MEDIA ADVISORY — Aug. 25, 2026 — R0071

Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) is celebrating 30 years of supporting and shaping the Canadian grape and wine industry.

The institute will mark its milestone anniversary with a special event Wednesday, Sept. 2 that reflects on three decades of innovation, research, education and industry partnership while also looking ahead to CCOVI’s future.

Held from 1 to 4 p.m. just outside of Inniskillin Hall, CCOVI’s home on Brock’s main campus, the celebration will bring together industry experts, researchers, government officials, Brock graduates and University and community leaders.

Speakers will include Brock University President and Vice-Chancellor Lesley Rigg; St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe; industry icon and longtime CCOVI champion Donald Ziraldo; Brock graduate and Malivoire Wine Company Team Principal, General Manager and Winegrowing Director Shiraz Mottiar (BSc ’00); CCOVI Director Debbie Inglis; and CCOVI Manager, Professional Studies and Outreach Barb Tatarnic.

The afternoon will also feature tours, local food and wine, and a celebratory grape stomp competition.

What: CCOVI 30th anniversary event.
When: Wednesday, Sept. 2. Opening remarks beginning at 1:30 p.m., celebratory grape stomp competition at 2 p.m. and tours at 3 p.m.
Where: Just outside of Inniskillin Hall on Brock’s main campus, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines.

For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

Maryanne St. Denis, Associate Director, Strategic Communications, Brock University, [email protected] or 905-246-0256 

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