The coveted Caps, Corks and Forks trophy has a new home for the season.
Team Wine emerged from the 19th round of Caps, Corks and Fork with hardware and bragging rights with a final score of 604 votes – over 564 for Team Beer, who won the honour in 2025.
The lively dinner event drew more than 250 guests to the Rankin Student Commons on Feb. 21 to witness a playful but intense rivalry between NC’s beer and wine students. Their battlefield: an elegant five-course meal prepared by culinary students led by the Benchmark team.
Each course was accompanied by a wine and beer pairing chosen by students who stood up before a sold-out crowd to present their selections. Guests voted for their favorite following each course, building suspense as the votes were tallied and displayed throughout the evening until the final scores were displayed on the big screen.
Led by Professor Peter Rod, Team Wine consisted of seven first-year students from 
the Winery and Viticulture Technician program, who spent months narrowing down a field of over 30 Niagara VQA wines to find the perfect matches for the menu.
“It was a fantastic event and delivered exactly the kind of experience to the students and attendees that we all hoped for,” said Professor Peter Rod.
While the win was exciting, Rod noted that the real highlight was the professional growth displayed by the group.
“While it’s fabulous to see the screams and leaps of joy from the winning team, it was even more impressive to see just how collaborative both teams were throughout the evening,” said Rod. “Helping to serve, clear, pour, for each other and generally a really positive vibe with lots of supportive and congratulatory words exchanged.”
Student learning was at the heart of the competition. The participants had to refine their palates and develop confidence to speak before a large audience.
Saskia Steffen, who was on Team Wine, presented her pairing with a heartfelt analogy: how many grapes each contribute something unique and special to the wine, similar to how diverse cultures create a beautiful mosaic in Canada.
“Winning with Team Wine was such an amazing and fun feeling,” said Steffen. “I feel really proud because during our first semester we worked very hard just trying to understand the basics of wine, structure, and food pairings.”
The event required students to step into the spotlight, often pushing them past their comfort zones. For Steffen, speaking to a large crowd in her second language was a confidence boost.
“Professionally, it gives me confidence that I’m developing the right skills and instincts in this industry,” said Steffen. “It shows that the time and energy we’re putting into learning really matters.”
“I feel very satisfied with the win, it’s very nice to know that the guests felt the same way that Team Wine did when we tried the pairings,” said Donavan Gilroy, who presented the wine pairing for the fifth course.
“Personally, the win is important as it showcases the drive and ability of future Niagara wine professionals. A rising tide raises all ships, and I feel very proud that I can contribute.”
Both teams entered Round 19 vying to break a tie. Team Wine and Team Beer had nine prior wins since the series launched in 2012.
In addition to student involvement from the School of Wine, Beer and Spirits, the event was supported by about 40 student volunteers from culinary and hospitality programs who assisted the College’s Benchmark Restaurant team front- and back-of-house, led by Catering and Special Events Manager Victor Oliveira and Chef Justin Downes. A team of baking students created desserts for the evening led by Chef Catharine O’Donnell.
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Battle of the barrels: Team Wine and Team Beer compete for pairing supremacy
