News

  • Cuvée 2019 to celebrate the best in Ontario VQA wine and food

    Monday, February 11, 2019 | Posted by

    11 February 2019

    R00022

    Cuvée weekend is fast approaching and guests this year will have the opportunity to sample
    the best VQA wine and food Ontario has to offer in a whole new way.

    Hosted by Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI), the
    Cuvée Grand Tasting is the largest celebration of Ontario VQA wine and food of its kind. This
    year’s event takes place Saturday, March 23 at Scotiabank Convention Centre in Niagara
    Falls, with the Cuvée en Route passport program once again extending the wine celebration all
    weekend long at participating wineries.

    Nearly 900 people attended last year’s Cuvée Grand Tasting, with proceeds supporting
    scholarships for Brock’s Oenology and Viticulture students, as well as grape and wine industrydriven
    research initiatives at CCOVI.

    New this year, guests can experience Cuvée using augmented reality. CCOVI has teamed up
    with HoloEducate, an augmented reality company founded by students from Brock. The mobile
    application LifeAR will allow guests at the Grand Tasting to view wine selections and even
    purchase wine online.

    Guests can download the free app before and during the Grand Tasting and then use their
    phones to scan the large wine bottles found in the middle of each wine station. They’ll be able
    to see a list of the wineries, which wines they’re pouring and even purchase those wines
    immediately online.

    “It will be a unique and fun experience for our guests at this year’s event, allowing them to
    experience Cuvée like never before,” said Barb Tatarnic, Cuvée manager.

    The LifeAR app can also be used before the event to scan the Cuvée logo to view a video of
    last year’s celebration.

    At the Grand Tasting, guests will enjoy culinary delights from celebrated local chefs at live
    cooking stations and wines from 48 of Ontario’s top winemakers, who will present two of their
    favourite wines.

    The Grand Tasting is followed by the Après Cuvée after party, which features live music from
    the Associates, Icewine, sparkling wine, cider and local craft beer.

    The 2019 lineup of Niagara’s best chefs at Cuvée will include:
    • Backhouse Restaurant
    • Bolete Restaurant
    • Brushfire Smoke BBQ
    • Canadian Food and Wine Institute — Benchmark Restaurant
    • Chili Jiao Authentic Chinese Restaurant
    • Ravine Vineyard Restaurant
    • Righteous Monger
    • Scotiabank Convention Centre
    • The Restaurant at Redstone Winery
    • Tide & Vine Oyster House
    • Criveller Cakes
    • Italian Ice Cream

    A complete list of participating wineries can be found at cuvee.ca

    Tickets that include both the Saturday night Grand Tasting and the weekend-long en Route
    passport are available online at cuvee.ca/tickets for $200 per person. Tickets for the en Route
    passport only can be purchased for $30.

     

    Categories: Media releases

  • Brock expands cider certificate course offerings

    Thursday, February 07, 2019 | Posted by

    7 February 2019

    R00019

    Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) continues to lead
    the way for the booming cider industry with the launch of the Advanced Certificate in Cider
    and Perry Production.

    The advanced-level courses were unveiled Thursday, Feb. 7 by the Cider Institute of North
    America (CINA) at CiderCon, an annual industry conference being held in Chicago. Brock
    University joined other CINA program providers, including Cornell and Washington State
    universities, in making presentations.

    The addition of the advanced courses builds on Brock’s offering of CINA’s Foundation
    Certificate in Cider and Perry Production offered each year by CCOVI.

    “Brock University is thrilled to bring the CINA program to the Canadian market and be a key
    player in driving the industry forward,” said Barb Tatarnic, CCOVI’s Manager of Continuing
    Education and Outreach. “As a program provider of the Foundation and now the Advanced
    level of certification, this is a critical step in setting widespread industry standards for the
    rapidly growing cider and perry industry.”

    In addition to being the only Canadian provider of the CINA courses, CCOVI also provides
    analytical testing services to help cider makers deliver the best product possible.

    “Brock played an instrumental role in developing the courses of the Advanced Certificate
    program, which is the first educational accreditation for cider makers in North America,” said
    Steven Trussler, the CINA-certified instructor in CCOVI’s cider program. “It builds upon the
    foundation certificate with a comprehensive program that is intended to take about three
    years to complete.”

    To date, around 100 students have earned the Foundation Certificate in Cider and Perry
    Production through CCOVI.

    “CINA’s curriculum development team represents leaders in the cider industry and partner
    academic institutions,” said CINA Executive Director Brighid O’Keane. “We’re pleased to
    announce training opportunities for cider makers to develop their technical skills and gain
    industry-recognized qualifications in cider and perry production.”

