What’s happening at CCOVI

  • CCOVI introduces new micro-credentials to roster of professional and continuing studies offerings

    Thursday, April 27, 2023 | By

    Instructor with group of students.

    Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) is launching a host of new micro-credential offerings targeted at boosting the skills and knowledge of those working in the wine and cider industry.

    Micro-credentials, which are short courses designed to cultivate and verify a particular skill set desirable to employers, help participants to bridge pre-existing skills and knowledge in order to meet rapidly changing labour market demands.

    In alignment with the Institute’s mission to provide continuing education and professional development opportunities to industry, successful completion of a micro-credential at CCOVI serves as a verification of the corresponding skills for employers. In addition to the credentials boasting the authority of Canada’s foremost institute dedicated to grape and wine research, education and outreach, the training programs are also subject to Brock University’s quality assurance processes and are approved by Ontario’s Ministry of Colleges and Universities.

    With the introduction of the new micro-credentials, CCOVI is offering professionals the opportunity to upskill in advanced wine and cider production, wine marketing and the wine and spirits qualifications of the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET).

    “We are excited to be launching these new micro-credentials, which are designed to provide targeted training and certification to wine and cider professionals,” said CCOVI Director Debbie Inglis. “These courses are a valuable resource for anyone looking to expand their skillset and advance their career in the industry.”

    The new micro-credentials cover a range of topics related to the wine and cider industries, including sensory evaluation, lab skills and brand storytelling. The WSET qualifications cover a broad range of wine and spirits knowledge, from beginner to advanced levels.

    “This is an exciting development for the Institute and our stakeholders and partners, as it provides a new way for professionals to continue learning and growing in their careers,” said Inglis. “We look forward to seeing the positive impact these micro-credentials will have on the industry as a whole.”

    The following micro-credentials are available now and those interested can explore course availability and register via CCOVI’s professional and continuing studies web page:

    • Certification in Ontario Wines
    • Foundation in Winemaking (In-person and online)
    • Wine Faults and Sensory Evaluation
    • Winery Lab Skills
    • Social Media Storytelling for Wine Brands
    • Cider and Perry Production: Foundation (In-person)
    • Essential Lab Testing of Cider and Perry
    • Essential Sensory Evaluation of Cider and Perry
    • Level 1 Award in Spirits (In-person and online)
    • Level 1 Award in Wine (In-person and online)
    • Level 2 Award in Spirits (In-person and online)
    • Level 2 Award in Wine (In-person and online)
    • Level 3 Award in Wine (In-person and online)
    Categories: What's happening at CCOVI

  • 2021-22 Year-in-Review

    Monday, April 03, 2023 | By

    2021-22 CCOVI Annual Report Cover Page

    View the report on Issuu

    Categories: Annual Reports, CCOVI Year-in-Review, What's happening at CCOVI

  • CCOVI appoints new scientists in entomology and oenology

    Thursday, March 30, 2023 | By

    Brock University’s flagship research institute, the Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI), has appointed two new members to its team of scientists.

    After a comprehensive global search for the top candidates, CCOVI Director Dr. Debbie Inglis is pleased to announce Dr. Malkie Spodek will join the Institute as Scientist in Entomology and Dr. Jennifer Kelly will take on the role of Scientist in Oenology effective May 1, 2023.

    Spodek brings a wealth of knowledge in the field of plant protection and entomology. She is a Hemipteran specialist, which includes scale insects, psyllids, whiteflies, aphids, cicadas and leafhoppers, many of which are important agricultural pests. Prior to joining CCOVI, she spent five years as a research entomologist, where she focused on finding sustainable pest management solutions for the agricultural needs of the Arava region in Israel. She has also previously worked in biosecurity and helped to develop import regulations with risk assessments for the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in Israel.

    In addition to her extensive background in identifying insects that are inadvertently imported with agriculture produce, Spodek brings hands-on experience working directly with farmers to address their pest challenges. She was also involved in several biocontrol projects, including using birds to manage insect pests, and has discovered and described several insect species new to science.

    Her experience in running workshops and lecturing on agriculture topics such as plant pests, plant diseases and biological pest control will be invaluable to the Institute from an outreach perspective.

