News
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Family Day & President’s Day Lab Closures
Notice to all of our awesome customers:
Consistent with Brock University’s observance of Family Day & President’s Day, the CCOVI Analytical Services Lab and Grapevine Virus Testing Services will be closed on Monday, February 15 and Tuesday, February 16.
We will be happy to see you all again on Wednesday, February 17.
Thank you,
– Lisa and Shufen (Analytical Services)
– Tony and Sud (Grapevine Virus Testing Services) -
February Dates & Deadlines
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.
Monday February 22 to March 21, 2021
Registration Deadline:February 12, 2021 (by 10 am)
For more information and to register click hereWSET 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.
February 22 to March 28, 2021
Registration Deadline: February 12 (by 10 am)
For more information and to register click hereMarch 8 to April 11, 2021
Registration Deadline: February 26 (by 10 am)
For more information and to register click hereWSET 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.
March 15 to April 18, 2021
Registration Deadline: March 5 (by 10 am)
For more information and to register click hereCIDER 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.
April 13 – June 8 (*New 8-week option)
For more information and to register click hereREMOTE INVIGILATION EXAMS:
WSET LEVEL 1 AWARD IN WINE (ONLINE):
Monday March 8 from 5:30-6:15 pm – 45 minutes
Registration Deadline: February 12 (by 1 pm)
Register hereMonday March 22 from 5:30-6:15 pm – 45 minutes
Registration Deadline: February 26 (by 1 pm)
Register hereWSET LEVEL 2 AWARD IN WINE (ONLINE):
Monday March 8 from 5:30-6:30 pm – 60 minutes
Registration Deadline: February 12 (by 1 pm)
Register hereMonday March 15 from 5:30-6:30 pm – 60 minutes
Registration Deadline: February 19 (by 1 pm)
Register hereMonday March 22 from 5:30-6:30 pm – 60 minutes
Registration Deadline: February 26 (by 1 pm)
Register hereMonday March 29 from 5:30-6:30 pm – 60 minutes
Registration Deadline: March 5 (by 1 pm)
Register hereWSET LEVEL 1 AWARD IN SPIRITS (ONLINE):
Monday March 8 from 5:30-6:15 pm – 45 minutes
Registration Deadline: February 12 (by 1 pm)
Register hereMonday March 22 from 5:30-6:15 pm – 45 minutes
Registration Deadline: February 26 (by 1 pm)
Register hereWSET LEVEL 2 AWARD IN SPIRITS (ONLINE):
Monday March 8 from 5:30-6:30 pm – 60 minutes
Registration Deadline: February 12 (by 1 pm)
Register hereMonday March 22 from 5:30-6:30 pm – 60 minutes
Registration Deadline: February 26 (by 1 pm)
Register here -
CCOVI Lecture Series returns with latest grape and wine research
The Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) Lecture Series returns next week with a full slate of cutting-edge research from grape and wine industry experts.
Now in its 14th year, the 2021 edition of the series will feature 10 speakers from across CCOVI’s network of researchers, scientists, fellows and professional affiliates. Lectures will cover a wide array of topics, including consumer insights and preferences in the local and provincial wine industry, the use of augmented reality in wine marketing, research on cold hardiness and vineyard pests, and grapevine virus research and certification.
Since launching in 2007, the CCOVI Lecture Series has attracted thousands of guests to take in the lectures at Brock University and more than 10,000 people have viewed the videos online.
“Although this has been a challenging year for everyone, the institute has still produced a great deal of critical research with applications for grape growers and winemakers across Canada,” said CCOVI Director Debbie Inglis. “Our lecture series puts that research directly into the hands of the industry, providing tailored, real-world solutions to industry priorities from vine to glass.”
The free lectures, which are open to the public, begin Wednesday, Jan. 20 with Brock’s Gary Pickering, Professor of Biological Sciences and Psychology. The lectures will take place remotely via livestream every week until March 31. Due to current health and safety protocols, there will be no in-person attendance. The lectures are typically held every Wednesday afternoon at 3 p.m., with the exceptions mentioned below.
