News

  • November Dates & Deadlines

    Sunday, November 01, 2020 | By

    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 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.
    November 16 to December 20, 2020
    Registration Deadline: November 6 (by 10 am)
    For more information and to register click here

    REMOTE 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 here

    Monday December 7 from 5:30-6:15 pm – 45 minutes
    Registration Deadline:  November 13 (by 1 pm)*
    Register here

    WSET 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 here

    Monday December 7 from 5:30-6:30 pm – 60 minutes
    Registration Deadline:  November 13 (by 1 pm)*
    Register here

    Monday December 14 from 5:30-6:30 pm – 60 minutes
    Registration Deadline:  November 20 (by 1 pm)*
    Register here

    WSET 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 here

    Monday December 14 from 5:30-6:15 pm – 45 minutes
    Registration Deadline:  November 20 (by 1 pm)*
    Register here

    WSET 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 here

    Monday December 14 from 5:30-6:30 pm – 60 minutes
    Registration Deadline:  November 20 (by 1 pm)*
    Register here

    Categories: CCOVI Year-in-Review

  • Brock’s CCOVI to co-lead $6.2-million national research program supporting clean plant program for grapevines

    Friday, October 30, 2020 | By

    Brock University Senior Scientist Sudarsana Poojari is leading the academic team on a $6.2-million national research project.

    28 October 2020
    R0162

    A $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.”

    – 30 –

    Categories: Media releases

  • October Dates & Deadlines

    Thursday, October 01, 2020 | By

    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 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.
    October 19 to November 22, 2020
    Registration Deadline: October 9 (by 10 am)
    For more information and to register click here

    November 9 to December 13, 2020
    Registration Deadline: October 30 (by 10 am)
    For more information and to register click here

    REMOTE 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 here

    Monday November 2 from 5:30-6:15 pm – 45 minutes
    Registration Deadline:  October 9 (by 1 pm)*
    Register here

    Monday November 9 from 5:30-6:15 pm – 45 minutes
    Registration Deadline:  October 16 (by 1 pm)*
    Register here

    Monday November 16 from 5:30-6:15 pm – 45 minutes
    Registration Deadline:  October 23 (by 1 pm)*
    Register here

    Monday November 23 from 5:30-6:15 pm – 45 minutes
    Registration Deadline:  October 30 (by 1 pm)*
    Register here

    WSET 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 here

    Monday November 16 from 5:30-6:30 pm – 60 minutes
    Registration Deadline:  October 23 (by 1 pm)*
    Register here

    Monday November 23 from 5:30-6:30 pm – 60 minutes)
    Registration Deadline:  October 30 (by 1 pm)*
    Register here

    WSET 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 here

    Monday November 16 from 5:30-6:15 pm – 45 minutes
    Registration Deadline:  October 23 (by 1 pm)*
    Register here

    WSET 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 here

    Monday November 16 from 5:30-6:30 pm – 60 minutes
    Registration Deadline:  October 23 (by 1 pm)*
    Register here

    Categories: Dates and Deadlines

  • September Dates & Deadlines

    Tuesday, September 01, 2020 | By

    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 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.
    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 here

    Monday October 5 from 6-7 pm — 60 minutes
    Registration Deadline:  September 11 (by 1 pm)*
    Register here

    Tuesday October 13 from 6-7 pm — 60 minutes
    Registration Deadline:  September 21 (by 1 pm)*
    Register here

    Tuesday October 20 from 6-7 pm — 60 minutes
    Registration Deadline:  September 28 (by 1 pm)*
    Register here

    Categories: Dates and Deadlines

  • August Dates & Deadlines

    Tuesday, August 04, 2020 | By

    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.