    Spodek received her BSc in Environmental Studies and postgraduate certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing from York University in Toronto. She went on to complete her MSc in Agricultural Sciences in Entomology and PhD in Agro-Ecology and Plant Health from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Israel.

    She currently serves as the Collection Manager of Hemiptera at The Steinhardt Museum of Natural History in Tel Aviv, Israel and is a member of the Entomological Societies of Canada, the U.S. and Israel.

    “I am excited about this opportunity to work with grape growers in the wine region of Ontario and to apply my international experience to develop research programs that will build on current pest management practices,” said Spodek.

    Kelly brings a unique perspective to the oenologist position, as she has worked in the grape and wine industry for over a decade in both cellars and an academic capacity, with the majority of this time focused on research that sought to improve the quality of Ontario wine and address specific industry challenges.

    Before completing her PhD at Brock, Kelly worked in wineries across Niagara and the Barossa Valley in Australia, gaining practical, hands-on wine production experience. Her PhD and post-doctoral projects focused on research pertinent to the Niagara grape and wine industry, involving local yeast isolates, red wine production, botrytis and volatile acidity concerns and aromatic white wine production with a focus on fruity aromas associated with Sauvignon blanc.

    Kelly’s focus on developing mitigation tools to assist industry with resilience to climate change and experience testing oenological methods on wine quality and consumer preferences through her PhD and post-doctoral research demonstrate her ability to tackle industry challenges in premium wine production.

    Her research experience in basic wine analysis, advanced aroma chemistry, wine sensory evaluation and consumer behavior will also serve the Ontario and broader Canadian wine industry in addressing their needs.

    She has also taught labs in wine chemistry, wine microbiology, wine sensory evaluation; run workshops in wine appreciation for non-specialists; and holds an advanced certificate in teaching and learning in higher education, which will be beneficial in CCOVI’s outreach efforts.

    Kelly completed her Honours BSc in Psychology and BSc in Natural Sciences at Lakehead University and earned her PhD in Biotechnology in Oenology at Brock University. She also holds a Wine and Viticulture Technician Certificate from Niagara College.

    She currently serves as Senior Lab Demonstrator and Professional Studies Instructor at CCOVI.

    “I am honoured and excited to take on the role of CCOVI Scientist in Oenology,” said Kelly. “I truly believe in our grape and wine industry and am eager to address their needs through future research endeavours. I feel lucky to have the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues in CCOVI, the wider Brock community and industry partners once again and look forward to the 2023 harvest.”

    Inglis is looking forward to Spodek and Kelly joining the CCOVI team in May.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Spodek and Dr. Kelly to our team at CCOVI. Their combined expertise in entomology and oenology will greatly enhance the Institute’s ability to address the challenges faced by the grape and wine industry in our region and beyond,” said Inglis. “We look forward to the contributions they will make to CCOVI’s leading edge research programs and outreach initiatives.”

    Categories: What's happening at CCOVI

  • Order to explore the Great Chardo Swap wines!

    Tuesday, February 28, 2023 | By

    What dictates the style of a wine, the winemaker, or the terroir?

    The Great Chardo Swap, spearheaded by Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) Principal Scientist Belinda Kemp, sought to answer that very question.

    The concept? Six winemakers from east of the Welland Canal made wine from Chardonnay grapes grown on the west side of the canal, and six winemakers from the west side made wine from grapes grown on the east. Beyond using the same juice, closures and bottles, winemakers had free rein to craft their wines however they desired.

    Thanks to a partnership with WineAlign, wine lovers can explore these exclusive bottles for themselves, all while supporting students studying grape and wine science at Brock University. Wines will be sold by the case (12 bottles) for $299 plus shipping, with $150 from each case sale donated to the Karl J. Kaiser Memorial Fund to establish scholarships for students studying Oenology and Viticulture (OEVI) at Brock University, with a charitable receipt of $150 provided to each customer. The Kaiser Family is grateful for everyone’s contributions and efforts on this project to support the fund that was created in memory of iconic Canadian pioneering winemaker Karl Kaiser.

