News
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October Happenings at CCOVI
Office Closure
Oct. 14, 2024
As part of the Brock calendar, and Thanksgiving, CCOVI, its labs and services will be closed on Oct. 14 with normal operations resuming on Oct. 15..
Professional and Continuing Studies
Foundations in Viticulture
(Online)
NEXT COURSE RUNNING: Oct. 7 to Nov. 29, 2024
REGISTER NOW FOR FALL 2024Wine Appreciation I – Exploring Varietals
(In-Person)
Next Course Oct. 8 to Dec. 3, 2024
Email ccovi@brocku.ca for notification!
Learn moreWSET Level 2 Award in Wines
(In-Person)
Next Course Oct. 3 to Nov. 28
REGISTER NOW!
Learn more -
September Happenings at CCOVI
Office Closure
Sept. 2, 2024
As part of the Brock calendar, and Labour Day, CCOVI, its labs and services will be closed on Sept. 2 with normal operations resuming on September 3.
Professional and Continuing Studies
Certificate in Ontario Wines
(Online)
NEXT COURSE RUNNING: Sept. 30 to Nov. 1, 2024
REGISTER NOW
Learn moreFoundations in Winemaking
(Online)
REGISTER NOW – Sept 23 to Dec 6, 2024
Learn moreCider & Perry Production – Foundation
(Online)
REGISTER NOW – September 5 – Nov. 21 2024
Learn moreCategories: What's happening at CCOVI -
August Happenings at CCOVI
Office Closure
August 5, 2024
As part of the Brock calendar, and a Civic Holiday, CCOVI, its labs and services will be closed on August 5, with normal hours resuming on the August 6.
Professional and Continuing Studies
2024 Harvest Boortcamp Series: Advanced Wine Flavour Chemistry Workshop
(in person)
REGISTER NOW – August 29, noon – 5 p.m.
Registration deadline Aug. 21
Learn more2024 Havest Bootcamp Series: Advanced Wine Faults Workshop
(in-person)
REGISTER NOW – August 30, 2024 noon – 5p.m.
Registration deadline Aug 21
Learn more -
CCOVI in the news 2024
August 23, 2024 – The Brock News – Premier tours industry-leading Brock Facilities
August 20, 2024 – Council of Ontario’s Universities – Advancing sustainable agriculture innovations in the Niagara region
August 20, 2024 – The Brock News – CCOVI connection leads to Zimbabwe’s first cider
August 13, 2024 – The Brock News – Triggs Lecture Series growing vineyard resiliency across Canada
August 1, 2024 – The Brock News: Seen & Heard – Lecture series digs into vineyard resiliency
July 25, 2024 – The Brock News – Grad students continue to grow CCOVI’s reputation for excellence
July 24, 2024 – The Globe and Mail – a taste of home in Niagara wine country
July 23, 2024 – The Brock News – Exploring cool climate Chardonnay one sip at a time
July 22, 2024 – Wine Business – ASEV-Eastern Section Meets in Cleveland, Ohio
July 6, 2024 – Orchard & Vine – Ontario research farm receives $3.5 million
June 14, 2024 – The Brock News – CCOVI grads grow roots, careers, in Canadian wine industry
June 12, 2024 – iVoox – How to Manage a Crown, Grapes, and a PhD: a Life in Wine
June 12, 2024 – The Brock News – Experts Tasting celebrates storied past, promising future of Ontario VQA wines
June 12, 2024 – Wine Behind the Scenes – How to manage a crown, grapes and a PhD – a life in wine
June 11, 2024 – The Brock News: Seen & Heard – Brock researchers talk agriculture with Environment Minister
June 11, 2024 – Wines in Niagara – Experts Tasting celebrates storied past and promising future for Ontario VQA wines
June 11, 2024 – VineRoutes – A taste of time: Brock University’s annual ‘Experts Tasting’
June 10, 2024 – Pelham Today – Approx. #,200 students to graduate during Brock’s 115th Convocation
June 7, 2024 – The Brock News: Seen & Heard – Smart Start team explores CCOVI
June 5, 2024 – Thorold Today – Approx. 3,200 students to graduate during Brock’s 115th Convocation
June 5, 2024 – Niagara-on-the-Lake Local – About 3,200 students to graduate during Brock’s 115th Convocation
June 4, 2024 – CBCNews – Sask. researchers say spray could help wine grapes handle cold better
May 25, 2024 – India Education Diary.com – Exploring Agricultural Innovation: Deputy Minister Visits Brock University
May 21, 2024 – The Brock News – Deputy Minister explores innovation in agriculture research at Brock
