News

• CCOVI in the news 2025

  Thursday, May 22, 2025 | By rwright

  June 11, 2025 — St. Catharines Standard —Niagara’s Cuvée Grand Tasting: Better than ever
  June 9, 2025 — The Brock News — Experts gather to taste, toast and spread the word about Ontario’s sparkling wines
  June 2, 2025 — The Brock News — A taste of grape and wine excellence
  May 26, 2025 — The Brock News —Cuvée makes a splash in celebration of Ontario VQA wines
  May 26, 2025 — Wines in Niagara —Cuvée makes a big splash in celebration of Ontario VQA wines
  May 22, 2025 — YourTV — Cuvée en Route and Gand Tasting this weekend!
  May 20, 2025 — NOTL Local — Niagara’s finest wines take centre stage at Cuvee celebration
  May 14, 2025 — Blogorama — Cuvée 2025 – A celebration of excellence in Ontario wine making
  May 13, 2025 — Wines in Niagara — Winemaker took the long road to organic vineyards at Southbrook
  May 11, 2025 — Wines in Niagara — Ontario wines set to shine at Cuvée, plus your chance to grab some Rick’s Rielsing
  May 7, 2025 — The Brock News — Ontario wines set to shine at Cuvée Grand Tasting
  May 6, 2025 — The Brock News — Sampling science in Brock labs
  May 2, 2025 — The Brock news — Sell-out student wine a smash at charity auction
  April 25, 2025 — Buffalo Spree — EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF ONTARIO WINE AT CUVÉE 2025
  April 8, 2025 — Wines in Niagara —Ontario wines shine at upcoming Grapes for Humanity charity wine auction
  April 1, 2025 — CKTB Newstalk 610 Radio — Roundtable Road Trips CCOVI Entomologist Malkie Spodek
  March 29, 2025 — The Brock News — Student winemakers use talents to support good cause
  March 25, 2025 — Farms.com — Niagara Grapevines poised for fruitful growing season
  March 24, 2025 — CKTB Radio — Jim Willwerth discusses upcoming grape growing season
  March 21, 2025 — The Brock News — Niagara Grapevines poised for fruitful growing season
  March 21, 2025 — NOTL Local — Grape growers’ attention turns to springtime temperature swings
  March 20, 2025 — The Brock News — Medal ceremony for CCOVI Director celebrates service and impact
  March 19, 2025 — The Brock News — Continuing Education marks milestone anniversary
  March 17, 2025 — The Brock News — ‘Elbows Up’: Brock experts weigh in as national pride swells
  March 7, 2025 — The Brock News — Women leading the way in Ontario’s wine industry
  February 26, 2025 — Goodlife Vancouver — Conversations in Wine with CCOVI graduate Kailee Frash of Quail’s Gate Winery
  February 26, 2025 — ˜The Brock News — Research Retrospective: Digging into Brock’s deep agricultural roots
  February 21, 2025 — The Globe and Mail — Potential trade wars has winemakers in the U.S feeling conflicted
  February, 19, 2025 — Farms.com — Ontario wines remain a world-class choice in the face of U.S. tariffs
  February 17, 2025  — The Grower — Ontario Wines remain a world-class choice in the face of U.S. tariffs
  February 11, 2025 — Wines In Niagara — Last call for tax holiday on wine, renewed calls for free-flowing wine, Cuvée is back
  February 10, 2025 — The Brock News — Ontario wines to take centre stage at annual industry celebration
  February 6, 2025 — Brock News — Ontario Wines remain a world-class choice in the face of U.S. tariffs
  February 7, 2025 — Niagara At Large — Ontario Wines remain world-class choice in face of U.S. tariffs — Brock U. Experts
  January 22, 2025 — Farms.com — Agriculture minister gets taste of CCOVI research
  January 20, 2025 — Brock News — CCOVI lecture series highlights research’s industry impact
  January 16, 2025 — Brock News — Agriculture minister gets taste of CCOVI research
  January 10, 2025 — The Grower — Clean Vines, new wines focus of $2M Ontario research grant
  January 10, 2025 — Brock experts discuss everything from birth order affecting personality to new grape growing and fermentation method

   

  Categories: In the news

• July Happenings at CCOVI

  Wednesday, April 30, 2025 | By rwright

  What Kind of Cool are You?