The lectures can be viewed here live each week, and are then archived on the CCOVI Lecture Series website.
2021 CCOVI Lecture Series schedule
Wednesday, Jan. 20: Gary Pickering, Professor of Biological Sciences and Psychology, Brock University — Bursting the bubbles: Consumer insights on Ontario sparkling wine highlight opportunities
Wednesday, Jan. 27: Sudarsana Poojari, CCOVI Senior Virologist, Brock University — Advances in grapevine certification standards
Wednesday, Feb. 3: José Ramòn Urbez Torres, Research Scientist, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre — Be aware! Do not get caught! Understanding and managing grapevine trunk diseases, the sleeping giant in your vineyard
Wednesday, Feb. 10: Wendy McFadden-Smith, Tender Fruit and Grape IPM Specialist, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs — Going viral: Update on grapevine virus research project in Ontario
Wednesday, Feb. 24: Tom Lowery, Research Scientist, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Agriculture Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre — Sustainable management of leafhopper pests of grapevines
Wednesday, March 3: Belinda Kemp, CCOVI Senior Oenologist, Brock University — Ontario wine consumers’ perceptions of buying local wines and predictors of their future local wine purchases
Wednesday, March 10: Annette Nassuth, Associate Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph — GRAPEling with low temperatures
Wednesday, March 17: Joachim Scholz, Assistant Professor, Goodman School of Business, Brock University — Augmented reality marketing in the wine industry
*Special lecture date
Tuesday, March 23: Jim Willwerth, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences, Brock University — The impact of cultivar, clone and rootstock selection on grapevine cold hardiness*Special start time of 1 p.m.
Wednesday, March 31: Lester Kwong, Associate Professor of Economics, Faculty of Social Sciences, Brock University — Judging wines: Preferences, evaluation and aggregation
Categories: What's happening at CCOVI -
CCOVI in the news – 2021
February 19, 2021 – The Thorold News – Brock alumnus pairs junk food with wine in latest online tasting event
February 19, 2021 – 610 CKTB – Mitchell McCurdy, Brock Alumnus, pairs junk food with wine in latest online tasting event
February 18, 2021 – The Brock News – Brock alumnus to pair junk food with wine in latest online tasting event
February 4, 2021 – Wines in Niagara – Brock students make Icewine in first-of-its-kind co-op
February 4, 2021 – The Scott Thompson Show – A first-of-its-kind icewine co-op at Brock University
February 3, 2021 – South Niagara News, Erie Media – Brock Students learn to make Icewine in first-of-its-kind co-op
February 3, 2021 – The Brock News – Brock students learn to make Icewine in first-of-its-kind co-op
February 3, 2021 – Niagara Now – First icewine harvest for Brock co-op students
January 20, 2021 – Niagara This Week – CCOVI 2021 Lecture Series will feature 10 speakers
January 15. 2021 – Wine Business – Wine Conferences East of the Rockies Go Virtual in 2021
January 15, 2021 – Fruitgrowers News – CCOVI Lecture Series returns with latest grape and wine research
January 14, 2021 – The Grower – Lectures offered on latest grape and wine research
January 13, 2021 – The Brock News – CCOVI Lecture Series returns with latest grape and wine research
January 2021 – CCOVI Grads Shaping Canada’s Wine Industry – Surgite MagazineCategories: In the news -
CCOVI Analytical Services and Grapevine Virus Testing Services Holiday Hours
Your friends at CCOVI Analytical Services and Grapevine Virus Testing Services would like to wish you a happy and restful holiday season with lots of time to recuperate from harvest.
The labs will be closed on Tuesday, December 22 and will re-open to clients on Thursday, January 7. The last day to bring in samples for analysis is Monday, December 21.
In order to uphold our standard of service to you, the Analytical Services team will also be doing some maintenance on their equipment during that time.
Happy Holidays!
– Lisa and Shufen (Analytical Services)
– Tony and Sud (Grapevine Virus Testing Services) -
International Cool Climate Wine Symposium postponed to 2022
11 December 2020
R0185The International Cool Climate Wine Symposium (ICCWS) has been postponed to July 17 to 21, 2022.
