Graduates and friends enjoyed wine and entertainment at the OEVI 10th anniversary celebration.

It was a special homecoming in Pond Inlet Aug. 20 when graduates, guests and friends attended the 10th anniversary of Brock’s Oenology and Viticulture (OEVI) program.

Graduates from as far away as California returned to reminisce about their experiences and enjoy wines made by program alumni.

OEVI students and researchers benefit from the Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) at Brock, one of a handful of cool climate research centres in the world.

Students in the program receive a comprehensive scientific education, combined with practical skills in grape growing and winemaking, and exposure to business, tourism and wine appreciation.

CCOVI has trained more than 40 PhD, master’s students and post-doctoral fellows, and Brock overall has produced close to 100 graduates through the OEVI program.

Graduates wrote testimonials leading up to the reunion praising the value of their CCOVI degrees.

“CCOVI certainly provides one of the best and most solid foundations from which you can build a very successful career,” said Megan Schofield, graduate in the class of 2000 and assistant winemaker at Simi Winery, Sonoma Valley, Calif.

CCOVI director Debbie Inglis, centre, chatted with Karl Kaiser and Donald Ziraldo at the 10th anniversary celebration.