What’s happening at CCOVI

  • March Dates & Deadlines

    Monday, March 02, 2020 | By

    Continuing Education

    March 2 to April 5: ONLINE – WSET LEVEL 2 AWARD IN WINES
    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.
    Registration for this course is now closed.

    March 16 to April 19: ONLINE – WSET LEVEL 2 IN SPIRITS
    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.
    For more information and to register click here.

    March 23 to April 26: ONLINE – WSET LEVEL 2 AWARD IN WINES
    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.
    For more information and to register click here.

    CCOVI Lecture Series

    March 9: Sudarsana Poojari
    CCOVI Senior Virologist, Brock University
    Topic: “    Advances in the diagnosis of grapevine virus diseases.”

    March 16: Jim Willwerth
    CCOVI Senior Viticulturist, Brock University
    Topic: “A decade of freezing buds and blankets. The trials and tribulations of cold hardiness and freeze protection research.”

    March 23: Belinda Kemp
    CCOVI Senior Oenologist, Brock University
    Topic: “Effect on honey, dusty off-flavours and acetic acid in sparkling wines made from varying amounts of sour rotten grapes.”

    March 30: Lester Kwong
    Associate Professor of Economics, Faculty of Social Sciences, Brock University
    Topic: “Judging Wines: Preferences, Evaluation, and Aggregation.”

    affiliated events

    March 16: ICCWS 2020 early bird deadline
    The International Cool Climate Wine Symposium (ICCWS) is coming to Canada from July 12 to 16, 2020, where leading researchers, winemakers, grape growers, educators and media from around the world will gather at Brock University for the 10th instalment of the symposium. Early bird pricing is currently available for conference registration at $800 for professionals (regular $1150), and $500 for students. This includes access to research seminars, masterclasses, wine tastings and workshops and will be available until March 16 at 11:59pm EST.
    Visit registration page
    Download the program schedule (PDF)
    View the hour-by-hour program schedule

    Cuvée 2020 tickets on sale
    Tickets are on sale now for the Cuvée Grand Tasting, to be held on April 25.
    The Cuvée en Route program runs the entire weekend of Cuvée, from April 24-26

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

  • January Dates & Deadlines

    Thursday, November 14, 2019 | By

    January 6 to February 9: ONLINE – WSET LEVEL 2 AWARD IN WINES
    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.
    For more information and to register click here.

    January 6 to February 2: ONLINE – WSET LEVEL 1 IN SPIRITS
    This is a beginner level course for those starting a career in the spirits industry or those wishing to explore spirits for personal interest.
    For more information and to register click here.

    January 13 to May 4: WSET LEVEL 3 AWARD IN WINES
    This is an advanced level course for wine industry professionals, or those seeking to join the profession, or for wine enthusiasts wishing to develop a deeper understanding of wine. This qualification will assist those who may be required to make professional evaluations of wines as to its quality and commercial value.  Level 3 will provide registrants with in depth product knowledge that, in turn, will strengthen and support your job skills in product selection for the retail and hospitality sectors.
    For more information and to register click here.

    January 14 to March 10: WINES OF ONTARIO
    A special interest course focused on the wines of Ontario – how they are grown and made. Become familiar with VQA wines and the viticultural areas in which they are grown. Upon successful completion students will receive the Ontario Craft Wineries (formerly known as the Wine Council of Ontario) Certification.
    For more information and to register click here.

    January 15 to April 1: WINE APPRECIATION II – WINE REGIONS OF THE WORLD
    This is a special interest course designed to deepen and refine your wine tasting skills as you explore the major wine regions of the world. Discover wines from historic Old World regions as well as the emerging New World wine regions including South Africa and New Zealand.
    For more information and to register click here.

    January 27 to March 1: ONLINE – WSET LEVEL 2 AWARD IN WINES
    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.
    For more information and to register click here.

    ICCWS 2020 registration open & Sponsorship and Tradeshow opportunities available
    The International Cool Climate Wine Symposium (ICCWS) is coming to Canada next summer and sponsorship opportunities are now available along with Tradeshow registration. From July 12 to 16, 2020, leading researchers, winemakers, grape growers, educators and media from around the world will gather at Brock University for the 10th instalment of the symposium.
    Visit registration page.
    View Sponsorship and Tradeshow opportunities. 

    Cuvée 2020 early bird tickets on sale
    Early bird tickets are on sale now for the Cuvée Grand Tasting to be held on April 25th.
    Plus the Cuvée en Route program runs the entire weekend of Cuvée April 24-26

    Niagara Icewine Festival 
    Celebrate Icewine and all things VQA at the 25th Annual Gala on Friday, January 10, 2020. Plus, choose your wine adventure with a Discovery Pass and enjoy carefully curated wine pairings at participating wineries every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from January 10-26.
    For more information visit their website.

