MEDIA RELEASE – Sept. 2, 2026 — R0076

Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) has aged like fine wine.

The premier grape and wine science institute has only improved with time, growing its reputation as an invaluable industry partner over the past 30 years.

The Institute marked its milestone anniversary on Wednesday, Sept. 2 with a celebration on campus that reflected on its humble beginnings and promising future.

“For 30 years, CCOVI has been an important part of Brock University’s identity and a flagship example of the impact a university can have when it brings together education, research and industry,” said Lesley Rigg, President and Vice-Chancellor. “CCOVI has helped establish Brock as a leader in oenology and viticulture education and research while creating meaningful connections between the University and the grape and wine sector.”

CCOVI was established in 1996 through an agreement between Brock, the Grape Growers of Ontario and what was then the Wine Council of Ontario (now Ontario Craft Wineries and Wine Growers Ontario).

Its research, expertise and skilled learners have since contributed to the growth and resilience of Canada’s grape and wine industry, supporting producers and industry partners across the country as they respond to changing growing conditions, emerging threats and new opportunities.

“When I look back through the years, there are so many milestones that we have accomplished together in partnership with industry and government, both provincially and federally. It’s quite remarkable,” said CCOVI Director Debbie Inglis.

The latest in the long lineup of achievements is the planting of the first grapevines at the Brock University Norris W. Walker Research Farm, which took place earlier this summer.

“The creation of the research vineyard marks a pivotal moment in CCOVI’s history,” Inglis said. “In addition to supporting other research, the site will be a key part of expanding Brock’s Clean Plant Program, which is critical to supporting Canada’s $11.6-billion grape and wine industry.”

Working alongside the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Canadian Grapevine Certification Network (CGCN), among other partners, Brock is one of only two facilities in the country to house a germplasm collection of certified virus-tested grapevines and the only testing provider to CGCN for their clean plant program.

CCOVI’s growth through the years would not have been possible without the initial Canada Foundation for Innovation grant in 1997 and successful capital campaign led by Canadian wine icons Donald Ziraldo and John Howard that supported the Institute’s inception.

“I am thankful every day I walk around and see the donor plaques throughout the Institute that helped us get to where we are today,” Inglis said.

Reflecting on CCOVI’s early days, Ziraldo, the co-founder of Inniskillin Wines, expressed pride in the decision to help implement its creation so many years ago.

“Every great wine region all over the world has institutes of higher learning, and 30 years ago we had the fortitude to start CCOVI,” he said.

In addition to its research and service contributions, CCOVI’s presence in the industry remains strong through the many students who’ve found their passion in Brock’s Applied Grape and Wine Science program — the only one of its kind in Canada — as well as professionals who’ve continued their education and enhanced their skills at all stages of their careers.

“It is hard to believe it has been 30 years since I first learned about CCOVI and found myself enrolled one year later,” said Brock graduate Shiraz Mottiar (BSc ’00), who is now Malivoire Wine Company’s Team Principal, General Manager and Winegrowing Director, as well as the Chair of CCOVI’s Advisory Council. “CCOVI was my launch pad to the most dynamic career I could have imagined; it’s always evolving. Staying connected to the research and outreach that CCOVI provides us in the Ontario wine industry has been instrumental to our success.”

The anniversary celebration also included a focus on Brock’s graduates, who are now celebrated winemakers. More than 150 award-winning VQA wines made by Brock alumni from across Canada were donated to be poured for guests at the event.

Learn more about CCOVI at brocku.ca/ccovi

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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