A sell-out crowd attended Cuvée 2015 to celebrate Ontario's grape and wine industry.

The accounting is finished, and organizers of Cuvée 2015 report that this year’s grape and wine celebration event generated net revenues of $33,000, most of which will go to supporting student scholarships and grape and wine research.

This was the first year that Cuvée was organized by Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute, a sold-out evening that took place Feb. 27 at the Fallsview Casino.

Of the net proceeds, $5,000 will go to support the Niagara Community Foundation, in recognition of that organization’s work in overseeing Cuvée for several years before CCOVI assumed responsibility.

Of the remaining $28,000 in net proceeds, $15,000 will be used to establish scholarships and $13,000 will go toward industry driven research that supports the grape and wine industry.

Organizers intend to use the $15,000 scholarship money as follows:

• scholarships of $5,000 and $2,500 respectively for students in the Oenology and Viticulture bachelor of science program at Brock
• a $2,500 scholarship for a student pursuing a Certificate in Grape and Wine Technology
• and a $5,000 scholarship to establish a Cuvée award for a graduate student in Oenology and Viticulture.

CCOVI Director Debbie Inglis said the proceeds are a tribute to the staff, volunteers and organizing committee members who made the event a success.

“Staging an event like Cuvée involves hundreds of hours of work and a lot of commitment,” said Inglis. “But it’s worth it when you see the profits going to help students complete their education.”

Cuvée 2015 drew positive reviews from many in attendance. Faces in the crowd this year ranged from Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor to senior community, political and industry figures.

Niagara Regional Chair Alan Caslin saluted “the dedication of Brock staff and volunteers who made this year’s Cuvée an outstanding community event in support of Niagara’s post-secondary students and our renowned wine industry.”

“I had a great time and look forward to next year,” said Caslin.

John Fisher, President and CEO of Walker Industries, remarked on the successful transition of this year’s event to the new organizing team.

“Brock has done an excellent job of carrying on the work of the Niagara Community Foundation in making Cuvée a first class entertainment experience for the people of Niagara,” said Walker.

Details on Cuvée 2016 will be announced in the coming weeks.