News
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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 -
November Dates & Deadlines
CONTINUING EDUCATION: Courses
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.
November 16 to December 20, 2020
Registration Deadline: November 6 (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.
November 16 to December 20, 2020
Registration Deadline: November 6 (by 10 am)
For more information and to register click hereREMOTE INVIGILATION (EXAMS):
WSET LEVEL 1 AWARD IN WINE (ONLINE):
Monday November 30 from 5:30-6:15 pm – 45 minutes
Registration Deadline: November 6 (by 1 pm)*
Register hereMonday December 7 from 5:30-6:15 pm – 45 minutes
Registration Deadline: November 13 (by 1 pm)*
Register hereWSET LEVEL 2 AWARD IN WINE (ONLINE):
Monday November 30 from 5:30-6:30 pm – 60 minutes
Registration Deadline: November 6 (by 1 pm)*
Register hereMonday December 7 from 5:30-6:30 pm – 60 minutes
Registration Deadline: November 13 (by 1 pm)*
Register hereMonday December 14 from 5:30-6:30 pm – 60 minutes
Registration Deadline: November 20 (by 1 pm)*
Register hereWSET LEVEL 1 AWARD IN SPIRITS (ONLINE):
Monday November 30 from 5:30-6:15 pm – 45 minutes
Registration Deadline: November 6 (by 1 pm)*
Register hereMonday December 14 from 5:30-6:15 pm – 45 minutes
Registration Deadline: November 20 (by 1 pm)*
Register hereWSET LEVEL 2 AWARD IN SPIRITS (ONLINE):
Monday November 30 from 5:30-6:30 pm – 60 minutes
Registration Deadline: November 6 (by 1 pm)*
Register hereMonday December 14 from 5:30-6:30 pm – 60 minutes
Registration Deadline: November 20 (by 1 pm)*
Register here -
Brock’s CCOVI to co-lead $6.2-million national research program supporting clean plant program for grapevines
Brock University Senior Scientist Sudarsana Poojari is leading the academic team on a $6.2-million national research project.
28 October 2020
R0162A $6.2-million multi-partner funding commitment will allow Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) to support the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the Canadian Grapevine Certification Network (CGCN-RCCV) to fast-track the certification of grapevine planting material as virus-free.
Under Genome Canada’s Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP), CLEan plAnt extractioN SEquencing Diagnostics (CLEANSED) is a jointly funded initiative between Brock, CFIA, CGCN-RCCV, University of Victoria, Université de Sherbrooke, Genome Canada, Genome BC, Genome Quebec, Ontario Genomics, Agriculture and Agri Food Canada (AAFC), Compute Canada, Conseil des vins du Quebec and Illumina.
CLEANSED uses High-Throughput Sequencing technology with improved sensitivity to simultaneously detect multiple viruses in a grapevine. This genomic-based solution would replace more than 30 tests currently being performed on grapevines to look for diseases. This one genomic test can speed up the release of virus-free grapevine material from three years to one year or less, providing rapid access to valuable new varieties. CGCN-RCCV will use this for testing and monitoring domestically propagated vines, ensuring grape growers have faster and more affordable access to clean vines.
“This funding will allow grape growers to rapidly improve the health of their vineyards and boost the domestic capacity in the supply of much needed virus-free grapevine plant material in Canada,” says CCOVI Senior Scientist Sudarsana Poojari, who is leading the academic team of scientists.
The end users of the research are CFIA and CGCN-RCCV, which will implement CLEANSED to ensure Canadian grapevines start clean and stay clean. CFIA ensures grapevine imports, exports and new domestic grapevine varieties for commercialization in Canada are free of regulated viruses and all non-regulated viruses of economic concern, while CGCN will approve and commercialize CLEANSED for testing grapevines in a national domestic clean plant program.
“The CFIA is pleased to co-lead this project that will implement genomic technologies in support of a leading-edge national ‘clean plant’ program and diagnostics at the Sidney Centre for Plant Health,” says Jaspinder Komal, Vice-President, Science Branch, CFIA. “The solid science of the project will help our grape growers to quickly access healthy plants of diverse new varieties, resulting in increased production. Such approaches will be able to facilitate adaptation of Canadian and world agriculture to climate change.”