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

  • December Dates & Deadlines

    Thursday, November 14, 2019 | By

    December 10: Fizz Club 
    Mark you calendars and register to reserve your spot for the 7th annual Fizz Club!
    Theme: What’s new and different in the world of FIZZ
    Cost: $50 (plus HST)
    Registration continues to be limited to sparkling winemakers or winemakers considering a sparkling wine program only.
    Register now.

    ICCWS 2020 registration open & Sponsorship and Tradeshow opportunities available
    The International Cool Climate Wine Symposium (ICCWS) is coming to Canada next summer and sponsorship opportunities are now available along with Tradeshow registration. From July 12 to 16, 2020, leading researchers, winemakers, grape growers, educators and media from around the world will gather at Brock University for the 10th instalment of the symposium.
    Visit registration page.
    View Sponsorship and Tradeshow opportunities. 

    Cuvée 2020 early bird tickets on sale
    Early bird tickets are on sale now for the Cuvée Grand Tasting to be held on April 25th.
    Plus the Cuvée en Route program runs the entire weekend of Cuvée April 24-26

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

  • November Dates & Deadlines

    Thursday, October 03, 2019 | By

    November 11 – December 8: ONLINE – WSET LEVEL 1 IN WINE
    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.
    For more information and to register click here.

    November 11 to December 15: ONLINE – WSET LEVEL 2 AWARD IN WINES
    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.
    For more information and to register click here.

    November 18 to December 22: ONLINE – WSET LEVEL 1 IN SPIRITS
    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.
    For more information and to register click here.

    ICCWS 2020 Sponsorship and Tradeshow registration open
    The International Cool Climate Wine Symposium (ICCWS) is coming to Canada next summer and sponsorship opportunities are now available along with Tradeshow registration. From July 12 to 16, 2020, leading researchers, winemakers, grape growers, educators and media from around the world will gather at Brock University for the 10th instalment of the symposium.
    View Sponsorship and Tradeshow opportunities. 

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

  • 2019 CCOVI News

    Monday, April 29, 2019 | By

    2019 Winter Edition
    2019 Spring Edition
    2019 Summer Edition
    2019 Fall Edition

    Categories: CCOVI Newsletters, What's happening at CCOVI

  • Graduate research opportunity

    Friday, November 02, 2018 | By

    MSc/PhD: Yeast, acids and “sweet/honey” off- flavours, in Pinot noir sparkling and still red wines.

    Project Description

    Location: Brock University, St Catharines, Ontario, Canada.
    Supervisors: Dr Belinda Kemp, Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI), Brock University.

    I am looking for an enthusiastic student for a funded position at the MSc level with the ability to transfer into the PhD program. A PhD student who has achieved an MSc and wishes to progress to a PhD student is also welcome.

    The studentship will investigate off-flavours associated with compounds originating from grape infection, and their influence on the resultant wine during aging. The research will include analysis in aroma compounds by HS-SPME-GC-MS, capillary electrophoresis (CE), standard wine chemical analysis, advanced wine sensory analysis and winemaking. The candidate will gain skills in these areas, as well as teaching experience, statistical analysis, a range of analytical software, data interpretation and wine production within Brock’s renowned Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute.

    Eligibility and desirable experience:
    ● Applicants should hold a BSc degree in Viticulture and Oenology, Food Science, or analytical chemistry. Applicants who have a BSc in these disciplines at the First Class level can enrol for an MSc, and upon successful completion of their first year can apply to convert to the PhD stream. A strong academic background in biological sciences is also desirable.
    ● Experience with advanced laboratory beverage analysis is vital along with an interest in sparkling wine, red wine and flavour chemistry.
    Funding Details: This position is fully funded by CAP AAFC GF3, which covers a student stipend. Funds for conference travel are also available. Applications will be assessed as they arrive.

    How to apply: Please contact Dr Belinda Kemp for further information and send your CV, cover letter, personal statement and contact details for two references to bkemp@brocku.ca.

    Categories: What's happening at CCOVI

  • 2017-18 Year in Review

    Wednesday, June 20, 2018 | By

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    View the report on Issuu

    Categories: Annual Reports, What's happening at CCOVI

  • International Cool Climate Wine Symposium set to highlight Canada’s wine industry

    Friday, June 15, 2018 | By

    15 June 2018

    R00127

    Momentum is building as Canada gets ready to welcome the world to Brock University for the 2020 International Cool Climate Wine Symposium (ICCWS).

    From July 12 to 17, 2020, leading researchers, winemakers, grape growers, educators and media from around the world will gather at Brock for the 10th instalment of the symposium. This will mark the first time that the ICCWS, which takes place every four years, has come to Canada.

    Brock’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) is working alongside its research and industry partners to plan the event, which will focus on how climate change is driving innovation in the grape and wine industry.

    “This is an issue that impacts all cool climate wine regions,” said CCOVI Director Debbie Inglis. “The ICCWS will give researchers from all areas of the grape and wine value chain the chance to showcase the latest research and discuss innovative practices that can help ensure the vitality of cool climate winemaking.”