May 16, 2024 – India Education Diary – Brock University Launches CCOVI Lecture Series On Industry Knowledge Mobilization
May 13, 2024 – The Brock News – New CCOVI lecture series focused on industry knowledge mobilization
May 7, 2024 – India Education Diary – Ontario Awards Brock $3.5M for Sustainable Agriculture Research Farm
May 3, 2024 – Farms.com – Ontario grants $3.5M to Brock University Research Farm
May 3, 2024 – The Brock News: Seen & Heard – Exploring grape and wine science
May 2, 2024 – iGrow News – Ontario Invests $3.5M in Brock University’s Sustainable Agriculture Project
May 1, 2024 – Niagara Economic Development – Ontario grants $3.5M to Brock University research farm
May 1, 2024 – The Standard – Ontario grants $3.5M to Brock University research farm
May 1, 2024 – Education News Canada – Ontario awards Brock $3.5M for sustainable agriculture research farm
May 1, 2024 – Farms.com – Ontario awards Brock $3.5M for sustainable agriculture research farm
May 1, 2024 – Welland Tribune – Ontario grants $3.5M to Brock University research farm
April 30, 2024 – Thorold Today.ca – Brock University awarded $3.5M for sustainable agriculture research
April 29, 2024 – Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce – Ontario awards Brock $3.5M for sustainable agriculture research farm
April 29, 2024 – The Brock News – Ontario awards Brock $3.5M for sustainable agriculture research farm
April 29, 2024 – The Green Earth Gazette – Ontario awards Brock $3.5M for sustainable agriculture research farm
April 29, 2024 – Canada Online News Network – Ontario Awards Brock $3.5M for Sustainable Agriculture Research Farm
April 29, 2024 – Pelham Today – Funding will support further wine research at Brock University
April 29, 2024 – University Research Times – Ontario awards Brock $3.5M for sustainable agriculture research farm
April 27, 2024 – Thorold Today – Funding will support further wine research at Brock University
April 27, 2024 – Pelham Today – Funding will support further wine research at Brock University
April 27, 2024 – The Niagara-on-the-Lake Local – Funding will support further wine research at Brock University
April 19, 2024 – India Education Diary – Brock University: Graduate Student rEsearch Sheds Light On Sustainable Consumer Choices
April 19, 2024 – India Education Diary – Brock University: New Chair Of CCOVI Advisory Council Brings Wealth Of Industry Experience
April 18, 2024 – The Standard – Cuvée Grand Tasting comes back with vintage flavour
April 16, 2024 – The Brock News – Sustainable consumer choices the focus of grad student research
April 16, 2024 – The Brock News – New CCOVI Advisory Council Chair brings wealth of industry experience
April 13, 2024 – The Grower – $3.5M granted for Brock research farm
April 12, 2024 – The Brock News – Minister’s visit highlights Brock’s commitment to sustainable agriculture
April 9, 2024 – The Brock News – Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson tours CCOVI
April 4, 2024 – India Education Diary – Brock University Celebrates Wine Industry’s Best At Cuvée’s Big Return
April 3, 2024 – The Brock News – Brock celebrates wine industry’s best at Cuvée’s big return
April 3, 2024 – Wine Behind the Scenes – From Wine Server to PhD: Massive Leaps in Wine with Jennifer Kelly (podcast)
March 27, 2024 – LCBO Vintages Wine Picks – Cuvée 2024 – Tickets selling fast for Ontario’s biggest VQA celebration
March 26, 2024 – ThoroldToday.ca – Tickets selling fast for Cuvée Grand Tasting
March 26, 2024 – PelhamToday.ca – Tickets selling fast for Cuvée Grand Tasting
March 26, 2024 – The Niagra on the Lake Local – Tickets selling fast for Cuvée Grand Tasting
March 25, 2024 – Good Food Revolution – Tickets selling fast for Ontario’s biggest VQA celebration
March 25, 2024 – The Brock News – Tickets selling fast for Ontario’s biggest VQA celebration
March 21, 2024 – The Brock News – Lessons in wine from the LCBO President
March 20, 2024 – Fruit & Vegetable – Brock’s CCOVI receives $2.4M for grape and wine research
March 19, 2024 – Newstalk 610 CKTB – iHeartRadio Podcast “$3.5M grant to help Brock research farm.
