Through the Grapevine: Winemaking in Niagara<\/a> features artifacts and learning displays donated by Brock\u2019s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI).<\/p>\nAdam Montgomery, Curator of Collections and Exhibitions at the museum, says the exhibit connects Niagara\u2019s modern wine industry with its roots, going all the back to the 1800s, and showcases how science and education helped grow a world class wine region.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat stifled the early industry is it didn\u2019t have the backing of today\u2019s science,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s exciting to show how research institutions like CCOVI have been able to push that research forward.\u201d<\/p>\n
CCOVI scientists conduct research projects on a variety of topics aiming to improve wine quality and sustainability across Canada, including developing virus-free grapevine material, exploring the role insects play in grapevines and wine quality, and studying yeast and fermentation that enhance regional wine character.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese efforts have an estimated $91-million annual economic impact for Ontario \u2014\u00a0evidence that science, collaboration and innovation are the foundation of a thriving wine region,\u201d said CCOVI Senior Scientist in Oenology Jennifer Kelly, who spoke at the opening of the exhibit on Oct. 30.<\/p>\n
CCOVI has loaned the exhibit an interactive wine aroma station developed by Kelly and Hannah Charnock (PhD \u201924) along with a vintage grape press and corking machine.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn wine, aroma tells the story before we even take a sip,\u201d she said. \u201cThrough this station, we wanted to invite visitors to explore those sensory threads and discover how science helps us understand and celebrate what makes our cool climate Niagara wines so distinctive.\u201d<\/p>\n
Helping to illustrate the local wine industry is a 3D map of Niagara\u2019s sub-appellations developed by Brock University Library experts.<\/p>\n
Maps, GIS and Geospatial Data Specialist Sharon Janzen combined geographic information systems\u00a0(GIS) data with cartographic design to create a map of Niagara\u2019s unique growing regions.<\/p>\n
Using that map, Makerspace Supervisor Derek Schneider produced a complementary 3D model puzzle.<\/p>\n
\u201cGIS offers a unique toolset for exploring geospatial phenomena,\u201d Janzen said. \u201cCoupled with the 3D model puzzle, the exhibit invites audiences of all ages to explore the region\u2019s viticultural diversity through an engaging and hands-on experience.\u201d<\/p>\n
Brock Library Head of Research Lifecycle Denise Smith said projects like the exhibit help build connections between the University and the Niagara community.<\/p>\n
\u201cCollaborations with community partners like the Lincoln Museum and Cultural Centre allow us to engage in novel ways of sharing the unique expertise and resources at Brock, meeting our community members where they are,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Through the Grapevine: Winemaking in Niagara<\/a> runs until October 2026.<\/p>\nSeveral notable Niagara wineries have also contributed artifacts to the museum \u2013 including Malivoire Wine Company, where Brock graduate Shiraz Mottiar (BSc 00\u2019) is the general manager, and Cave Spring Vineyard, where Brock grad Gabriel Demarco (BSc 13\u2019) is winemaker \u2013 and CCOVI Director Debbie Inglis provided Canadian Wine Institute pamphlets from 1966 for the exhibit.<\/p>\n\n\t