The research is a collaborative effort between academia, government and industry to tackle grapevine virus disease management, which has been identified as the top priority for long-term sustainability of the $9-billion Canadian grape and wine industry.
Grape growers currently lose an estimated $23 million per year due to grapevine virus infections. In order to both replace infected material and maintain routine vine replacement and modest expansion, growers currently need access to an estimated 6.7 million affordable, virus-free vines.
High cost and convoluted testing methods, however, have been hindering the ability of growers to obtain those vines, says CGCN Vice-Chair and grape grower Bill Schenck.
“As growers across the country continue to deal with viruses that effect crop quality and vine health, the timing could not be more perfect than now for this project,” he says. “The industry needs to have a Canadian source of clean vines that have been tested for viruses, and a program that can show the vines are true to type.”
He says this work will standardize and validate high throughput sequence screening protocols, allowing it to be implemented into a clean grapevine program driven by the industry it benefits.
Mike Rott, Receptor Project Leader and CFIA Scientist, says reducing the time and cost of testing, while at the same time improving sensitivity and accuracy through CLEANSED, is “critical in a highly competitive international market.”
CCOVI Director Debbie Inglis says this announcement is the culmination of three years of collaborative work to tackle this priority issue, including previously developed Memorandums of Understanding between CCOVI and AAFC, CFIA and CGCN to support a clean plant program for grapevines in Canada.
“We’re always looking for rapid, sensitive cost-efficient ways to prove that plant material is devoid from disease, and the application of this research is a milestone for Canada,” she says. “Grapevine is leading the way for the first official clean plant program in the country, where we can be assured that the plants we’re propagating and putting into the ground are free from disease.”
Brock Vice-President, Research Tim Kenyon says “CCOVI consistently brings together major stakeholders in the grape and wine sector to produce breakthrough policies, programs and services in the industry, generating major contributions to local and national economies.
“This significant grant from Genome Canada shows the confidence stakeholders place in CCOVI’s leadership, research and innovation, one example being the leading-edge CLEANSED virus detection tool.”
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Categories: Media releases -
October 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.
November 9 to December 6, 2020
Registration Deadline: October 30 (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.
October 19 to November 22, 2020
Registration Deadline: October 9 (by 10 am)
For more information and to register click hereNovember 9 to December 13, 2020
Registration Deadline: October 30 (by 10 am)
For more information and to register click hereREMOTE invigilation EXAMS:
WSET LEVEL 1 AWARD IN WINE (ONLINE):
Monday October 26 from 5:30-6:15 pm – 45 minutes
Registration Deadline: October 2 (by 1 pm)*
Register hereMonday November 2 from 5:30-6:15 pm – 45 minutes
Registration Deadline: October 9 (by 1 pm)*
Register hereMonday November 9 from 5:30-6:15 pm – 45 minutes
Registration Deadline: October 16 (by 1 pm)*
Register hereMonday November 16 from 5:30-6:15 pm – 45 minutes
Registration Deadline: October 23 (by 1 pm)*
Register hereMonday November 23 from 5:30-6:15 pm – 45 minutes
Registration Deadline: October 30 (by 1 pm)*
Register hereWSET LEVEL 2 AWARD IN WINE (ONLINE):
Monday October 26 from 5:30-6:30 pm – 60 minutes
Registration Deadline: October 2 (by 1 pm)*
Register here
Monday November 2 from 5:30-6:30 pm – 60 minutes
Registration Deadline: October 9 (by 1 pm)*
Register here
Monday November 9 from 5:30-6:30 pm – 60 minutes
Registration Deadline: October 16 (by 1 pm)*
Register hereMonday November 16 from 5:30-6:30 pm – 60 minutes
Registration Deadline: October 23 (by 1 pm)*
Register hereMonday November 23 from 5:30-6:30 pm – 60 minutes)
Registration Deadline: October 30 (by 1 pm)*
Register hereWSET LEVEL 1 AWARD IN SPIRITS (ONLINE):
Monday November 2 from 5:30-6:15 pm – 45 minutes
Registration Deadline: October 9 (by 1 pm)*
Register hereMonday November 16 from 5:30-6:15 pm – 45 minutes
Registration Deadline: October 23 (by 1 pm)*
Register hereWSET LEVEL 2 AWARD IN SPIRITS (ONLINE):
Monday November 2 from 5:30-6:30 pm – 60 minutes
Registration Deadline: October 9 (by 1 pm)*
Register hereMonday November 16 from 5:30-6:30 pm – 60 minutes
Registration Deadline: October 23 (by 1 pm)*
Register here -
September Dates & Deadlines
CONTINUING EDUCATION: Courses
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.