     

     

    Categories: Dates and Deadlines

  • July Dates & Deadlines

    Wednesday, July 01, 2020 | By

    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 here

    Monday August 17 from 6-6:45 pm – 45 minutes
    Registration Deadline:  July 24 (by 1 pm)
    Register here

    Tuesday August 18 from 6-6:45 pm – 45 minutes
    Registration Deadline:  July 28 (by 1 pm)
    Register here 

    August 24 from 6-6:45 pm – 45 minutes
    Registration Deadline:  July 31 (by 1 pm)
    Register here

    WSET 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 here

    Monday August 17 from 6-6:45 pm – 45 minutes
    Registration Deadline:  July 24 (by 1 pm)
    Register here

    Tuesday August 18 from 6-6:45 pm – 45 minutes
    Registration Deadline:  July 28 (by 1 pm)
    Register here 

    August 24 from 6-6:45 pm – 45 minutes
    Registration Deadline:  July 31 (by 1 pm)
    Register here

    WSET 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 here

    Monday August 17 from 6-6:45 pm – 45 minutes
    Registration Deadline:  July 24 (by 1 pm)
    Register here

    Tuesday August 18 from 6-6:45 pm – 45 minutes
    Registration Deadline:  July 28 (by 1 pm)
    Register here 

    August 24 from 6-6:45 pm – 45 minutes
    Registration Deadline:  July 31 (by 1 pm)
    Register here

    WSET 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 here

    Monday August 17 from 6-7 pm – 60 minutes
    Registration Deadline:  July 14 (by 1 pm)*
    Register here

    Tuesday August 18 from 6-7 pm – 60 minutes
    Registration Deadline:  July 28 (by 1 pm)
    Register here

    Monday August 24 from 6-7 pm – 60 minutes
    Registration Deadline:  July 31 (by 1 pm)*
    Register here

    More 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.

    Categories: Dates and Deadlines

  • Analytical Services & Grapevine Virus Testing Services Closed for Canada Day

    Tuesday, June 30, 2020 | By

    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)

  • June Dates & Deadlines

    Tuesday, May 26, 2020 | By

    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 Here

    WSET LEVEL 1 IN WINE:  Monday June 29 from 6-6:45 pm – 45 minutes
    Registration Deadline:      June 5 (by 4 pm). Register here

    WSET LEVEL 1 IN WINE:  Monday July 13 from 6-6:45 pm – 45 minutes
    Registration Deadline:      June 19 (by 4 pm). Register here

     

    Categories: Dates and Deadlines

  • Analytical Services and Grapevine Virus Testing Services to re-open May 11

    Friday, May 08, 2020 | By

    Good news! We have been given the green light for CCOVI’s Analytical Services and Grapevine Virus Testing Services to re-open next week. Our hours will be more limited, but we hope to do your essential tests. We will begin accepting emails on Monday, May 11 to begin scheduling sample drop-offs for Tuesday, May 12.

    To keep everybody safe, service procedures will be slightly different for accepting samples:

    Step 1:
    Download and fill out the appropriate Sample Submission form:
    Analytical Services form
    Grapevine Virus Testing Services form

    Step 2:    
    Email the form to ccovilab@brocku.ca (Analytical Services) or virustesting@brocku.ca (Grapevine Virus Testing Services) as a PDF, scan, or picture of the filled form. (No paper forms please!)

    Once we receive the order, we will schedule sample drop-off for the next day.

    Step 3:
    Package your samples in a closed box or bag with the company name on the outside.

    Step 4:      
    Bring your samples to Inniskillin Hall at the scheduled drop-off time. We will set up a table outside of the entry doors, since all of the doors are locked.  Leave your samples on the table and we will retrieve them shortly.

    • Sample drop-offs will be scheduled so that customers can avoid contact with each other. We will be setting up appointments between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.
    • Make sure there is no headspace in your sample bottles so they can be stored overnight, if needed.

    For more information on our services, click the applicable link below:
    Analytical Services
    Grapevine Virus Testing Services

    Thanks and talk to you soon!

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

  • 2020 CCOVI News

    Thursday, April 16, 2020 | By

    2020 Winter Edition
    2020 Spring Edition
    2020 Summer Edition
    2020 Fall Edition

    Categories: CCOVI Newsletters

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