Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) is adding to its roster of virtual wine tastings with a new event where guests can sample local wines and tasty junk food pairings.

The virtual tasting will feature Brock alumnus Mitchell McCurdy (BSc ’18), Winemaker at Marynissen Estates Winery, on Saturday, March 20.

“It’s exciting to be a part of an educational virtual tasting like this and the simplicity and comfort of junk food makes this so approachable and accessible,” McCurdy says.

Registered guests will be shipped three bottles of Marynissen Estates wines, along with junk food pairings, tasting notes and instructions on how to prepare for the tasting. Each bottle can pour up to four glasses, allowing guests to share their virtual experience with up to three additional people within their household or social bubble. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, participants are asked to please follow the COVID-19 public health guidelines currently in place in their region when planning their evening.

On the night of the event, McCurdy will virtually guide the attendees through a tasting of each of the wines and the accompanying pairings.

CCOVI Outreach Manager Barb Tatarnic says these online tastings provide an opportunity to safely experience all that the Niagara wine industry has to offer while also connecting guests with others who share their passion for local wine.

“We’re proud to bring our alumni winemakers and the community together to share these unique learning opportunities that are also a whole lot of fun,” she says. “What could be better than a junk food pairing on a Saturday night?”

This event, and all other outreach events hosted by CCOVI, also strengthen connections with the Institute’s growing network of alumni and fulfil its mandate to engage with and support the local grape and wine industry and broader community.

“I’m really happy that CCOVI reached out,” McCurdy says. “They have been incredibly supportive since I first set foot in the industry and continue to impress me with their dedication to promoting Ontario VQA wine and educating consumers to the quality that Niagara produces.”

The tasting event is open to all Ontario residents over the age of 19 and will take place virtually on Saturday, March 20 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Each wine tasting kit is $99 plus HST (shipping included).

Spaces for the event are limited and registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until Monday, March 8.

Registration can be completed online here.

CCOVI plans to continue to host other similar virtual wine tasting experiences in the future. For more information, watch CCOVI’s website, follow CCOVI on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or email ccovi@brocku.ca to be placed on the email list for future notifications.