The OEVI program admits a small number of students each year in order to train highly qualified and sought-after graduates for the grape and wine industry. The first graduating class was (back row, from left) Megan Schofield, Robin Johnson, Elizabeth Grant-Douglas, David Douglas, David Sorokowsky, Rob Power, (seated, from left) Nicole Mercier and Shiraz Mottiar.

Dozens of alumni will come home to the Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) this week to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Canada’s first teaching winery.

Members of the original graduating class of Brock’s Oenology and Viticulture (OEVI) program will attend a gala event at Pond Inlet on Aug. 20. It’ll be an evening of culinary treats, local wines and camaraderie. Chefs Without Hats will provide the music.

More than 75 graduates have been through the OEVI program, including dozens of PhD, master’s students and post-doctoral fellows.

Brock’s graduates have made a significant impact on the Canadian and international industries by applying skills and knowledge acquired from the OEVI program, CCOVI director Debbie Inglis said.

“Canadian oenologists and viticulturists traditionally had to train elsewhere,” she said. “But the OEVI program provided students interested in grape growing and winemaking with the opportunity to perfect their craft in their own country.

“Our successful graduates represent the next generation of grape growers, winemakers and wine industry leaders. We’re proud to celebrate 10 years of wine education excellence with our graduates.”

Tickets to the event at $65 with a portion of the proceeds going to student awards. For more information, visit ccoviconnection.com/ce/tya

Related story:
• Alumna comes home to celebrate CCOVI | The Brock News