    Brock University will offer the following advanced-level courses: Science and Practice of Cider
    and Perry Production; GMP, Safety and Sanitation of Cider and Perry Production; Essential
    Sensory Analysis of Cider and Perry; and Essential Laboratory Testing of Cider and Perry.

    Categories: Media releases

  • April Dates and Deadlines

    Tuesday, February 05, 2019 | Posted by

    April 4 to May 30: OEVI 0N06 – WSET Level 2 Award in Wines and Spirits (In-class)
    This course deals with all aspects of wine. Learn major grape varieties and wine styles from key wine producing countries of the world, the main spirit categories and understand factors that influence wine quality and price. Students will taste and compare styles as they are guided using the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting.
    For more information and to register click here.

    April 6 to May 3: Online – WSET Level 1 in Wines
    This course is for the beginner – for those starting a wine career or wishing to explore wine for personal interest.
    For more information and to register click here.

    April 22 to April 26: Cider and Perry Production – A Foundation
    The Cider and Perry Production foundation course will cover all aspects including ingredient sourcing, quality control and the economics of cider making.  The hands-on program uses lectures, lab work, workshops and tastings to give learners a step-by-step guide to production.
    For more information and to register click here.

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

  • Expert Advisory: Brock scientists help protect vineyards during frigid temperatures

    Monday, February 04, 2019 | Posted by

    31 January 2019

    R00014

    With extreme cold weather alerts across most of the province, scientists at Brock University
    are helping grape growers avoid crop loss.

    As the mercury plummeted, researchers and students were already out in the vineyards
    collecting grapevine buds for the VineAlert program run by Brock’s Cool Climate Oenology and
    Viticulture Institute (CCOVI), in partnership with the Grape Growers of Ontario.

    Back in the lab, scientists have been analyzing the data to track a grape bud’s ability to
    survive these cold temperatures. This helps growers and wineries know when they should turn
    on wind machines to protect vines from winter injury and how to manage any damage they
    may have sustained.

    “We are closely monitoring this extreme weather across Ontario and sampling in vineyards to
    determine what impact it will have on bud survival,” said Jim Willwerth, CCOVI’s Senior
    Viticulturist. “We are then able to provide that timely information to the industry to help
    mitigate any impact through pruning practices and adjustments in the vineyard to reduce
    economic loss.”

    Although the cold snap is set to end this weekend, the work has just begun in the cold
    hardiness lab. Scientists should know within the next few weeks what sort of impact this deepfreeze
    has had on crops.

    Jim Willwerth, CCOVI Senior Viticulturist, is available for interviews.

    Categories: Media releases

  • Brock viticulture lecture series back for 12th year

    Monday, February 04, 2019 | Posted by

    8 January 2019

    R00002

    The Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) Lecture Series is back for its 12th
    year, giving people from around the world access to Brock University’s leading grape and wine
    research.

    Ten speakers from across CCOVI’s network of researchers, scientists, fellows and professional
    affiliates are participating in this year’s series.

    Topics will span a wide range, from the latest research on grapevine hardiness to climate
    change in Canadian vineyards and the consumer psychology behind wine. The series will also
    bring in two Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada researchers from British Columbia to share their
    latest findings.

    The CCOVI Lecture Series began in 2007 and has become a highly anticipated event both
    locally and for those tuning in remotely through livestreaming.

    “We are pleased to once again bring the latest in grape and wine research into the hands of
    grape growers and winemakers,” said CCOVI Director Debbie Inglis. “Sharing knowledge and
    providing outreach opportunities like the lecture series is an important part of CCOVI’s
    mandate and is of tremendous benefit to our industry and our students.”

    The free lectures, which are open to the public, begin Monday, Jan. 14 and take place in
    room H313 of the Mackenzie Chown Complex at Brock University. The lectures are open to the
    public and typically begin at 2 p.m., aside from the opening lecture Jan. 14, which will begin
    at 2:30.

    The lectures can be viewed live online and can be downloaded following each event by visiting
    the by visiting the CCOVI Lecture Series website.

    2019 CCOVI Lecture Series:

    Jan. 14: Don Cyr, Professor of Finance, Goodman School of Business, Brock University — “Who
    is the natural heir to Robert Parker in the en primeur wine market?”
    *Special time of 2:30 p.m.

    Jan. 21: Ronald Jackson, Wine Writer and Author — “Carbonic maceration: Modern version of a
    Neolithic wine?”

    Jan. 28: Jim Willwerth, CCOVI Senior Viticulturist, Brock University — “Evaluation of plant
    material as an adaptation strategy to climate change in Canadian vineyards.”

