Grape fines flourishing in the Okanagan (Image Credit: Vernon Matters Staff)

By Vernon Matters Staff

Wine Partnership

Okanagan and Niagara colleges partner to expand wine education

Mar 19, 2026 | 2:00 PM

Here’s to wine education.

Okanagan College and Niagara College have signed an agreement to bring Niagara’s Winery and Viticulture curriculum to the Okanagan, strengthening Canada’s wine education in its top regions. The program will train students for careers in winemaking, vineyard management, winery operations, and laboratory roles, tailored to local needs.

The agreement, signed this week at Niagara College, also opens the door to student and faculty exchanges, joint research, and shared academic events. The curriculum will be offered at Okanagan College’s new Centre for Food, Wine and Tourism in Kelowna starting fall 2027.

Okanagan College Provost Dr. Samantha Lenci said the partnership will “enhance learning opportunities while meeting the needs of our community and local industry.”

Niagara College Vice-President Dr. Fay Lim-Lambie described the agreement as “a chance to share a gold-standard program with Canada’s other major wine region.”

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More information on Okanagan College’s programs is at okanagancollege.ca/food-wine-and-tourism;