The symposium, which will now be referred to as ICCWS 2022, will be hosted at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ont. It is being organized by Brock’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) alongside its research and industry partners across Canada.
Originally scheduled for the summer of 2020, the symposium was postponed to July 2021 earlier this year due to health and safety concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. In light of continued uncertainty and travel restrictions, the symposium’s advisory committee has opted to further postpone to the summer of 2022, ensuring that all delegates can safely enjoy the symposium to its full potential.
“While we are disappointed that we have to further postpone, we take everyone’s health, safety and their enjoyment of the symposium very seriously,” said Debbie Inglis, CCOVI Director and ICCWS 2022 Advisory Organizing Committee Chair. “We have opted to delay the conference until we can safely welcome guests from around the world to learn about cool climate grape growing and winemaking together as intended.”
ICCWS 2022 will serve as a welcome to Canada to a wide range of international guests, pairing rigorous and diverse scientific content about cool climate grape and wine production with opportunities to network, explore the host city and learn more about Canada’s diverse wine regions.
Although many conferences have moved to digital formats in the wake of the pandemic, ICCWS 2022 organizers stressed that the spirit of the symposium relies on the opportunity to come together in-person.
“Wine is a highly experiential, cultural and sensory product and we want our delegates to be able to experience all that Canada has to offer together in a physical setting,” said Inglis. “The ICCWS program will deliver cutting-edge academic programming and uniquely Canadian experiences that we cannot wait to share with all of you in 2022.”
Brock has developed a five-stage response to and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic to guide occupancy and delivery of services (including the ICCWS) on campus. This plan is informed by public health and government recommendations and guidelines with the health and safety of students, faculty, staff and the community as the highest priority. ICCWS organizers are using this response to guide decision-making in regard to all symposium activities. The University is currently in Brock Stage 3 and will need to be in Brock Stage 5 to hold the ICCWS in-person.
Please contact iccws2022@brocku.ca with any questions regarding this postponement and how it pertains to sponsorship, registration, speaking commitments and accommodations. If you have previously registered for ICCWS and currently hold a credit, there is no need to re-register for the conference should you wish to carry over your registration.
Please continue to monitor Brock’s ICCWS 2022 and coronavirus information webpages, subscribe to the ICCWS mailing list and follow ICCWS 2022 on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more updates as they become available.
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December and January Dates & Deadlines
CONTINUING EDUCATION: COURSES
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.
January 11 to February 7, 2021
Registration Deadline: December 31 (by 10 am)
For more information and to register click hereWSET 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.
January 11 to February 14, 2021
Registration Deadline: December 31 (by 10 am)
For more information and to register click hereJanuary 25 to February 28, 2021
Registration Deadline: January 15 (by 10 am)
For more information and to register click hereFebruary 1 to March 7, 2021
Registration Deadline: January 22 (by 10 am)
For more information and to register click hereWSET 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.
January 11 to February 7, 2021
Registration Deadline: December 31 (by 10 am)
For more information and to register click hereWSET 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.
January 11 to February 14, 2021
Registration Deadline: December 31 (by 10 am)
For more information and to register click hereCIDER 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.
