Cuvée, one of the most prestigious celebrations of Ontario wine and food, will now be organized by Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI).

Announced tonight at the 26th anniversary of the grand tasting, Brian Hutchings, Brock’s Vice-President of Finance and Administration, said CCOVI’s new role with Cuvée is a great fit, given the University’s strong relationship with Ontario’s grape and wine industry.

Proceeds from the 2015 Cuvée wine weekend will support student bursaries and research that will benefit the Ontario grape and wine industry.

“This is a terrific development,” said Hutchings. “It will ultimately support some of the very students and researchers who are crucial to sustaining and growing the industry in the future.”

CCOVI has been a long-time supporter of Cuvée, and is excited to take on this organizational role says director Debbie Inglis.

“CCOVI is always looking for ways to help grow the market share of Ontario VQA wine,” said Inglis. “The event will now not only showcase the best of Ontario’s wine, but will also raise funds to help the industry continue to grow.”

The format will stay the same with the Cuvée Grand Tasting Gala food and wine event along with the Cuvée Enroute passport program. This year’s grand tasting featured over 50 Ontario winemakers pouring wines they selected as their personal favourite.

CCOVI takes over leadership of Cuvée from the Niagara Community Foundation who has organized the event for the past 11 years. Prior to that, the event was a fundraiser for Gray Gables School.