March 19, 2024 – NiagaraThisWeek.com – Brock University’s research farm gets funding to grow
March 19, 2024 – The Standard – Brock University’s research farm gets funding to grow.
March 18, 2024 – NewAG International – Canada University Granted $3.5-Million For Grape/Wine Agriculture Research
March 18, 2024 – NiagaraThisWeek.com – CCOVI tour
March 18, 2024 – India Education Diary – Brock University’s CCOVI Secures $2.4M for Grape and Wine Research through Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership
March 18, 2024 – India Education Diary – Brock University Research Farm Receives $3.5M CFI Grant to Foster the Future of Sustainable Agriculture in Canada
March 18, 2024 – Hortidaily – CAN (ON): Brock research farm to grow future of sustainable agriculture in Canada with $3.5M CFI grant
March 17, 2024 – PelhamToday.ca – Brock research farm to grow future of sustainable agriculture in Canada with $3.5M CFI grant
March 17, 2024 – The Grower – $3.5M grant for Brock research farm
March 16, 2024 – Niagara-on-the-Lake Local – Brock research farm to grow future of sustainable agriculture in Canada with $3.5M CFI grant
March 16, 2024 – Thorold Today – $3.5M grant to help Brock Research farm grow future of sustainable agriculture
March 16, 2024 – NiagaraThisWeek – Brock University’s research farm gets funding to grow.March 16, 2024 – Canada Online News Network – Brock research farm to grow future of sustainable agriculture in Canada with $3.5M CFI grant
March 16, 2024 – Canada Online News Network – Brock research farm to grow future of sustainable agriculture in Canada with $3.5M CFI grant
March 16, 2024 – Canadian News Journal – Brock research farm to grow future of sustainable agriculture in Canada with $3.5M CFI grant
March 15, 2024 – The Brock News – Brock research farm to grow future of sustainable agriculture in Canada with $3.5M CFI grant
March 14, 2024 – The St. Catharines Standard – ‘The consumer just wants a great bottle of wine’: Brock University researchers tackling climate change impacts on quality
March 14, 2024 – The Standard – ‘The consumer just wants a great bottle of wine’: Brock University researchers tackling climate change impact on quality
March 13, 2024 – Canada Online News Network – CCOVI awarded $2.4M for grape, wine research under Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership
March 11, 2024 – 97.7 HTZ – FM – Brock researchers awarded $2.4M to help protect future of grape and wine industry
March 11, 2024 – MOVE 105.7 – Brock researchers awarded $2.4M to help protect future of grape and wine industry
March 11, 2024 – Canada Online News Network – CCOVI awarded $2.4M for grape, wine research under Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership
March 11, 2024 – Newstalk 610 CKTB – FM – Brock researchers awarded $2.4M to help protect future of grape and wine industry
March 11, 2024 – Canadian News Journal – CCOVI awarded $2.4M for grape, wine research under Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership
March 11, 2024 – The Brock News – CCOVI awarded $2.4M for grapes, wine research under Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership
February 27, 2024 – Wine Business Monthly – The Judgement of Bordeaux and the Sleeping Giant North of the U.S. – The Niagara Wine Region
February 26, 2024 – Wine Business Monthly – The Judgement of Bordeaux and the Sleeping Giant North of the U.S. – The Niagara Wine Region
February 22, 2024 – CCOVI’s research – and industry impact – highlighted at Ontario convention
February 16, 2024 – Sustainability – Understanding Sparkling Wine Consumers and Purchase Cues: A Wine Involvement Perspective
February 11, 2024 – Welland Tribune – Raise a glass: Cuvée returning to celebrate Ontario wine
February 11, 2024 – The St. Catharines Standard – Raise a glass: Cuvée returning to celebrate Ontario wine
February 11, 2024 – NiagaraThisWeek.com – Raise a glass: Cuvée returning to celebrate Ontario wine
February 9, 2024 – Good Food Revolution – Toast of the town: Cuvée returns to raise glass to excellence in Ontario wine
February 6, 2024 – The Niagra on the Lake Local – Cuvée returns to raise glass to excellence in Ontario wine
February 6, 2024 – PelhamToday.ca – Cuvée returns to raise glass to excellence in Ontario wine
February 6, 2024 – ThoroldToday.ca – Cuvée returns to raise glass to excellence in Ontario wine
February 5, 2024 – Beverage Industry Today – Toast of the town: Cuvée returns to raise glass to excellence in Ontario wine
February 5, 2024 – Today in Education – Toast of the town: Cuvée returns to raise glass to excellence in Ontario wine
February 5, 2024 – Wines In Niagara – Cuvée weekend returns to celebrate excellence in Ontario VQA wines
February 5, 2024 – The Brock News – Toast of the town: Cuvée returns to raise a glass to excellence in Ontario wine
February 2, 2024 – The Source, Your TV – Dr. Jennifer Kelly and the CCOVI Lecture Series 2024 (alt: YouTube)
February 2, 2024 – Decanter – DWWA judge profile: Janet Dorozynski