February 10 to May 26, 2021
For more information and to register click hereREMOTE INVIGILATION EXAMS:
WSET LEVEL 1 AWARD IN WINE (ONLINE):
Wednesday January 27 from 5:30-6:15 pm – 45 minutes
Registration Deadline: January 6 (by 1 pm)*
Register hereMonday February 8 from 5:30-6:15 pm – 45 minutes
Registration Deadline: January 15 (by 1 pm)*
Register hereMonday February 22 from 5:30-6:15 pm – 45 minutes
Registration Deadline: January 29 (by 1 pm)*
Register here
WSET LEVEL 2 AWARD IN WINE (ONLINE):Wednesday January 27 from 6-7 pm – 60 minutes
Registration Deadline: January 6 (by 1 pm)*
Register hereMonday February 1 from 6-7 pm – 60 minutes
Registration Deadline: January 8 (by 1 pm)*
Register hereMonday February 8 from 6-7 pm – 60 minutes
Registration Deadline: January 15 (by 1 pm)*
Register hereMonday February 15 from 6-7 pm – 60 minutes
Registration Deadline: January 22 (by 1 pm)*
Register hereMonday February 22 from 6-7 pm – 60 minutes
Registration Deadline: January 29 (by 1 pm)*
Register here
WSET LEVEL 1 AWARD IN SPIRITS (ONLINE):Wednesday January 27 from 5:30-6:15 pm – 45 minutes
Registration Deadline: January 6 (by 1 pm)*
Register hereMonday February 8 from 5:30-6:15 pm – 45 minutes
Registration Deadline: January 15 (by 1 pm)*
Register hereMonday February 22 from 5:30-6:15 pm – 45 minutes
Registration Deadline: January 29 (by 1 pm)*
Register here
WSET LEVEL 2 AWARD IN SPIRITS (ONLINE):Wednesday January 27 from 5:30-6:30 pm – 60 minutes
Registration Deadline: January 6 (by 1 pm)*
Register hereMonday February 8 from 5:30-6:30 pm – 60 minutes
Registration Deadline: January 15 (by 1 pm)*
Register hereMonday February 22 from 5:30-6:30 pm – 60 minutes
Registration Deadline: January 29 (by 1 pm)*
Register here -
Brock alumni invited to cheers to the holiday season in online wine event
Brock University alumni are invited to virtually connect with one another this holiday season with an exclusive online wine and flavour pairing event.
The experience is open to Ontario-based alumni and will be hosted by Brock alumnus Gabriel Demarco (BSc ’13), Winemaker and Viticulturist at Cave Springs Vineyard, on Saturday, Dec. 12.
Co-ordinated by the Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) for the Brock University Alumni Association, the online tasting event is a part of an extended slate of Homecoming programming and celebrations.
“In this unique year, we have the opportunity to continue our Homecoming programming throughout the fall,” says Terry Cockerline, Director, Alumni Relations. “Wine tastings are such a long-standing tradition around Homecoming, so it’s only fitting that we invite our alumni and friends to safely gather, in a virtual space, to enjoy and celebrate together.”
Registered guests will be shipped three bottles of wine from Cave Spring Vineyards, along with flavour pairings and tasting notes for each. Each bottle can pour up to four glasses, allowing guests to share their virtual experience with up to three additional people within their household or social bubble. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, organizers ask that participants please follow the COVID-19 public health guidelines currently in place in their region when planning their evening.
On the night of the event, Demarco will virtually guide the attendees through a tasting of each of the wines and the accompanying pairings.
“I look forward to connecting with my alma mater to share stories of our time at Brock and my passion for wine and viticulture,” he says.
Demarco adds that he is “truly honoured to be both a Brock alumnus and an active member of the wine industry,” and that his experiences and training from Brock allowed him to “rise to the high level of expectation” placed on him when making wine at Cave Spring Vineyard.
CCOVI Outreach Manager Barb Tatarnic says the tasting provides a unique educational opportunity that simultaneously supports and strengthens connections between Brock’s growing network of alumni within the grape and wine industry.
“Since we were unable to come together at the Niagara Grape and Wine Festival for our annual Educate Your Senses wine seminars this year, we’re thrilled to bring this exclusive virtual tasting experience to our Brock alumni,” she says. “We have such a talented and passionate network of graduates working within the industry and this collaboration with Gabriel and Cave Spring Vineyard offers a unique opportunity to share knowledge, build connections, and have some fun this holiday season.”
The event is open to Brock alumni currently residing in Ontario and will take place virtually on Saturday, Dec. 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. Each flavour kit is $85 plus HST and shipping.
Spaces for the event are limited and registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until Friday, Nov. 27.
To register, please email d.cowan@cavespring.ca or phone 905-562-3581 x304
More information on the tasting and other alumni events can be found on the Alumni and Donor Relations webpage.
Categories: What's happening at CCOVI
