On September 27, over 120 Niagara College students experienced the joy of one of the region’s most beloved fall traditions – the annual Niagara Grape and Wine Grande Parade.
The College’s float is a prime example of ‘NC Life’ on display, featuring a colourful flag canopy representative of NC’s unique and diverse student population made up of learners from across Niagara, Ontario and around the world.
NC’s float team brought an undeniable energy to the parade, with students demonstrating their school pride and community spirit for the thousands of spectators who lined the streets of downtown St. Catharines.
Students from a range of NC programs participated, including Community Integration Through Co-operative Education (CICE) students, marking a first for the program. Special mention also goes out to NCSAC President Hish Clifford for joining the students on foot and to the student engagement leaders who supported the team.
The College’s involvement in the parade is a collaborative effort between the Community Relations and Events and Athletics and Student Engagement departments, who organize NC’s efforts and recruit students to be part of the community celebration.
NCSAC President Hish Clifford (far right) walks with students at the 2025 Grape and Wine Grande Parade
Teaching Winery in the spotlight
NC Winemaker Allison Findlay (left) and Cellar Hand Teaching Assistant Edward Qu at Montebello Park
The Grape and Wine Festival is Canada’s oldest and largest wine festival, celebrating the Niagara region and the bounty of harvest.
Once again this year, the NC Teaching Winery showcased a selection of its outstanding wines during the event. At Montebello Park, the winery poured its 2021 Red 101, 2021 Balance Cabernet Sauvignon, 2022 Balance Pinot Grigio, and 2022 Balance White for guests, while Discovery Pass holders who visited NC’s Wine Visitor + Education Centre were treated to a savoury pairing: beef sliders with red wine onion jam and aged cheddar on a brioche bun, paired with 2022 Dean’s List Gamay Noir. The sliders were prepared by Chef Enrique Javier Maria Olondriz.
The College also marked the harvest season at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake with a grape stomp with Winery and Viticulture Technician students on September 23, an annual tradition at the Teaching Winery.
