{"id":111358,"date":"2026-09-02T17:02:10","date_gmt":"2026-09-02T21:02:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/?p=111358"},"modified":"2026-09-02T17:02:10","modified_gmt":"2026-09-02T21:02:10","slug":"ccovi-celebrates-30-years-of-industry-impact","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/2026\/09\/ccovi-celebrates-30-years-of-industry-impact\/","title":{"rendered":"CCOVI celebrates 30 years of industry impact"},"content":{"rendered":"

Brock University\u2019s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute<\/a> (CCOVI) has aged like fine wine.<\/p>\n

The premier grape and wine science institute has only improved with time, growing its reputation as an invaluable industry partner over the past 30 years.<\/p>\n

The Institute marked its milestone anniversary on Wednesday, Sept. 2 with a celebration on campus that reflected on its humble beginnings and promising future.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>

Brock University President and Vice-Chancellor Lesley Rigg speaks to guests during a celebration marking the 30th anniversary of the Brock University Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute.<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cFor 30 years, CCOVI has been an important part of Brock University\u2019s identity and a flagship example of the impact a university can have when it brings together education, research and industry,\u201d said Lesley Rigg, President and Vice-Chancellor. \u201cCCOVI has helped establish Brock as a leader in oenology and viticulture education and research while creating meaningful connections between the University and the grape and wine sector.\u201d<\/p>\n

CCOVI was established in 1996 through an agreement between Brock, the Grape Growers of Ontario and what was then the Wine Council of Ontario (now Ontario Craft Wineries and Wine Growers Ontario).<\/p>\n

Its research, expertise and skilled learners have since contributed to the growth and resilience of Canada\u2019s grape and wine industry, supporting producers and industry partners across the country as they respond to changing growing conditions, emerging threats and new opportunities.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I look back through the years, there are so many milestones that we have accomplished together in partnership with industry and government, both provincially and federally. It\u2019s quite remarkable,\u201d said CCOVI Director Debbie Inglis.<\/p>\n

The latest in the long lineup of achievements is the planting of the first grapevines<\/a> at the Brock University Norris W. Walker Research Farm<\/a>, which took place earlier this summer.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe creation of the research vineyard marks a pivotal moment in CCOVI\u2019s history,\u201d Inglis said. \u201cIn addition to supporting other research, the site will be a key part of expanding Brock\u2019s Clean Plant Program, which is critical to supporting Canada\u2019s $11.6-billion grape and wine industry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Working alongside the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Canadian Grapevine Certification Network (CGCN), among other partners, Brock is one of only two facilities in the country to house a germplasm collection of certified virus-tested grapevines and the only testing provider to CGCN for their clean plant program.<\/p>\n

CCOVI\u2019s growth through the years would not have been possible without the initial Canada Foundation for Innovation grant in 1997 and successful capital campaign led by Canadian wine icons Donald Ziraldo and John Howard that supported the Institute\u2019s inception.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am thankful every day I walk around and see the donor plaques throughout the Institute that helped us get to where we are today,\u201d Inglis said.<\/p>\n

Reflecting on CCOVI\u2019s early days, Ziraldo, the co-founder of Inniskillin Wines, expressed pride in the decision to help implement its creation so many years ago.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>

Brock University\u2019s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute marked its 30th anniversary during a celebration on campus on Wednesday, Sept. 2.<\/p><\/div>\n

“Every great wine region all over the world has institutes of higher learning, and 30 years ago we had the fortitude to start CCOVI,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

In addition to its research and service contributions, CCOVI\u2019s presence in the industry remains strong through the many students who\u2019ve found their passion in Brock\u2019s Applied Grape and Wine Science program<\/a> \u2014 the only one of its kind in Canada \u2014 as well as professionals who\u2019ve continued their education and enhanced their skills<\/a> at all stages of their careers.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is hard to believe it has been 30 years since I first learned about CCOVI and found myself enrolled one year later,\u201d said Brock graduate Shiraz Mottiar (BSc \u201900), who is now Malivoire Wine Company\u2019s Team Principal, General Manager and Winegrowing Director, as well as the Chair of CCOVI\u2019s Advisory Council. \u201cCCOVI was my launch pad to the most dynamic career I could have imagined; it\u2019s always evolving. Staying connected to the research and outreach that CCOVI provides us in the Ontario wine industry has been instrumental to our success.\u201d<\/p>\n

The anniversary celebration also included a focus on Brock\u2019s graduates, who are now celebrated winemakers. More than 150 award-winning VQA wines made by Brock alumni from across Canada were donated to be poured for guests at the event.<\/p>\n

Learn more about CCOVI at brocku.ca\/ccovi<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t