News

  • New Outreach Brief Available: Tips For Managing Sour Rot in the Winery

    Tuesday, September 28, 2021 | By

    Sour rot is a recurring problem in early season thin-skinned, tight-clustered grape varieties, such as Pinot noir, Pinot gris, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Gamay and Baco noir, and has been responsible for more than $1.5 million in crop loss in a given season in the Ontario region, when weather conditions promote infection.

    CCOVI has assembled an Outreach Brief: Tips For Managing Sour Rot in the Winery, to help the industry addresses the challenges associated with sour rot, such as helping winemakers minimize the negative impacts of sour rot on wine quality and decrease a loss of income from reduced yield.

    This brief was created with support from Ontario Grape and Wine Research Inc. and the Canadian Grapevine Certification Network(CGCN-RCCV), as part of the Grape and Wine Science research cluster.

    Download the brief

     

    Categories: What's happening at CCOVI

  • Brock University toasts gift of 2,500 historically significant wines

    Thursday, September 23, 2021 | By

    23 September 2021
    R0096
    Brock University — Marketing and Communications

    Renowned wine expert Michael Vaughan has selected Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) as the new home of his impeccably preserved collection of award-winning Canadian wines.

    The Michael Vaughan Wine Collection contains 2,500 bottles of historical wines from across the country, including a number of extremely rare bottles that date back decades. The collection has been personally curated and preserved by Vaughan and contains some of the last-remaining bottles of their kind that are still in mint condition and drinkable.

    Vaughan, who earned his PhD in International Economics from the University of Toronto, was a Professor of Economics at Ryerson University before becoming an award-winning national wine writer and critic. He said his collection was curated with intellectual pursuits in mind. As an educator himself, Vaughan said he felt CCOVI’s state-of-the-art facilities and reputation for research and educational excellence made it an ideal partner for both housing and utilizing his unique collection.

    “I wanted to make sure the wines I have accumulated went somewhere where they could be a useful learning experience,” he said. “I wanted to share them with an academic institution. The most important one for me was Brock, because it made sense that it went to a place where the students, the faculty and the winemakers could experience the evolution of these wines and see how good they still were and how they had changed over all of these years.”

    Brock University has become a trusted steward for unique, historically significant collections, including the Alexander Hamilton collection that was donated to the Brock Library’s Archives and Special Collections last year.

    Debbie Inglis, Director of Brock’s CCOVI, said the Michael Vaughan Wine Collection is a prime example of how gifts of this kind and ongoing partnerships with donors can serve students, researchers and the community for years to come.

    “This generous donation, coupled with Michael’s expertise, will be a valuable asset to the Institute as we work to address the evolving research and outreach needs of our industry and educate future generations of grape growers and winemakers,” she said. “This collection serves as a living history of the evolution of Canadian wine, allowing us to learn from the past and bolster the sustainability and success of our industry in the future.”

    The collection will be housed in CCOVI’s 44,000-bottle capacity wine cellar, where the wines will be climate-controlled, archived and preserved as part of the Institute’s Canadian Wine Library.

    “This donation contains wines from some of Canada’s top wine vintages, including 1998 and 1999, and to have these coming through our doors is very exciting,” said Barb Tatarnic, CCOVI’s Manager of Continuing Education and Outreach. “It opens up a treasure trove of opportunities for CCOVI to take a deep dive into these wines and to offer tastings and research opportunities that look at things like ageability, the impact that good vineyard practices have on the quality of wines, climate, weather impacts on vintage variation and much, much more.”

    Vaughan has been studying, collecting and writing about wine for more than 50 years, documenting the 1970s resurgence of the Canadian wine industry first-hand. He is the editor and creator of Vintage Assessments, a not-for-profit publication dedicated to professional buyers, sommeliers and wine lovers, and has personally tasted and critiqued tens of thousands of the world’s top wines.

    The value of the collection he is gifting to Brock lies in the health of the wines themselves, which he preserved in a climate- and humidity-controlled environment and routinely evaluated for quality using a time-honoured technique to preserve their integrity.