  July 18

  This fun event coincides with i4C’s Friday Night Flights being held at the Niagara District Airport in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

   

• 2025 CCOVI News

  Monday, March 24, 2025 | By rwright

  CCOVI News: January 2025, Digital Edition
  CCOVI News: Professional and Continuing Studies at CCOVI, February 2025

   

  Categories: CCOVI Newsletters

• 2023-24 Year-in-Review

  Tuesday, August 13, 2024 | By gjunop

  

  View the report on Issuu

  Categories: Annual Reports, CCOVI Year-in-Review

• 2024 CCOVI News

  Tuesday, July 30, 2024 | By gjunop

  CCOVI News: January 2025, Digital Edition
  CCOVI News: July 2024, Digital Edition
  CCOVI News: Professional & Continuing Studies at CCOVI, June 2024
  CCOVI News: April 2024, Digital Edition
  CCOVI News: Professional & Continuing Studies at CCOVI, March 2024
  CCOVI News: Winter 2024, Digital Edition

  Categories: CCOVI Newsletters

• CCOVI in the news 2024

  Wednesday, May 22, 2024 | By gjunop

  December 13, 2024 – Giant FM radio – Brock University leading initiative to boost Ontario’s grape and wine industry
  December 13, 2024 – The Brock news – Brock experts make media appearances
  December 10, 2024 – The Italian Trade Agency – Ontario research grant awarded to CCOVI
  December 9, 2024 – 610 CKTB radio interview with CCOVI Director, Dr. Debbie Inglis about the VINO Solutions project (text only, no audio)
  December 7, 2024 – The Grower – Clean Vines, new wines focus of $2 million Ontario research grant
  December 6, 2024 – The Grower – Clean vines, new wines focus of $2 million Ontario research grant
  November 28, 2024 – The Brock News – Clean vines, new wines focus of $2 million Ontario research grant
  November 27, 2024 – Education News Canada – Health Canada gives Brock green light for cannabis testing
  November 25, 2024 – StratCan – Health Canada grants cannabis testing licence to CCOVI
  November 13, 2024 – The Brock News – Fungi a promising solution to vineyard pests: COVVI scientist
  November 8, 2024 – Top Crop Manager – CCOVI named in AgExcellence awards
  November 7, 2024 – Farms.com – CCOVI named in excellence in agriculture and food sector 
  November 6, 2024 – The Brock News – Harnessing nature to fight climate change impacts in vineyards
  November 5, 2024 – Education News Canada – CCOVI alumna named Dean of of the Russ Edwards School of Agriculture & Environment
  November 5, 2024 – The Grower – CCOVI recognized for research and innovation excellence
  November 4, 2024 – The Brock New – CCOVI’s agricultural impact earns provincial nod
  October 30, 2024 – The Brock News – Economic summit charts Niagara’s path to prosperity
  October 8, 2024 – Cidercraft Magazine – Renowned cider educator Peter Mitchell to retire
  October 6, 2024 – Actual News Magazine – From vine to glass: Getting to know our Ontario neighbours better
  September 25, 2024 – The Brock News – RESEARCH RETROSPECTIVE: Charting the way forward
  September 24, 2024 – Open Access Government – Innovative grape and wine industry research in a cool climate region
  September 21, 2024 – St. Catharines Standard – Brock research partnerships put Niagara on the map
  September 16, 2024 – The Brock News – Brock Annual Grape Stomp
  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 product

  Categories: In the news

• 2022-23 Year-in-Review

  Monday, March 11, 2024 | By gjunop

  

  View the report on Issuu

  Categories: Annual Reports, CCOVI Year-in-Review

• Brock research highlights market growth opportunities for sustainable wine

  Wednesday, December 06, 2023 | By gjunop

  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.

• Great Chardo Swap boosts scholarship fund

  Thursday, May 11, 2023 | By gjunop

  Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) has raised $30,000 in support of the Karl J. Kaiser Memorial Fund through its Great Chardo Swap initiative.