September 28 to November 1, 2020
Registration Deadline: September 18 (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.
September 28 to November 1, 2020
Registration Deadline: September 18 (by 10 am)
For more information and to register click here
CERTIFICATE IN ONTARIO WINES (ONLINE)
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.
October 2 to November 6, 2020
Registration Deadline: September 25, 2020 (by 4 pm)
For more information and to register click here
REMOTE invigilation EXAMS:
WSET LEVEL 2 AWARD IN WINE (ONLINE):
Tuesday September 29 from 6-7 pm — 60 minutes
Registration Deadline: September 7 (by 1 pm)*
Register hereMonday October 5 from 6-7 pm — 60 minutes
Registration Deadline: September 11 (by 1 pm)*
Register hereTuesday October 13 from 6-7 pm — 60 minutes
Registration Deadline: September 21 (by 1 pm)*
Register hereTuesday October 20 from 6-7 pm — 60 minutes
Registration Deadline: September 28 (by 1 pm)*
Register here -
August 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.
Monday September 7 to October 4, 2020
Registration Deadline: August 28 (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.
September 7 to October 11, 2020
Registration Deadline: August 28 (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.
September 7 to October 4, 2020
Registration Deadline: August 28 (by 10 am)
For more information and to register click here.
CIDER AND PERRY PRODUCTION – FOUNDATION (ONLINE)
The Cider Institute of North America’s (CINA) flagship Foundation course is offered several times each year in partnership with our training providers. In response to the continued COVID-19 situation, CINA instructors have collaborated to develop a first-of-its-kind online Foundation course to boost your cider production career or hobby.
August 31 to December 18,2020
Get More information
Register here.
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July Dates & Deadlines
CONTINUING EDUCATION: online exam dates
WSET LEVEL 1 AWARD IN WINE ONLINE EXAM DATES (RI):
Monday August 10 from 6-6:45 pm – 45 minutes
Registration Deadline: July 17 (by 1 pm)*
Register hereMonday August 17 from 6-6:45 pm – 45 minutes
Registration Deadline: July 24 (by 1 pm)
Register hereTuesday August 18 from 6-6:45 pm – 45 minutes
Registration Deadline: July 28 (by 1 pm)
Register hereAugust 24 from 6-6:45 pm – 45 minutes
Registration Deadline: July 31 (by 1 pm)
Register hereWSET LEVEL 2 AWARD IN WINE ONLINE EXAM DATES (RI):
Monday August 10 from 6-6:45 pm – 45 minutes
Registration Deadline: July 17 (by 1 pm)*
Register hereMonday August 17 from 6-6:45 pm – 45 minutes
Registration Deadline: July 24 (by 1 pm)
Register hereTuesday August 18 from 6-6:45 pm – 45 minutes
Registration Deadline: July 28 (by 1 pm)
Register hereAugust 24 from 6-6:45 pm – 45 minutes
Registration Deadline: July 31 (by 1 pm)
Register hereWSET LEVEL 1 AWARD IN SPIRITS ONLINE EXAM DATES (RI):
Monday August 10 from 6-6:45 pm – 45 minutes)
Registration Deadline: July 17 (by 1 pm)*
Register hereMonday August 17 from 6-6:45 pm – 45 minutes
Registration Deadline: July 24 (by 1 pm)
Register hereTuesday August 18 from 6-6:45 pm – 45 minutes
Registration Deadline: July 28 (by 1 pm)
Register hereAugust 24 from 6-6:45 pm – 45 minutes
Registration Deadline: July 31 (by 1 pm)
Register hereWSET LEVEL 2 AWARD IN SPIRITS ONLINE EXAM DATES (RI):
Monday August 10 from 6-7 pm – 60 minutes
Registration Deadline: July 17 (by 1 pm)*
Register hereMonday August 17 from 6-7 pm – 60 minutes
Registration Deadline: July 14 (by 1 pm)*
Register hereTuesday August 18 from 6-7 pm – 60 minutes
Registration Deadline: July 28 (by 1 pm)
Register hereMonday August 24 from 6-7 pm – 60 minutes
Registration Deadline: July 31 (by 1 pm)*
Register hereMore dates to follow. Contact Barb Tatarnic at ccovi@brocku.ca if you have any questions.
