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Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 2025-01-01

1. Overview

Niagara College Learning Enterprise Corp. (“we,” “us,” or “our”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard information through our website, ncwinebeerspirits.ca, and any related online services operated by the Niagara College Teaching Winery, Brewery & Distillery.

By using our website, you agree to the practices described in this policy.

2. Information We Collect

We collect information in the following ways:

a. Information you provide directly

When you make a purchase or booking (through Commerce7 or Tock), sign up for our newsletter or promotions (via Klaviyo), or contact us through forms or email.

This may include your name, email address, phone number, billing/shipping address, and payment information (processed securely by our third-party partners).

b. Information collected automatically

When you visit our site, we automatically collect certain data such as your IP address, browser type, device information, and pages visited. This information is collected through Google Analytics and used to understand website performance and visitor behavior.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

  • Process and fulfill orders and reservations
  • Send transactional or promotional emails (with your consent)
  • Improve our website and services
  • Respond to inquiries or feedback
  • Comply with legal and regulatory obligations

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to any third party.

4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience. Cookies help us remember your preferences and analyze website traffic.

You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings. Essential cookies are required for the website to function properly, and disabling them may affect your experience.

We do not use cookies for EU-targeted advertising or tracking, and our website is intended for Canadian residents only.

5. Third-Party Services

We use trusted third-party partners to deliver certain services:

  • Google Analytics (website performance and usage data)
  • Klaviyo (email communications and marketing)
  • Commerce7 (online store and order processing)
  • Tock (event and tasting reservations)

Each third-party service operates under its own privacy policy. We encourage you to review them for details on their data practices.

6. Consent

By providing personal information through our website, you consent to its collection, use, and disclosure as described in this policy. You may withdraw consent at any time, subject to legal or contractual restrictions.

7. Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected or as required by law.

8. Security

We take reasonable administrative, technical, and physical measures to protect personal information against loss, theft, unauthorized access, or misuse.

9. Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Access your personal information
  • Request corrections or updates
  • Withdraw consent for marketing communications

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information below.

10. Contact Us

Niagara College Learning Enterprise Corp.
Email: [email protected]
Address: Niagara College Teaching Winery, 135 Taylor Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0

11. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The latest version will always be available on this page, with the effective date updated accordingly.

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David Dickson

Head Distiller

David Dickson brings a wealth of experience and passion to Niagara College’s Artisan Distilling program, joining us from his role as Head Distiller at Dillon’s Small Batch Distillers in Beamsville.

With an academic background that includes an Honours Specialization in Biology and a Master of Environmental Sustainability from Western University, David combines science with craft. He’s also certified in Absinthe Distillation from Moonshine University — a renowned artisan distillery and education centre in Louisville, KY — and played a key role in creating Ontario’s first legal absinthe.

A proud Niagara native, David is known for crafting unique fruit-infused spirits that celebrate the region’s local flavours — a signature approach he’s excited to share with students in the College’s distilling program.

As Head Distiller, David oversees all production, leads practical distilling courses, and guides the next generation of craft distillers with expertise and enthusiasm.

Jon Downing

Head Brewmaster

Jon Downing is a true pioneer of modern craft brewing — and quite possibly the most experienced brewery start-up consultant in the world. With over 120 brewery launches under his belt (yes, really), Jon has spent the past 30 years helping brewers and breweries across the globe turn passion into professional success.

Originally from the UK, Jon trained at the United States Brewers Academy and holds a degree in Commerce from Birmingham University. His work combines deep technical knowledge with hands-on business savvy — from launching Ontario’s first brewpub to designing pilot breweries for global names like Diageo (Guinness) and experimental labs focused on beer recycling.

Jon’s brewing adventures have taken him everywhere from Japan and South Korea to Cyprus, the Caribbean, and across North America. His clients range from independent brewers to branches of the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force. The beers born from his projects have gone on to win medals at the World Beer Championships and the Great American Beer Festival — and his students continue to carry that winning tradition forward.

In the late 2000s, Jon approached Niagara College with a bold idea: create a hands-on brewing program to complement the College’s existing work in wine and culinary. After years of planning and development, the Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program launched in 2010 — and it’s been turning out top-tier brewers ever since, with a near 100% employment rate.

Jon remains a fixture at the Teaching Brewery, where he mentors students, innovates with new styles, and stays plugged into the brewing world through organizations like the Master Brewers Associations of Canada and the U.S., the Institute of Brewing & Distilling, the American Society of Brewing Chemists, and The Association of Brewers.

Allison Findlay

Head Winemaker

Originally from Dryden, Ontario, Allison Findlay didn’t always picture herself in a wine cellar — her early passion was rooted in plant science and ecology. But a visit to Niagara’s wine country changed everything. After completing her Bachelor of Science at Lakehead University, she enrolled in Niagara College’s Winery & Viticulture Technician program and never looked back.

After graduating in 2014, Allison’s winemaking journey took her around the world — from harvests in Australia and Oregon to hands-on roles at wineries across Niagara. In 2016, she joined Flat Rock Cellars, where she climbed the ranks from cellar crew to Head Winemaker, producing award-winning wines, including a Best in Show at the 2022 Decanter World Wine Awards.

In 2022, Allison returned to where it all began — this time as the first female Head Winemaker at the Niagara College Teaching Winery. She brings with her not just global experience, but a deep love for Ontario wine and a dedication to mentoring the next generation of winemakers.

Allison follows in the footsteps of fellow NC grad and former winemaker Gavin Robertson, who helped shape the program for over a decade. Today, she carries that torch forward — continuing to produce exceptional wines and guide students with the same hands-on philosophy that launched her own career.

When she’s not in the cellar, you’ll find Allison crafting, solving crosswords, or chasing after her two dogs, Maeve and Lola. Her drink of choice? A cold glass of bubbly, great company, and (ideally) a couple dozen oysters.

SNOW DAY!

The retail store and tasting room are closed today due to the severe weather.

We open tomorrow at 11:00 AM.

Sorry for any inconvenience.