The training received by our undergraduate and graduate students combined with their strong research skills and competitive edge has resulted in a job placement rate of over 95% as winemakers, oenologists, assistant winemakers, vineyard managers, sensory scientists as well as sales and marketing personnel in various aspects of the grape and wine industry.
STORIES:
Distinguished grad’s efforts support small-batch beverage brands.
Mitchell McCurdy (BSc ’18) is the recipient of the 2023 Faculty of Mathematics and Science Distinguished Graduate Award.
CCOVI’s undergraduate and graduate research programs provide Highly Qualified Personnel (HQP) with experience in cutting edge research in oenology, fermentation, viticulture and sensory science, combined with almost 12 months of real industry experience through required Co-op work-terms. Over the years, HQP have been trained through CCOVI from the research laboratories of its faculty. These graduates are now located across Canada, the United States, and viticulture regions around the world. They are either working directly in the industry as winemakers or in research or academic institutes.
“Committed instructors allow for learning information that can be applied to work. The molecular processes of plant physiology and wine chemistry relate to work in the vineyard or at the winery.”
– A mature student, now working as a vineyard manager.
“The enjoyment of wine brought me to this program. You learn how to make, enjoy, and understand wine as well as the other areas of science. I’m enjoying the variety of courses.”
– Fourth year OEVI student.
“A passion for wine encouraged me to take OEVI. Excellent education about the industry prepares well-rounded employees. I plan to be a winemaker at a winery.”
– Third year OEVI student.
“The Certificate program influenced my decision to choose CCOVI at Brock. Great first hand experiences through small classes prepared me for my career. Networking with wineries, winemakers, professors, and students is beneficial.”
– Assistant winemaker, working in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
“The courses offered through the OEVI program were highly relevant to Niagara’s rapidly growing wine industry. There’s a sense of community due to the small class sizes.”
– Senior laboratory demonstrator in St. Catharines.