    WineAlign’s Michael Godel tasted through the wines last July, “The results from The Great Chardo Swap are astonishing and compose a picture of nature versus nurture. The question is, which matters more? For neophyte Bench winemakers trying to figure out fruit from Niagara-on-the-Lake it is important to remember lions of the industry like Karl Kaiser and Donald Ziraldo, but also the fact that Montague is a really good vineyard. For makers on the Niagara flats it’s an opportunity to push making Bench chardonnay into a new milieu, to turn it into something it’s never been known to do before. The only way to know is to decide for yourself. Purchase and taste through one of these cases – You just might find your own answer.”

    Wines are available for purchase in 12 bottle case formats:

    These wines were produced in limited quantities, so place your order as soon as possible to ensure you have the opportunity to taste these unique expressions of Niagara Chardonnay for yourself!

    The Great Chardo Swap winemakers include:

    East-side winemaking team

    • Fabian Reis, Ferox by Fabian Reis
    • J.L. Groux, Stratus Vineyards
    • Ann Sperling, Southbrook Vineyards
    • Amélie Boury, Château des Charmes
    • Nicholas Gizuk, Inniskillin Wines
    • Craig McDonald, Trius Winery

    West-side winemaking team

    • Casey Kulczyk, Westcott Vineyards
    • Emma Garner, Thirty Bench Wine Makers
    • Angelo Pavan/Gabriel Demarco, Cave Spring Vineyard
    • Lawrence Buhler, Henry of Pelham Family Estate
    • Shiraz Mottiar, Malivoire Wine Company
    • Thomas Bachelder, Bachelder
    Categories: What's happening at CCOVI

  • 2023 CCOVI News

    Tuesday, January 31, 2023 | By

    CCOVI News: 2023 May Edition
    CCOVI News: Professional & Continuing Studies Edition, April 2023
    CCOVI News: Professional & Continuing Studies Edition, February 2023
    CCOVI News: 2023 January Edition

    Categories: CCOVI Newsletters, What's happening at CCOVI

  • 2022 CCOVI News

    Thursday, February 10, 2022 | By

    CCOVI News: Professional & Continuing Studies Edition, November 2022
    2022 October Edition
    2022 July Edition
    2022 January Edition

    Categories: CCOVI Newsletters, What's happening at CCOVI

  • 2020-21 Year-in-Review

    Thursday, January 27, 2022 | By

    View the Report on Issuu

    Categories: Annual Reports, CCOVI Year-in-Review, What's happening at CCOVI

  • Holiday closures for Analytical Services & Grapevine Virus Testing labs

    Saturday, December 18, 2021 | By

    To all of our valuable customers:

    The CCOVI Analytical Services Lab and Grapevine Virus Testing Services will be closed beginning on Tuesday, Dec. 21 and re-open for service on Monday, January 10, 2022.

    The last day to submit samples will be Monday, Dec., 20.

    When reopening in 2022, both labs will continue to offer contactless drop-off service in order to safely to process samples for all of our clients.

    We look forward to continuing serving you in 2022.

    Thank you and Happy Holidays,

    – Lisa and Shufen (Analytical Services)
    – Tony and Sud (Grapevine Virus Testing Services)

    Categories: Dates and Deadlines, What's happening at CCOVI

  • November & December Dates & Deadlines

    Wednesday, November 10, 2021 | By

    WSET LEVEL 1 AWARD IN WINE (ONLINE)
    This is a beginner level wine course for those starting a wine career or those wishing to explore wine for personal interest. There is no prerequisite to register and WSET Level 1 in Wine is not a prerequisite for registration in WSET Level 2 in Wine. Please email CCOVI@brocku.ca to confirm your comfort level.
    November 29 to December 26, 2021
    Registration Deadline:November 19 (by 10 am)*
    For more information and to register click here

    December 13 to January 9, 2022
    Registration Deadline: December 3 (by 10 am)*
    For more information and to register click here

    December 27 to January 23, 2022
    Registration Deadline: December 17 (by 10 am)*
    For more information and to register click here

    WSET LEVEL 2 AWARD IN WINE (ONLINE)
    Explore major grape varieties and important wine regions in which they are grown, the styles of wines produced from these grapes and key classifications and labelling terminology.
    November 29 to January 2, 2022
    Registration Deadline: November 19 (by 10 am)*
    For more information and to register click here

    December 13 to January 16, 2022
    Registration Deadline: December 3 (by 10 am)
    For more information and to register click here