January 25, 2024 – The Brock News – A brand new fizz: CCOVI club bubbles with ideas, research
January 17, 2024 – The Brock News – CCOVI Lecture Series kicks off
January 16, 2024 – Good Food Revolution – The greatest accidents in winemaking innovation
January 14, 2024 – Welland Tribune – Brock University kicking off its grape and wine lecture series for 2024
January 14, 2024 – The St. Catharines Standard – Brock University kicking off its grape and wine lecture series for 2024
January 14, 2024 – NiagaraThisWeek.com – Brock University kicking off its grape and wine lecture series for 2024
January 8, 2024 – Industry leaders to share grape and wine expertise through CCOVI Lecture series
January 4, 2024 – Brock study explores tool to protect Niagara grape growers against weather-related losses
January 4, 2024 – Farm Progress Daily – Farmers: Put your name on your productCategories: In the news -
Brock research highlights market growth opportunities for sustainable wine
New research from Brock’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) is providing insight into how wine retailers and producers can enhance consumer engagement with sustainable wines.
Just as more individuals are making eco-conscious choices, the wine industry is making inroads in creating more sustainable products, while also recognizing the environmental costs of traditional production methods, says Gary Pickering, CCOVI Researcher and Professor of Biological Sciences and Psychology.
“From the considerable water usage, use of fertilizers and chemicals, and even the effort to get finished product to market locally and around the world, wineries are beginning to understand this environmental cost and starting to explore more sustainable options,” he says. “We wanted to understand where that intersection of industry, sustainability value and
Gary Pickering, Brock University Professor of Biological Sciences and Psychology.
consumers is occurring and why.”
Published in the Journal of Wine Research and Food Research International, the resulting studies saw more than 700 Canadian wine consumers surveyed to determine their relationship and intentions with sustainably-produced wine.
“Much of the previous behavioural research around sustainable wines was limited to organic wine and measures of willingness to pay,” says Pickering. “Going beyond this, we explored a much wider range of factors, including social and economic dimensions of sustainability, consumer knowledge and the influence of wine engagement and demographics.”
To explore consumer behaviour regarding sustainable wines, Pickering used the survey to understand individuals’ perceptions of sustainable wines, and determined what demographic and behavioral measures could predict their interest in buying and paying a premium for them.
He began by identifying eight sustainable wine behaviours, based on previous research, that motivate people to engage with ecofriendly wine. These behaviours reflect active choice decision-making, such as choosing wines for environmental reasons or paying more for socially responsible wines when there is a cheaper alternative.
The survey also explored the level of involvement consumers had with wine, categorizing participants on their knowledge of and interest in wines, as well as their purchase frequency.
The final data piece to add market context to the study was consumer demographics.
The results showed that while many Canadians do not have a deep engagement with sustainable wines, there is significant potential to move them toward purchase of more sustainably-produced products through communication initiatives.
“Reviewing the data, it is evident most Canadian wine consumers are in a change state when it comes to sustainable wine behaviours,” says Pickering. “We can see there is a need for education and certification initiatives, such as sustainability labelling, to encourage and maintain the consumer shift to sustainable wines.”
The highest engagement with sustainable wines was with individuals who were typically younger, willing to spend more per bottle, more involved with wine generally and had acquired higher levels of education than other respondents.
“As a result, it could be argued that the more consumers know about and are engaged with wine, the greater the opportunities are for sustainability-orientated growers and producers in Canada,” Pickering says. “While 22 per cent of survey participants reported having no or very limited knowledge of sustainable wines, there’s no indication they are opposed to choosing more eco-ethical wines.
“Ultimately, our findings provide not only a foundation for further study, but also by identifying different consumer segments based on demographic and behavioral characteristics, marketers and retailers can better position sustainably produced wines. Ultimately, we are confident that by understanding and influencing consumer choice, this demand behaviour can support the sustainability initiatives happening throughout the Canadian wine industry.” he says.