From vibrant sparkling wines to complex, age-worthy expressions, every glass of Ontario Chardonnay reveals a rich story of place and people.

The deep commitment of industry professionals to the craft and evolution of Chardonnay, a thriving grape variety in Ontario’s cool climate region, took centre stage on June 4 at the annual Experts Tasting presented by Brock’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI).

Gathering an invite-only group of LCBO product consultants, wine writers, educators and sommeliers to taste and learn about Chardonnay alongside winemakers, the 2026 tasting marked a significant moment in CCOVI’s 30th anniversary year.

“CCOVI has had the privilege to work alongside industry partners for 30 years now, finding answers to production challenges and alongside the trade to promote VQA wines. We look forward to our continued partnerships for many years to come,” said Debbie Inglis, Professor of Biological Sciences and CCOVI Director.

During her opening remarks, President and Vice-Chancellor Lesley Rigg celebrated CCOVI as one of Brock’s flagship research and education strengths and an example of how the University connects discovery with impact.

“CCOVI researchers continue to lead important work in areas including vine health, sustainability, climate resilience, wine quality and consumer behaviour. That work matters not only to this industry, but to the future economic and environmental resilience of our region,” she said.

Rigg also recognized CCOVI’s role in the University’s transformative Clean Agriculture for Sustainable Production (CASP) initiative and the Brock University Norris W. Walker Research Farm.

“This marks a new chapter for Brock through the development of a new vineyard space, greenhouse facilities and Canada’s grapevine clean plant program which will help strengthen the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the Canadian grape and wine sector,” she said.

The Experts Tasting marked the 20th anniversary of the VQA Promoters Awards, which are presented  annually at the event.

CCOVI Manager of Professional Studies and Outreach Barb Tatarnic, who chairs the awards, said more than 80 awards have been given to industry up-and-comers and icons who have consistently promoted VQA wines through education and promotion in the grape and wine industry.

“We created this award for all the industry front liners and tireless promoters who simply love our industry with unselfish enthusiasm, constructive input and unsolicited promotion,” she said.

In the hospitality category, honours were awarded to Allison Vidug, an exceptional ambassador for Ontario VQA wines and founder of At the Lake in Muskoka, and Geneviève Piché, culinary product manager with Air Canada, who promotes Ontario VQA wines in Air Canada’s Signature Suite, Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada cafes around the province.

Professor of Marketing and Consumer Psychology at Brock’s Goodman School of Business and CCOVI Fellow Antonia Mantonakis was honoured in the Education category for her passionate focus on VQA Ontario wines.

Debbie Trenholme, owner of Savvy Company, was awarded the coveted title of Promotor-at-Large for spending more than 20 years creating innovative and engaging ways for consumers to discover and experience VQA Ontario wines.

A Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Laurie Macdonald, founding Executive Director of the VQA wine authority, for her long-standing contributions to the growth of Ontario’s wine industry.

A Lifetime Achievement Award was posthumously awarded to photographer Stephen Elphick who passed away earlier this year. Elphick was celebrated, and will be remembered, for his creative vision and artistic talent showcasing the beauty and diversity of Ontario wineries through his photos.