    “I keep my wine very cold because I don’t want it to evolve, so my secret of having wines that are still drinkable after 50 years is the temperature,” Vaughan said. “The wines that have been donated to CCOVI had never moved out of my climate-controlled storage.”

    Vaughan will continue to offer his breadth of expertise and collaborate with CCOVI on various outreach, research and educational opportunities involving the presentation of these wines going forward.

    “This is the fun part,” he said. “I really want to continue working with Brock, including on some interesting projects I have in mind.”

    CCOVI, which is poised to celebrate its 25th anniversary in October, is developing plans for hosting these opportunities, as well as an event to celebrate the donation, in the near future.

    CCOVI Director Debbie Inglis and wine expert Michael Vaughan are available for media interviews.

    Included media:

    • Video — A video package can be found and embedded from YouTube here. B-roll and a non-branded version are available upon request .
    • MichaelVaughan.jpg — Toronto-based wine expert Michael Vaughan has donated his collection of rare, award-winning Canadian wines to Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute.
    • DebbieInglis.jpg — Debbie Inglis, Director of Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute, is pictured adding some of the wines in the Michael Vaughan Wine Collection to the Institute’s cellar.
    • VaughanInfographic1.jpg — By the Numbers of CCOVI and Michael Vaughan Wine Collection.
    • VaughanInfographic2.jpg — Highlights of the Michael Vaughan Wine Collection being donated to Brock’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute.

      For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

      * Dan Dakin, Manager Communications and Media Relations, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca or 905-347-1970

      * Sarah Ackles, Marketing and Communications Officer, Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute, Brock University sackles@brocku.ca, 289-783-5478

    -30-

    Categories: Media releases

  • Brock University toasts gift of 2,500 historically significant wines

    Thursday, September 23, 2021 | By

    Toronto-based wine expert Michael Vaughan has donated his collection of rare, award-winning Canadian wines to Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI). 

    Renowned wine expert Michael Vaughan has selected Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) as the new home of his impeccably preserved collection of award-winning Canadian wines.

    The Michael Vaughan Wine Collection contains 2,500 bottles of historical wines from across the country, including a number of extremely rare bottles that date back decades. The collection has been personally curated and preserved by Vaughan and contains some of the last-remaining bottles of their kind that are still in mint condition and drinkable.

    Vaughan, who earned his PhD in International Economics from the University of Toronto, was a Professor of Economics at Ryerson University before becoming an award-winning national wine writer and critic. He said his collection was curated with intellectual pursuits in mind. As an educator himself, Vaughan said he felt CCOVI’s state-of-the-art facilities and reputation for research and educational excellence made it an ideal partner for both housing and utilizing his unique collection.

    “I wanted to make sure the wines I have accumulated went somewhere where they could be a useful learning experience,” he said. “I wanted to share them with an academic institution. The most important one for me was Brock, because it made sense that it went to a place where the students, the faculty and the winemakers could experience the evolution of these wines and see how good they still were and how they had changed over all of these years.”

    Brock University has become a trusted steward for unique, historically significant collections, including the Alexander Hamilton collection that was donated to the Brock Library’s Archives and Special Collections last year.

    CCOVI Director Debbie Inglis holds wine from Michael Vaughan Wine Collection in CCOVI's wine cellar

    CCOVI Debbie Inglis is pictured adding some of the wines in the Michael Vaughan Wine Collection to the Institute’s cellar.

    Debbie Inglis, Director of Brock’s CCOVI, said the Michael Vaughan Wine Collection is a prime example of how gifts of this kind and ongoing partnerships with donors can serve students, researchers and the community for years to come.

    “This generous donation, coupled with Michael’s expertise, will be a valuable asset to the Institute as we work to address the evolving research and outreach needs of our industry and educate future generations of grape growers and winemakers,” she said. “This collection serves as a living history of the evolution of Canadian wine, allowing us to learn from the past and bolster the sustainability and success of our industry in the future.”

    The collection will be housed in CCOVI’s 44,000-bottle capacity wine cellar, where the wines will be climate-controlled, archived and preserved as part of the Institute’s Canadian Wine Library.