    Feb. 4: Andy Reynolds, Professor of Biological Sciences/Viticulture, Faculty of Mathematics
    and Science, Brock University — “Frozen materials other than grapes — explaining the aroma
    chemistry behind unwanted floral characteristics in red wines.”

    Feb. 11: Pat Bowen, Research Scientist, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Summerland
    Research and Development Centre — “Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3: Effects on
    Cabernet Franc vine performance and wine quality.”
    And Carl Bogdanoff, Viticulture Biologist, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Summerland
    Research and Development Centre — “Varietal differences in grapevine hardiness — buds,
    canes and roots.”

    Feb. 25: Sudarsana Poojari, CCOVI Senior Virologist, Brock University — “Current advances in
    understanding grapevine virus diseases.”

    Mar. 4: TBA

    Mar. 11: Belinda Kemp, CCOVI Senior Oenologist, Brock University — “Communicating
    scientific research to grape growers and winemakers.”

    Mar. 18: Antonia Mantonakis, Associate Professor of Marketing, Goodman School of Business,
    Brock University — “The consumer psychology behind wine choices.”

    Categories: Media releases

  • Expert Advisory: Look at the label when choosing wine this holiday season

    Monday, February 04, 2019 | Posted by

    11 December 2018

    R00218

    ‘Tis the season for gift giving, and if you’re looking to impress someone on your list, you may want to take a closer look at the label.

    Brock University research has shown that choosing a wine with a picture on the bottle or one with a difficult-to-pronounce name will likely make the recipient believe you spent more money.

    Antonia Mantonakis, an Associate Professor of Marketing in Brock University’s Goodman School of Business, studies how consumers perceive wines. She says wine labels can have a big impact on consumer choices.

    According to her research, consumers believe a wine is more expensive and better tasting when the winery has a complicated name. If the wine label has a picture on it, people are more likely to think the wine is award-winning.

    “It’s interesting how consumers perceive things,” Mantonakis said. “Something like the sound of a name can elicit a thought, and that thought can influence the perception of how something tastes.”

    Categories: Media releases

  • March Dates and Deadlines

    Wednesday, January 16, 2019 | Posted by

    CCOVI Lecture Series
    The lecture series will run every Monday afternoon at 2 p.m. until March 18. For a complete list of speakers and topics, visit the CCOVI Lecture series page on the CCOVI website.

    Cuvée Weekend
    Grand Tasting: Saturday, March 23 
    Cuvée en Route: March 22-24
    The Cuvée weekend wine experience kicks off en Route on Friday and Saturday leading to the marquis event – the Grand Tasting on Saturday evening at the Scotiabank Convention Centre.
    For more information visit cuvee.ca

    March 2 to April 5: Online – WSET Level 2 Award in Wines and Spirits
    This course provides fundamental product knowledge and lays the foundation for the Systematic Approach to Tasting.  The Level 2 Award is ideal for those entering a profession in the wine and spirit industry, as well as for the enthusiast who wishes to broaden their knowledge in a structured way.
    For more information and to register click here.

    March 2 to March 29: Online – WSET Level 1 in Spirits
    This course is for the beginner – for those starting a career in the spirits industry or wishing to explore spirits for personal interest.
    For more information and to register click here.

    March 16 to April 19: Online – WSET Level 2 in Spirits
    The WSET Level 2 award in spirits has been designed to provide in-depth knowledge of Brandy, Gin, Rum, Tequila, Vodka, Whiskies and Liqueurs.  This qualification is ideal for the LCBO, distilleries, bartenders and trade employees working with a variety of spirits, answering customer queries and making informed selections of spirits in a wide variety of situations.
    For more information and to register click here.

    March 23 to April 26: Online – WSET Level 2 Award in Wines and Spirits
    This course provides fundamental product knowledge and lays the foundation for the Systematic Approach to Tasting.  The Level 2 Award is ideal for those entering a profession in the wine and spirit industry, as well as for the enthusiast who wishes to broaden their knowledge in a structured way.
    For more information and to register click here.

