NC at Trillium Cellars Dinner
On June 18, Findlay had the opportunity to share her passion for NC wines beyond Niagara’s borders, hosting a winemaker’s dinner at George Brown College’s Chef House in Toronto.
The event was a celebration of Trillium Cellars, a unique collaboration between NC and GBC that combines the two college’s shared and complementary expertise in winemaking, culinary and hospitality. The wines under the Trillium Cellars label were crafted by the NC Teaching Winery, with label artwork created by GBC design students and varieties curated by GBC hospitality students.
The initial five wines created by the NC Teaching Winery under the Trillium Cellars label.
At the dinner, Findlay spoke to the first Trillium Cellars releases, launched in fall 2024, including NV Brut, 2019 Riesling, 2019 Chardonnay, 2021 Pinot Noir, and 2019 Cabernet Franc.
“It is always a pleasure to speak to the great things happening at NC,” said Findlay on the experience. “The opportunity to capture an audience in the Toronto market is exciting because even though we are just an hour away, people are still amazed that not only do we make wine, but it is also delicious.”
The wines were paired with a five-course menu created by GBC students under the guidance of their Chef instructors. Pairings included NV Brut with an assortment of canapes; 2019 Semi-dry Riesling with white gazpacho, almonds, grapes, and chili oil; 2019 Chardonnay with Arugula salad with mustard aioli, parmesan and prosciutto; and 2021 Pinot Noir and 2019 Cabernet Franc with Maple glazed duck, wild rice and corn pancake, carrot puree, blueberry gastrique. A strawberry rhubarb Eton Mess was also served for dessert.
The Trillium Cellars dinner was also attended by Dr. Marc Nantel, NC’s VP of Research, Innovation, and Strategic Enterprises, and Denis Gertler, NC Learning Enterprise Corporation Board Director.
“At Niagara College, we’re extremely proud of our wine programs and the prize-winning beverages that are produced in our facilities in Niagara-on-the-Lake,” said Dr. Nantel. “This collaboration with George Brown College is a great example of putting students and their experiential learning first. I’ll drink to that!”
