This holiday season, support student learning at Niagara College while giving thoughtful, unique gifts from NC’s Learning Enterprises. From student-grown plants to local craft beverages and culinary experiences, there’s something for everyone on your list.
Teaching Greenhouse
Add a splash of colour to your home or office while giving back to the community. NC’s Teaching Greenhouse is once again supporting the United Way Workplace Campaign with the sale of student-grown poinsettias. Each plant is carefully grown and nurtured by NC Horticulture students, making it a perfect festive gift or holiday décor accent.
Greenhouse gift offerings:
- 6″ poinsettias: $9.99 — d For every poinsettia purchased, $1 will be donated to the NC Cares in a United Way Workplace Campaign, helping support vital programs and services across Niagara.
- Dishgardens: $9.99-$39.99
- Terrariums, tropical plants, and succulents: $3-$15
- Table centrepieces with fresh greenery (seasonal assortment): prices vary
- Scout keychain: Proceeds go to a student bursary; doubles as a tree ornament
- Gift cards available
2026 Workshops:
- Treat someone to a hands-on experience at NC’s Teaching Greenhouse. Learn, create, and take home something special, perfect for the plant lover or crafty person on your list. Explore our full 2026 workshops online: NC Teaching Greenhouse Workshops
Teaching Winery, Brewery & Distillery
Celebrate the holidays with the gift of local craft beverages, produced by students in NC’s Winery, Brewery, and Distillery programs. From limited-edition holiday beers to curated gift packs featuring NC-made wines, beers and spirits, there’s something for every palate.
Visit the Wine Visitor + Education Centre at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake to explore the full selection.
Holiday Beers:
- Down the Chimney — Rauchweizen (4.5% ABV): 50% beech-wood smoked malt and 50% wheat; a unique combination of savoury bacon/ham with sweet banana and baking spice notes.
- Nightmare Before Christmas — Roggenbier (4.9% ABV): Rye-forward with peppery rye notes, a touch of biscuit, clove, and banana esters from fermentation with hefeweizen yeast.
- Rudolph’s Red Nosed Ale — Christmas Ale (9.1% ABV): Malty and rich with toffee and chocolate upfront, dark/dried fruit background, and a touch of booziness.
- Goldmember — Golden Ale (4.9% ABV): Malty with residual sweetness from lactose sugar and subtle eggnog spice notes.
Award Season gift package.
Holiday Gift Packs:
Award Season – $92.50
Raise a glass to excellence with this trio of celebrated wines from the Dean’s List collection:
- 2022 Dean’s List Cabernet Franc – Rich, structured, and unmistakably Niagara
- 2019 Dean’s List Blanc des Blancs – Elegant, expressive bubbles perfect for holiday toasts
- 2020 Dean’s List Gamay Noir – Vibrant, fruit-forward, and effortlessly enjoyable
Brunch Essentials – $79.50
Everything needed to elevate holiday mornings:
- Commencement Brut – Bright, crisp, and brunch’s best friend
- School Spirits Vodka – Clean and versatile for cocktails
- NC Honey – A touch of sweetness from our own hives
- Provisions Jams 3-Pack – Local, small-batch preserves full of flavour
- Spade & Spoon Caesar Mix – Perfect for holiday brunch cocktails
Cheers to Beers – $43.50
Celebrate bold, flavour-driven beers from the NC Teaching Brewery:
- 2 Imperial Beers – Big, expressive brews
- 2 NC Teaching Brewery Branded Pint Glasses
- Copperpot Beer Nuts – The perfect sweet/salty companion
Winter Warmup gift package.
Holiday Cheer – $42.50
A festive trio designed for easy gifting:
- 2022 Balance Pinot Grigio – Crisp and refreshing
- 2020 Balance Merlot-Cabernet – Smooth and vibrant
- Blacksmith & Bean Dark Chocolate Coffee Truffles – Rich and aromatic
Winter Warmup – $39.50
Perfect for fireside comfort:
- Spirits 101 Southern Hospitality (Bourbon-style) – Warm and smooth
- NC Honey – Natural sweetness from NC hives
- Vesper Classic Toddy Kit – Spices and citrus for the perfect hot toddy
School of Culinary Arts
Chef Signature Series – Chef Marc Lepine
Enjoy an unforgettable one-night-only dinner at NC’s Benchmark Restaurant, featuring award-winning Chef Marc Lepine from Ottawa’s Atelier. Guests will experience a chef-guided, unrevealed menu crafted with artistry and innovation.
- Date: January 26, 2026
- Time: 6-9 p.m.
- Location: Benchmark Restaurant, Daniel J. Patterson Campus
Caps, Corks & Forks, Round 19
A lively, interactive five-course dinner showcasing student learning:
- Students from the Winery & Viticulture program, Team Wine, go head-to-head with students from Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management, Team Beer.
- Culinary Management students prepare and serve each course, showcasing their skills in applied learning.
- Guests have the role of voting for their favourite wine-beer pairing after each course.
- Date: February 19, 2026
- Time: 5-9 p.m.
Benchmark Gift Cards
Treat the foodie on your list to a delicious experience at Benchmark, NC’s award-winning teaching restaurant.
- Reloadable and available in both the dining room and café
- Lunch service: Wednesday-Friday, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Happy Holidays from Niagara College!