    December 27 to January 30, 2022
    Registration Deadline:December 17 (by 10 am)
    For more information and to register click here

    WSET LEVEL 1 AWARD IN SPIRITS (ONLINE)
    This is a beginner level course for those starting a career in the spirits industry or those wishing to explore spirits for personal interest. There is no prerequisite to register and WSET Level 1 in Spirits is not a prerequisite for registration in WSET Level 2 in Spirits. Please email CCOVI@brocku.ca to confirm your comfort level.
    Monday January 10 to February 6, 2022
    Registration Deadline:December 17, 2021 (by 10 am)
    For more information and to register click here

    WSET LEVEL 2 AWARD IN SPIRITS (ONLINE)
    This is a specialized program for individuals wishing to develop their expertise in spirits and liqueurs. You’ll learn about the production methods and characteristics of the main spirit categories while also exploring key brands and the use of spirits in cocktails.
    November 29 to January 2, 2022
    Registration Deadline:November 19 (by 10 am)
    For more information and to register click here

    CIDER AND PERRY PRODUCTION- FOUNDATION (ONLINE)
    CINA instructors have collaborated to develop a first-of-its-kind online Foundation course to boost your cider production career or hobby. 
    Fermentation experts from Brock University, Cornell University, Washington State University, and Virginia Tech will introduce you to the fundamentals of cider making as well as the history and traditions behind the modern cider and perry industry. World-renowned cider makers will lead live discussion about the application of production knowledge to a career in the cider industry. Cider samples and fermentation kits will be sent to all participants for sensory analysis and product development throughout the course.
    August 31 – December 14 (online)
    For more information and to register click here

    REMOTE INVIGILATION EXAMS:

    WSET LEVEL 1 AWARD IN WINE (ONLINE):

    Monday December 13 from 5:30 -6:15 pm – 45 minutes
    Registration Deadline: November 19 (by 1 pm)
    Register here

    Monday December 20 from 5:30-6:15 pm – 45 minutes
    Registration Deadline: November 16 (by 1 pm)
    Register here

    WSET LEVEL 2 AWARD IN WINE (ONLINE):

    Monday December 13 from 5:30 – 6:15 pm – 45 minutes)
    Registration Deadline: November 19 (by 1 pm)
    Register here

    Monday December 20 from 5:30-6:15 pm – 45 minutes
    Registration Deadline: November 16 (by 1 pm)
    Register here

    WSET LEVEL 1 AWARD IN SPIRITS (ONLINE):

    Monday December 13 from 5:30-6:15 pm – 45 minutes
    Registration Deadline: November 19 (by 1 pm)
    Register here

    Monday December 20 from 5:30-6:15 pm – 45 minutes
    Registration Deadline: November 16 (by 1 pm)
    Register here

    WSET LEVEL 2 AWARD IN SPIRITS (ONLINE):

    Monday December 13 from 5:30- 6:15 pm – 45 minutes
    Registration Deadline: November 19 (by 1 pm)
    Register here

    Monday December 20 from 5:30-6:15 pm – 45 minutes
    Registration Deadline: November 16 (by 1 pm)
    Register here

    Categories: Dates and Deadlines, What's happening at CCOVI

  • Brock’s CCOVI celebrates 25 years of research excellence

    Wednesday, November 10, 2021 | By

    Karl Kaiser and Donald Ziraldo at the opening of Brock’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute, in the new Inniskillin Hall building, in 1999.

    Although harvest season is always a special time in Niagara, this vintage also marks a major milestone for Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI).

    The Institute turned 25 last month, commemorating a quarter-century since its inception on Oct. 26, 1996.

    “While things have changed a great deal over the past 25 years, our commitment to our industry and community partners has remained at the heart of what we do at CCOVI,” Director Debbie Inglis said. “It has been amazing to see everything we have accomplished together.”

    The time for popping sparkling wine and gathering in celebration will come in 2022, as soon as it is safe to do so in true CCOVI style. For now, the CCOVI team is reflecting on its two and a half decades of achievements.

    The idea for CCOVI began at the Queen’s Landing Forum in Toronto, where 37 individuals from Brock University and the grape and wine community determined that the industry needed its own cool climate grape and wine research institute.