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

  • CCOVI in the news – 2019

    Tuesday, January 08, 2019 | Posted by

    February 12, 2019 – The Grower – The best of Ontario VQA wine and food
    February 12, 2019 – Fort Erie Observer – Cuvée to celebrate the best in Ontario VQA wine and food
    February 11, 2019 – The Brock News – Cuvée 2019 to celebrate the best in Ontario VQA wine and food
    February 7, 2019 – The Grower – More advanced cider production courses
    February 7, 2019 – The Brock News – Brock University expands cider certificate course offerings
    February 6, 2019 – Niagara This Week – Get the goods on latest grape and wine research
    February 1, 2019 – 610 CKTB – Brock scientists help protect vineyards during frigid temperatures
    January 31, 2019 – The Weather Network – The polar vortex is putting wineries at risk
    January 31, 2019 – CHCH News – Cold Temperatures concerning for grape growers
    January 31, 2019 – The Brock News – Brock scientists help protect vineyards during frigid temperatures
    January 24, 2019 – The Brock News – Students explore career opportunities in wine and cider industry
    January 22, 2019 – The Grower – VineAlert saved
    January 21, 2019 – The Brock News – CCOVI offers taste of Niagara wine industry to New York students
    January 18, 2019 – Wines in Niagara – Brock VineAlert program saved
    January 10, 2019 – The Grower – Brock Viticulture Lecture Series Returns
    January 9, 2019 – Thorold News – Brock U wants to teach you all about wine and grapes
    January 9, 2019 – Niagara This Week – Brock University viticulture lecture series returns
    January 8, 2019 – The Grower – Reducing incidence of grape viruses is top priority for new national network
    January 8, 2019 – The Grower – CCOVI research vineyards to tackle climate change challenges
    January 7, 2019 – The Brock News – Popular CCOVI Lecture Series returns next week

    Categories: In the news

  • February Dates and Deadlines

    Tuesday, January 08, 2019 | Posted by

    CCOVI Lecture Series
    The lecture series will run every Monday afternoon at 2 p.m. until March 18. For a complete list of speakers and topics, visit the CCOVI Lecture series page on the CCOVI website.

    February 20 – 21: Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention
    Visit CCOVI at the convention, hosted at the Scotiabank Convention Centre
    6815 Stanley Ave, Niagara Falls. More information found here.

    Feb. 2 to Friday March 1: Online – WSET Level 1 in Wines
    This course is for the beginner – for those starting a wine career or wishing to explore wine for personal interest.
    For more information and to register click here.

    Saturday, Feb. 2 to Friday March 1: Online – WSET Level 1 in SPIRITS
    This course is for the beginner – for those starting a career in the spirits industry or wishing to explore spirits for personal interest.
    For more information and to register click here.

    Saturday, Feb. 9 to Saturday March 16: Online – Certificate in Ontario Wine
    The first fully integrated online course in Ontario wine. From wine enthusiasts to anyone working in a winery, restaurant or retail sales, the Certificate in Ontario Wine is the first online course of its kind that will remove geographical barriers for those looking for a formal introduction to Ontario wine.
    For more information and to register click here.

    Saturday, Feb. 16 to Friday March 22: WSET Level 2 Award in Wines and Spirits
    This course provides fundamental product knowledge and lays the foundation for the Systematic Approach to Tasting.  The Level 2 Award is ideal for those entering a profession in the wine and spirit industry, as well as for the enthusiast who wishes to broaden their knowledge in a structured way.
    For more information and to register click here.

    Saturday, Feb. 23 to Friday March 22: Online – WSET Level 1 in Wines
    This course is for the beginner – for those starting a wine career or wishing to explore wine for personal interest.
    For more information and to register click here.

     

     

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

  • The secret Fizz Club for Canada’s winemakers

    Monday, December 03, 2018 | Posted by

    3 December 2018

    R00214

    As wine lovers ponder which bottle of bubbly to pop this holiday season, winemakers from across Canada will be swapping secrets for making the best sparkling wine this week at Brock University.

    Eighty of Canada’s top sparkling winemakers will travel to Brock on Thursday Dec. 6 for the annual Fizz Club — a members-only gathering where winemakers compare notes, discuss triumphs and challenges relating to sparkling wine production and learn about new research developments.

    Organized by Brock’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) and led by senior scientist Belinda Kemp, this year’s Fizz Club will be the largest gathering to date with attendees from Ontario, B.C., Quebec and Nova Scotia.

    “When we started this, most of the winemakers who attended Fizz Club were based in Niagara,” said Kemp. “Now in its sixth year, we have winemakers coming from all across Canada, including more than 20 wineries from Quebec.”

    As Fizz Club grows in popularity, so do Fizz-loving consumers. More than 90 local wineries are now producing sparkling wines and sales are surging with overall sales of VQA sparkling up 13 percent year-over-year.

    Kemp will share the latest research CCOVI is doing to help local grape growers and winemakers produce quality sparkling wine, including new results from studies regarding how different soil types affect sparkling wine flavour, mouthfeel and texture.

    Excitement continues to build around Canadian sparkling wine as last week CCOVI hosted the world’s largest Canadian sparkling wine tasting, with 135 bottles from four provinces. More information on the historic tasting can be found here.

    Categories: Media releases

1 2 3 … 7