    “This donation contains wines from some of Canada’s top wine vintages, including 1998 and 1999, and to have these coming through our doors is very exciting,” said Barb Tatarnic, CCOVI’s Manager of Continuing Education and Outreach. “It opens up a treasure trove of opportunities for CCOVI to take a deep dive into these wines and to offer tastings and research opportunities that look at things like ageability, the impact that good vineyard practices have on the quality of wines, climate, weather impacts on vintage variation and much, much more.”

    Vaughan has been studying, collecting and writing about wine for more than 50 years, documenting the 1970s resurgence of the Canadian wine industry first-hand. He is the Publisher/Editor of Vintage Assessments, a not-for-profit publication dedicated to professional buyers, sommeliers and wine lovers, and has personally tasted and critiqued tens of thousands of the world’s top wines.

    The value of the collection he is gifting to Brock lies in the health of the wines themselves, which he preserved in a climate- and humidity-controlled environment and routinely evaluated for quality using a time-honoured technique to preserve their integrity.

    “I keep my wine very cold because I don’t want it to evolve, so my secret of having wines that are still drinkable after 50 years is the temperature,” Vaughan said. “The wines that have been donated to CCOVI had never moved out of my climate-controlled storage.”

    Infographic showing stats on five Canadian wines in Michael Vaughan Wine Collection

    Vaughan will continue to offer his breadth of expertise and collaborate with CCOVI on various outreach, research and educational opportunities involving the presentation of these wines going forward.

    “This is the fun part,” he said. “I really want to continue working with Brock, including on some interesting projects I have in mind.”

    CCOVI, which is poised to celebrate its 25th anniversary in October, is developing plans for hosting these opportunities, as well as an event to celebrate the donation, in the near future.

    Read the story in The Brock News

    Categories: What's happening at CCOVI

  • Registration now open for CCOVI’s virtual Wine Pairing Experience

    Friday, August 13, 2021 | By

    Brock's Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute is hosting a guided tasting as part of Homecoming weekend

    Registration is now open for Brock University’s Homecoming, which will take place from Wednesday, Sept. 22 to Sunday, Sept. 26 entirely online. As part of that weekend, CCOVI is hosting a virtual Wine Pairing Experience on Saturday, Sept. 25 from 3 to 4:30 p.m.

    headshot image of Lawrence Buhler of Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery

    Lawrence Buhler, Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery

    Guests can enjoy an incredible evening learning about VQA wine and connecting with other Brock alumni in a live, virtual tasting featuring Lawrence Buhler (BSc ’03), Head Winemaker for Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery. Buhler will guide attendees through a flight of three wines paired with three delicious meat selections from Piller’s Fine Foods.

    Registrants will be shipped a wine kit, which includes three VQA wines from Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery, three meat selections from Piller’s Fine Foods, as well as tasting notes and instructions on how to prepare for your evening. The cost is $110 (shipping and tax included).

    Guests are asked to please register by Sept. 17 in order to ensure they receive their wine kit in time for the tasting experience.

    CCOVI WINE PAIRING EXPERIENCE | BROCK HOMECOMING

    Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021
    ONLINE
    3 to 4:30 p.m. | $110
    Capacity: 25 | Registration closes Sept. 17

    Register here.

    For more information: View the schedule on Brock’s Homecoming website and navigate to the full list of Saturday, Sept. 25 events 

    *Note: Participants must be a minimum of 19 years of age and reside in Canada. Each 750 ml bottle of wine can pour up to 4 glasses, allowing you to share your virtual experience with up to 3 additional people. Brock University remains committed to protecting the health and safety of our community during the COVID-19 pandemic and asks that you please continue to monitor public health and government guidelines in your region when planning your evening.

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

  • Canada Day closures for Analytical Services & Grapevine Virus Testing labs

    Wednesday, June 30, 2021 | By

    Notice to all of our awesome customers:

    In observance of Canada Day and a subsequent Brock University holiday, the CCOVI Analytical Services Lab and Grapevine Virus Testing Services will be closed on Thursday, July 1 and Friday, July 2.