    As 2020 approaches, conference organizers have launched a new website that will serve as the key source of information for delegates who plan on attending the conference. Although registration doesn’t open until next summer, interested individuals can use the website to sign-up for the ICCWS’ mailing list and learn more about Canada’s wine regions and conference programming.

    In addition to the conference sessions at Brock, delegates will also have the opportunity to participate in pre- and post-conference programming that will showcase Canada’s wine regions from coast-to-coast.

    Dan Paszkowski, Canadian Vintners Association President and Chief Executive Officer, said Canada’s wine and grape producers are eager to welcome international delegates to the country.

    “The ICCWS offers an exceptional opportunity to showcase the wines of Canada to the world, tell our cool climate wine story and share the true diversity of Canada’s award-winning terroirs as delegates taste wines from Ontario, British Columbia, Nova Scotia and Quebec,” Paszkowski said.

    A unique feature of the conference will be the presentation of wines from The Great Chardo Swap. Organized by CCOVI oenologist Belinda Kemp, the swap will showcase terroir and winemaker ingenuity through Niagara Chardonnay to conference attendees. The activity has 12 winemakers using grapes from two well-established Niagara vineyards to craft one-of-a-kind Chardonnays, with six winemakers working with juice from each site.

    Other than using the same juice, closures and bottles, winemakers have free rein to craft their wines however they like. All of the wines will be part of a grand tasting at the ICCWS, with the winemakers discussing how the decisions they made during the winemaking process impacted the final wine.

    The initiative will also be featured at the International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration during its “School for Cool” Education Day on Friday, July 17, 2020. The Great Chardo Swap wines will be auctioned-off, with the proceeds donated to the Karl J. Kaiser Memorial Fund to establish scholarships for students studying oenology and viticulture at Brock University.

    Learn more at iccws2020.ca

    Categories: Media releases, What's happening at CCOVI

  • Fizz Club on tour: Canadian sparkling winemakers are Italy bound

    Thursday, June 14, 2018 | By

    14 June 2018                                                                                                                          R00126

    Fizz Club, a networking group for Canadian sparkling winemakers, is trading in its usual classroom meeting spot at Brock University for the scenic views of the Italian countryside next week.

    Thirty winemakers from four provinces will join Fizz Club organizer Belinda Kemp, a Senior Scientist in Oenology at Brock’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI), on a five-day technical tour of Italian sparkling wine facilities beginning June 25. The tour will connect the Canadian winemakers with their highly regarded colleagues and sparkling wine scientists in Franciacorta, Trentino and Conegliano.

    “We are often able to get Ontario winemakers together but to have winemakers from British Columbia, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick join us is a great opportunity,” Kemp said. “Organized Fizz Club excursions like this give busy winemakers time and space to talk to each other and learn from their international colleagues.”

    To plan the tour, Kemp has been working with Niagara winemakers Craig McDonald, Vice-President of Winemaking at Andrew Peller Limited, and Elisa Mazzi, Assistant Winemaker at Malivoire Wine.

    Fizz Club was created at Brock five years ago to provide the technical foundation for the growth of Canada’s sparkling wine industry. The network has an annual meeting where the latest CCOVI research is presented and gives winemakers the opportunity to exchange practical advice on all stages of production.

    “Our region is really collegial among winemakers,” McDonald said. “We need to maintain and nurture that and Fizz Club is the greatest platform we have not only within Ontario but also nationally to do that.

    “We’re really happy and very fortunate to have a person of Belinda’s caliber involved in this. To not only have a winemaker with a PhD but to also have someone who really believes in the potential of the industry is exciting for the winemakers.”

    This marks the second time that Fizz Club has gone abroad. In 2016, Kemp led 26 Ontario winemakers on a technical tour of France’s Champagne region, where they gained insights from top producers and consultants. Mazzi was on that tour and is excited to now be showcasing her home country of Italy to her Canadian colleagues.

    “Champagne was a great opportunity for us to actually talk to winemakers, because when you just taste wine you don’t have an idea of what’s going on behind the scenes,” Mazzi said. “It’s important to understand their philosophy, see what their mentality is and what drove them to start their sparkling program.”

    As the winemakers prepare for Italy, the quality of Canadian bubbly is garnering international attention. Earlier this month, two Ontario wineries received Platinum medals with a score of 97 points for their sparkling at the prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards.

    Attached to this release is a photo that is free for media use. Caption: Winemakers Craig McDonald and Elisa Mazzi work with CCOVI’s Belinda Kemp (centre) to put the finishing touches on plans for Fizz Club’s trip to Italy.

     

    Categories: Media releases, What's happening at CCOVI

  • Graduate research opportunity: Sparkling wine flavour

    Wednesday, May 23, 2018 | By

    If you are interested in pursuing oenology studies at the graduate level,CCOVI researchers Belinda Kemp and Gary Pickering are recruiting a fully funded PhD student.

    Click here to learn more about the opportunity

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