Editor’s Note: The Triggs Lecture Series has now been postponed to 2024.

Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) has made the difficult decision to postpone its biennial Triggs International Premium Vinifera Lecture Series this coming August.

Held every two years in vineyards of both the Niagara region and British Columbia, the lecture series has been postponed until 2022 due to uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. As August is the most optimal time to be in the vineyard discussing viticulture topics, the goal is to hold the event in August of 2022.

The series brings hundreds of industry professionals together in both provinces to hear insights from international experts on the latest viticulture developments and research.

Barb Tatarnic, CCOVI’s Outreach Manager, says that delaying the event will ensure the availability of an international speaker as well as a safe environment in which to host the lecture series. It will also ensure the institute can continue supporting the grape and wine industry by delivering the same high-quality, educational networking experience the industry looks forward to every two years.

“While we are disappointed that we will not be able to bring our industry together to learn from our expert speakers, we continue to put everyone’s health, safety and networking ability above all else,” she says. “We will continue to work diligently with our steering and advisory committees to provide the amazing lecture series that our industry looks forward to as soon as it is safe to do so. We can’t wait to welcome you all back to learn between the vines together again soon.”

The Triggs International Premium Vinifera Lecture Series began in 2004 thanks to a generous endowment from industry leaders Donald and Elaine Triggs. It originated as a means of attracting and showcasing world leaders in the cultivation of premium vinifera grapes, and thanks to the dedicated support of industry partners, has continued to bring unique educational opportunities to Ontario and British Columbia stakeholders, growers, researchers and students for close to two decades.

BASF Canada, a company that provides crop protection products to the agriculture industry, has been a strong supporter of the lecture series since it expanded into a national event in 2011.

“As a longtime supporter of Triggs International Premium Vinifera Lecture Series, BASF supports the safety-first decision to postpone this year’s event, and remains committed to supporting educational events like this, while looking forward to participating again in person when it is safe to do so,” says Trevor Latta, Horticulture Brand Manager.

Brock’s response to and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic continues to place health and safety as a top priority by working in accordance with current public health and government recommendations and guidelines. Continue to monitor both the Triggs International Premium Vinifera Lecture Series web page and the Brock University Coronavirus Information web page for more updates.