CONTINUING EDUCATION: Courses
WSET LEVEL 3 AWARD IN WINE *NEW* (ONLINE)The WSET Level 3 Award in Wines offers in-depth knowledge of a wide range of wines and is open to students holding the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines or the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines & Spirits, or completion of our Entrance Test.
July 20 to September 20, 2020
Registration Deadline: July 13, 2020 (10 am)
For more information and to register click here.CERTIFICATE IN ONTARIO WINES (ONLINE):
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.
August 7 to September 11, 2020
Registration Deadline: July 31, 2020 (10 am)
For more information and to register click here. -
Analytical Services & Grapevine Virus Testing Services Closed for Canada Day
In light of Friday’s announcement from the University, CCOVI’s Analytical Services and Grapevine Virus Testing Services will both be closed on Wednesday, July 1, Thursday, July 2 and Friday, July 3, along with the rest of the Brock campus.
We will be happy to see you again on Monday, July 6.
Happy Canada Day!
– Lisa and Shufen (Analytical Services)
– Tony and Sud (Grapevine Virus Testing Services)Categories: What's happening at CCOVI -
June Dates & Deadlines
CONTINUING EDUCATION: Courses
June 29 to July 26: ONLINE – WSET LEVEL 1 AWARD IN WINE
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.
Registration Deadline: June 22, 2020 (10 am)
For more information and to register click here.June 8 to July 12: ONLINE – WSET LEVEL 2 AWARD IN WINES
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.
Registration Deadline: June 1, 2020 (10 am)
For more information and to register click here.June 22 to July 26: ONLINE – WSET LEVEL 2 AWARD IN WINES
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.
Registration Deadline: June 15, 2020 (10 am)
For more information and to register click here.Monday June 1 to June 28: ONLINE – WSET LEVEL 1 IN SPIRITS
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.
Registration Deadline: May 25, 2020 (10 am)
For more information and to register click here.Monday June 29 to August 2: ONLINE – WSET LEVEL 2 IN SPIRITS
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.
Registration Deadline: June 22, 2020 (10 am)
For more information and to register click here.CONTINUING EDUCATION: online exam options
Starting June 1st WSET students will be able to take their English language examinations for WSET Level 1 (Wine or Spirits) as well as WSET Level 2 (Wine or Spirits) on a computer at their home. Examinations may now be taken using Remote Invigilation (RI) technology. RI enables a candidate to sit their Level 1 exam on a computer in a secure, invigilated environment from their home where they are monitored via webcam, screen sharing technology and a secondary recording device. If you are interested in taking your examination by Remote Invigilation, please review the Candidate Information-Remote Invigilation document to assess your suitability for this type of examination. There is an additional charge to take your examination by RI (see below). Contact Barb Tatarnic at ccovi@brocku.ca if you have any questions and to confirm that you have read the Candidate Information–Remote Invigilation document and will proceed to register for your examination. See registration links below.
* Requests received past the Registration Deadline cannot be accepted.
WSET LEVEL 1 IN WINE: Monday June 15 – 6-6:45 p.m. (45 minutes)
Registration Deadline: May 22 (by 4 pm). Register HereWSET LEVEL 1 IN WINE: Monday June 29 from 6-6:45 pm – 45 minutes
Registration Deadline: June 5 (by 4 pm). Register hereWSET LEVEL 1 IN WINE: Monday July 13 from 6-6:45 pm – 45 minutes
Registration Deadline: June 19 (by 4 pm). Register here