    In this Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) file photo, Jim Willwerth is seen collecting samples of grapevines for CCOVI’s VineAlert program.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    A short time later, CCOVI was born, in partnership with the Wine Council of Ontario (now known as the Ontario Craft Wineries and Wine Growers Ontario) and the Grape Growers of Ontario (GGO).

    The Institute has since become internationally recognized for its leading-edge research and its continuing education, outreach and professional development opportunities. It is still supported by its inaugural partners today and has inked new partnerships with Ontario Grape and Wine Research Inc. (OGWRI) and the Canadian Grapevine Certification Network (CGCN), among others.

    A year after CCOVI was created, Brock’s Oenology and Viticulture program welcomed its first cohort of undergraduate grape and wine students. Hundreds of graduate and undergraduate students have been trained by the CCOVI team since.

    In 1999, Donald Ziraldo and John Howard led a $2.1-million fundraising campaign from members of the national grape and wine industry, allowing CCOVI to open the doors to its very own building: Inniskillin Hall.

    Del Rollo, Chair of The Board Of Directors, Wine Growers Ontario, said all the Institute has achieved over the past 25 years “has been, and will continue to be, fundamental to the success of Ontario’s grape and wine industry.”

    “Wine Growers Ontario thanks CCOVI for its dedication to our industry that supports more than 18,000 jobs in Ontario,” he added.

    Tim Kenyon, Brock’s Vice-President, Research, congratulated “the entire CCOVI team” for the tangible impact its research program has had over the last two and a half decades.

    “CCOVI has earned its excellent reputation by supporting scientific and scholarly inquiry in genuine collaboration with industry, community and government partners,” he added.

    Ziraldo, who is still a close partner of the institute today, points to the flagship VineAlert program as an example of the game-changing research coming out of CCOVI. The program alerts growers to plummeting temperatures so they can turn on their wind machines to help protect their vines from winter damage.

    “Before CCOVI created this, you had to essentially go out and hold a thermometer up in the air,” Ziraldo recalled. “I remember driving around at night to check the temperature of different vineyards, it was just crazy. Now you can set it up so that the wind machine comes on automatically to align with Brock’s data.”

    CCOVI Director Debbie Inglis, centre, is pictured speaking with Karl Kaiser and Donald Ziraldo at the 10th anniversary celebration of Brock’s Oenology and Viticulture program in 2010.

    OGWRI Chair Matthias Oppenlaender and GGO CEO Debbie Zimmerman also raised a glass to the impact CCOVI has had on “Ontario’s 500 grape growing farm families.”

    “CCOVI’s ongoing research and support of Ontario’s grape growers is crucial in improving grapevine health, including mitigating winter injury,” they said in a joint statement on behalf of the GGO, OGWRI and CGCN. “The successful development of VineAlert is a major accomplishment for CCOVI and an important tool for protecting our vineyards to ensure the local grape and wine industry remains strong and sustainable.”

    CCOVI’s robust research program tackles industry research priorities from the vine to the glass, as well as providing Preharvest Monitoring, Analytical Services and Grapevine Virus Testing. It also hosts thousands of community and industry members at its outreach events every year and provides professional certifications in wine, cider and spirits to more than 200 continuing education students annually.

    Ontario Craft Wineries President Richard Linley said the organization has been “proud to partner” with CCOVI, highlighting their collaboration on the first-of-its-kind Certification in Ontario Wine.

    “We look forward to further building on our partnership with CCOVI as our industry and this valuable institution continues to grow,” he added.

    As for what lies ahead, Inglis is excited by CCOVI’s work to better understand consumer choice using augmented and virtual reality technology in the Institute’s R3CL Lab, its initiatives to support the sustainability of the industry and mitigate the impacts of climate change, and the implementation of a national clean plant program for grapevines.

    All of which, she stresses, are possible thanks to CCOVI’s strong partnerships.

    Brock University Interim President Lynn Wells echoes the sentiment.

    “CCOVI’s numerous research, outreach and continuing education activities over the past 25 years have created meaningful and lasting partnerships within our local community and beyond,” she said. “We look forward to seeing what the next 25 years will bring.”

    Read the Brock News Story 

    Categories: What's happening at CCOVI

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