Brock University’s grape and wine expertise was on display at the annual International Plowing Match (IPM) and Rural Expo, which returned to Niagara last week for the first time in 99 years.

First held in Ontario in 1913, the IPM is one of Canada’s largest agricultural events. It celebrates rural life, showcases innovations in farming, brings together communities from across the province, and provides an important platform for conversations about agriculture, education, research and rural economic development.

This year’s event took place in Grassie, West Lincoln, from Tuesday, Sept. 16 to Saturday, Sept. 20.

Brock University Interim Vice-President, External Meaghan Rusnell (left) and Vice-President, Research Tim Kenyon (right) met with the Hon. Trevor Jones, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, at the 2025 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo.

Representing Brock were members of the Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) team along with Vice-President, Research Tim Kenyon and Interim Vice-President, External Meaghan Rusnell.

Throughout the event, Brock representatives shared the University’s innovative programs, research strengths and community partnerships with elected officials, local municipal leaders and Niagara-based businesses. Rusnell and Kenyon also met with Ontario’s new Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, Trevor Jones.

Members of the CCOVI team were on hand to answer IPM attendees’ questions at the Institute’s booth and hosted a special educational session that invited participants to identify common aromas found in Ontario Chardonnay wines. For young participants, the CCOVI team offered an age-appropriate alternative that involved identifying aromas in food.

During the Aroma Test session, participants were provided with 10 small sample cups filled with aroma-soaked tissues and asked to assess aromas such as apple and oak.

“The trick is to do it without visual cues,” said CCOVI Oenology Senior Scientist Jennifer Kelly. “It went really well and despite the challenges of picking out aromas without context, participants enjoyed learning about honing their sensory skills.”