Prince Charles ventures to Ontario

NIAGARA ON THE LAKE, ONTARIO (WIVB) - They're rolling out the royal red carpet across the border Thursday, as Prince Charles arrives in Niagara on the Lake.

It was an anxious crowd of Ontario citizens, including the Scherle family from Welland who made a sign, all hoping even to get a glimpse of the Prince of Wales.

"Well I kind of wanted to see the future king, so I kind of made up this sign," exclaimed Hannah Scherle.

Drew Scherle said, "I always wanted to see a royalty. I've never seen one before."

And Symantha Scherle said, "For us Canadians, royal family is like our Hollywood and it's a symbol of our history."

The were more than happy when Prince Charles went over to the crowd outside of Niagara College and took time to shake hands and chat.

"He was really funny. He asked us how we got out of school and all that kind of stuff," explained Drew.

"He asked us if we were wine connoisseurs and we said we knew how to drink it," joked Symantha.

The prince joked about tasting the wine produced from the vineyards behind the college's new Wine Visitor and Education Center.

But then took his first taste and everyone around him waited with baited breath.

"This is really good. I love it!" Prince Charles said.

Dan Paterson, Niagara College President explained, "It's a great opportunity to bring the world to Niagara College. Niagara College is doing some extraordinary things."

Prince Charles celebrated the opening of the $3 million dollar center, where students have a hand in the wine process from pruning the vines to marketing the product.

Then he was on his way to Toronto to rejoin his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.

It was a good day for the prince and for everyone around him.