In addition to supporting and recognizing the winemakers of tomorrow, the Cuv\u00e9e Grand Tasting celebrated growers, producers and winemakers making a tremendous impact on the industry every day.<\/p>\n
This year, the Tony Aspler Cuv\u00e9e Award of Excellence Award recognized winemaker Phillip Dowell of Angels Gate Winery for his contribution in furthering the aims and aspirations of Ontario\u2019s wine industry.<\/p>\n
The 2024 Cuv\u00e9e Vineyard of Excellence Award recognized Steve Pohorly of River Bend Farms Inc., acknowledging his tireless efforts in vineyard management. The third-generation grape grower was recognized in this year\u2019s Best Red Vinifera category, with his 25-year-old block of merlot vines acknowledged for excellence in vineyard practices supplying outstanding merlot grapes to the industry.<\/p>\n
\u201cAn exciting aspect of the Cuv\u00e9e Vineyard of Excellence Award is that it reflects Brock\u2019s long history of supporting Ontario\u2019s grape and wine industry,\u201d said Lesley Rigg, Brock\u2019s President and Vice-Chancellor. \u201cLike CCOVI, this award recognizes that greatness starts in the vineyard. CCOVI is committed to helping the industry continue to grow by training the next generation of industry professionals and by providing industry-leading solutions \u2014 beginning in the vineyard.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"Image](\"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/DSC01695-scaled.jpg\")
<\/a>Winemaker Rob Power (BSc \u201900) of Creekside Estate Winery (left) holds the Cuv\u00e9e Winemaker of Excellence Award, which was presented by 2019 Cuv\u00e9e Winemaker of Excellence winner Bruce Nicholson.<\/p><\/div>\n
Rob Power (BSc \u201900) of Creekside Estate Winery was named the recipient of this year\u2019s Cuv\u00e9e Winemaker of Excellence Award, which recognizes leadership in the wine industry through promotion, provision and support of educational initiatives, research development and innovative approaches. The award also recognizes mentorship of other winemakers, community engagement that benefits, advances and enriches the VQA wine industry, and excellence in VQA winemaking as demonstrated through domestic and international awards.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis honour feels truly special,\u201d said Power. \u201cThere are many awards in this industry that are rather subjective; I\u2019m sure each winemaker looks to their colleagues\u2019 creations and says, \u2018that should have won!\u2019 Since moving here 27 years ago, I\u2019ve tried to be a positive part of the community and to be a part of helping move it forward. This honour feels like I have been truly embraced by the community. I am humbled.\u201d<\/p>\n
For more than two decades, Power has been a leader in the grape and wine community, taking on many roles including wine judge, presenter, research collaborator, wine educator and member of the VQA standards development committee.\u00a0He was named the 2008 Winemaker of the Year at the Ontario Wine Awards and received the Larry Patterson Vineyard Innovation Award in 2012 and the Lieutenant Governor Award for Excellence in Ontario Wine in 2015, 2016 and 2017.<\/p>\n
Power was also part of the very first graduating class from Brock University\u2019s OEVI program.<\/p>\n
Cuv\u00e9e marked another milestone this year, celebrating 25 years of having Italian ice cream as part of the event. Andrew Vergalito has been serving the company\u2019s signature gelato to attendees since 1996.<\/p>\n
For more information on CCOVI\u2019s programming and photos from the Grand Tasting, visit brocku.ca\/ccovi<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t