    We will be happy to see you all again on Monday, July 5.

    For more information about additional closures and varying hours at Brock University for the Canada Day long weekend click here.

    Thank you,

    – Lisa and Shufen (Analytical Services)
    – Tony and Sud (Grapevine Virus Testing Services)

    Categories: What's happening at CCOVI

  • June Dates & Deadlines

    Wednesday, May 26, 2021 | By

    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 June 28 to July 25, 2021
    Registration Deadline: June 18, 2021 (by 10 am)
    For more information and to register click here

    WSET 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.
    June 7 to July 11, 2021
    Registration Deadline: May 28 (by 10 am)
    For more information and to register click here

    June 21 to July 25, 2021
    Registration Deadline: June 11 (by 10 am)
    For more information and to register click here

    WSET 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.
    Monday June 7 to July 4, 2021
    Registration Deadline: May 28 (by 10 am)
    For more information and to register click here

    WSET 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.
    June 21 to August 1, 2021
    Registration Deadline: June 11 (by 10 am)
    For more information and to register click here

    CIDER 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.
    June 30 – August 18  (*New 8-week option, online)
    For more information and to register click here

    August 31 – December 14  (16-week option, online)
    For more information and to register click here

    REMOTE INVIGILATION EXAMS:

    WSET LEVEL 1 AWARD IN WINE (ONLINE):

    Monday June 28 from 5:30-6:15 pm – 45 minutes
    Registration Deadline: June 4 (by 1 pm)
    Register here

    WSET LEVEL 2 AWARD IN WINE (ONLINE):

    Monday June 21 from 5:30-6:30 pm – 60 minutes
    Registration Deadline: May 28 (by 1 pm)
    Register here

    Monday June 28 from 5:30-6:30 pm – 60 minutes
    Registration Deadline: June 4 (by 1 pm)
    Register here

    Monday July 5 from 5:30-6:30 pm – 60 minutes
    Registration Deadline: June 11 (by 1 pm)
    Register here

    WSET LEVEL 1 AWARD IN SPIRITS (ONLINE):

    Monday June 28 from 5:30-6:15 pm – 45 minutes
    Registration Deadline: June 4 (by 1 pm)
    Register here

    WSET LEVEL 2 AWARD IN SPIRITS (ONLINE):

    Monday June 28 from 5:30-6:30 pm – 60 minutes
    Registration Deadline: June 4 (by 1 pm)
    Register here

     

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

  • 2021 CCOVI News

    Wednesday, February 10, 2021 | By

    2021 February Edition
    2021 June Edition

    Categories: CCOVI Newsletters, What's happening at CCOVI

  • Family Day & President’s Day Lab Closures

    Tuesday, February 09, 2021 | By

    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)

     

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

  • February Dates & Deadlines

    Friday, February 05, 2021 | By

    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 here

    WSET 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 here

    March 8 to April 11, 2021
    Registration Deadline: February 26 (by 10 am)
    For more information and to register click here

    WSET 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 here

    CIDER 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 here

    REMOTE 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 here

    Monday March 22 from 5:30-6:15 pm – 45 minutes
    Registration Deadline: February 26 (by 1 pm)
    Register here

    WSET 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 here

    Monday March 15 from 5:30-6:30 pm – 60 minutes
    Registration Deadline: February 19 (by 1 pm)
    Register here

    Monday March 22 from 5:30-6:30 pm – 60 minutes
    Registration Deadline: February 26 (by 1 pm)
    Register here

    Monday March 29 from 5:30-6:30 pm – 60 minutes
    Registration Deadline: March 5 (by 1 pm)
    Register here

    WSET 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 here

    Monday March 22 from 5:30-6:15 pm – 45 minutes
    Registration Deadline: February 26 (by 1 pm)
    Register here

    WSET 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 here

    Monday March 22 from 5:30-6:30 pm – 60 minutes
    Registration Deadline: February 26 (by 1 pm)
    Register here

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

  • CCOVI Lecture Series returns with latest grape and wine research

    Monday, January 18, 2021 | By

    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

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