  The fund establishes scholarships for students studying Oenology and Viticulture (OEVI) at Brock.

  Dedicated to advancing the Canadia

  

  Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute Director Debbie Inglis said the funds raised in partnership with WineAlign as part of the Great Chardo Swap will be invaluable in supporting the next generation of winemakers.

  n grape and wine industry, CCOVI developed the Great Chardo Swap to showcase different styles of Chardonnay, Ontario’s most widely planted white vinifera grape. The project, which brought together 12 of Niagara’s top winemakers to explore the impact of terroir versus winemaking, resulted in a limited release of unique Chardonnays from two vintages and vineyards in Niagara.

  “The Great Chardo Swap has been a true collaboration from beginning to end. It would not have been possible without our incredible industry partners, from the participating winemakers to the wonderful team at WineAlign,” said CCOVI Director Debbie Inglis. “Karl was an incredible innovator and leader in the Ontario wine industry and we look forward to leveraging the funds raised to support the next generation of winemakers.”

  CCOVI partnered with WineAlign to facilitate the orders of the Great Chardo Swap wines, which gave consumers the unique opportunity to explore 12 exclusive wines from each vintage developed as part of the initiative while supporting Brock students. The wines were released in February 2023 and sold quickly, with wine lovers across the country eager to try the unique offerings.

  Bryan McCaw of WineAlign is pleased to have had the chance to support the country’s foremost wine research institute and to assist in bolstering the fund for future generations studying grape and wine science at Brock.

  “We’re happy that our Exchange service was able to facilitate the Great Chardo Swap sales and charitable contributions for such a worthy cause,” he said. “We’ve been steadfast in our support of the Ontario and Canadian wine industry since our inception 15 years ago.”

• CCOVI introduces new micro-credentials to roster of professional and continuing studies offerings

  Thursday, April 27, 2023 | By apeters

  

  Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) is launching a host of new micro-credential offerings targeted at boosting the skills and knowledge of those working in the wine and cider industry.

  Micro-credentials, which are short courses designed to cultivate and verify a particular skill set desirable to employers, help participants to bridge pre-existing skills and knowledge in order to meet rapidly changing labour market demands.

  In alignment with the Institute’s mission to provide continuing education and professional development opportunities to industry, successful completion of a micro-credential at CCOVI serves as a verification of the corresponding skills for employers. In addition to the credentials boasting the authority of Canada’s foremost institute dedicated to grape and wine research, education and outreach, the training programs are also subject to Brock University’s quality assurance processes and are approved by Ontario’s Ministry of Colleges and Universities.

  With the introduction of the new micro-credentials, CCOVI is offering professionals the opportunity to upskill in advanced wine and cider production, wine marketing and the wine and spirits qualifications of the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET).

  “We are excited to be launching these new micro-credentials, which are designed to provide targeted training and certification to wine and cider professionals,” said CCOVI Director Debbie Inglis. “These courses are a valuable resource for anyone looking to expand their skillset and advance their career in the industry.”

  The new micro-credentials cover a range of topics related to the wine and cider industries, including sensory evaluation, lab skills and brand storytelling. The WSET qualifications cover a broad range of wine and spirits knowledge, from beginner to advanced levels.

  “This is an exciting development for the Institute and our stakeholders and partners, as it provides a new way for professionals to continue learning and growing in their careers,” said Inglis. “We look forward to seeing the positive impact these micro-credentials will have on the industry as a whole.”

  The following micro-credentials are available now and those interested can explore course availability and register via CCOVI’s professional and continuing studies web page:

  • Certification in Ontario Wines
  • Foundation in Winemaking (In-person and online)
  • Wine Faults and Sensory Evaluation
  • Winery Lab Skills
  • Social Media Storytelling for Wine Brands
  • Cider and Perry Production: Foundation (In-person)
  • Essential Lab Testing of Cider and Perry
  • Essential Sensory Evaluation of Cider and Perry
  • Level 1 Award in Spirits (In-person and online)
  • Level 1 Award in Wine (In-person and online)
  • Level 2 Award in Spirits (In-person and online)
  • Level 2 Award in Wine (In-person and online)
  • Level 3 Award in Wine (In-person and online)