Media releases

• Toast of the town: Cuvée returns to raise glass to excellence in Ontario wine

  Monday, February 05, 2024 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: February 5 2024 – R0013

  The stage is set for the return of Ontario’s premiere celebration of VQA wine, bringing together winemakers and wine lovers to toast the thriving local industry.

  Hosted by Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI), Cuvée is a weekend-long affair centred on the Grand Tasting, where Ontario winemakers will unveil their favourite selections.

  The signature event — the largest of its kind — begins at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 30 at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Conference Centre in St. Catharines and features more than 30 VQA wineries showcasing close to 100 wines from Ontario’s top winemakers. The selections are paired with gourmet cuisine prepared by celebrated chefs at 10 live cooking stations.

  “Cuvée both celebrates excellence in our industry and supports the next generation of winemakers and grape growers by funding valuable research and providing scholarships to students through the Cuvée Legacy Fund,” said CCOVI Director Debbie Inglis.

  The Grand Tasting is followed by Après Cuvée, where guests can dance the night away with live music from Jonesy and enjoy a selection of local craft brews, ciders, sparkling wine and Icewine. Special hotel room rates, in limited supply, are available to guests through the Cuvée website.

  Cuvée Manager Barb Tatarnic said the last time the Grand Tasting was held in person in 2019, the event drew a record crowd of nearly 900 guests.

  “We’re very excited for the return of Cuvée. It’s an unparalleled event that represents the seamless connection between the public and the grape and wine industry,” she said. “Cuvée is the perfect opportunity for guests to meet Ontario winemakers and to learn what their favourite wines are and why. More than a one-of-a-kind occasion, Cuvée truly showcases excellence in wine and food alongside our vibrant and supportive community.”

  While the Grand Tasting is a highlight, Cuvée also runs from March 29 to 31 with its Cuvée en Route passport program. Guests can visit participating Niagara wineries and taste exclusive wines only available to en Route passport holders.

  For more information or to purchase Cuvée Grand Tasting tickets or en Route passports, visit cuvee.ca 

  To learn more about how CCOVI is shaping the future of grape and wine science in Ontario, across Canada and around the world, please visit brocku.ca/ccovi

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews: 

  * Doug Hunt, Communications and Media Relations Specialist, Brock University dhunt2@brocku.ca or 905-941-6209

  – 30 –

  Categories: Media releases

• TOES Niagara, Brock partnering on project aimed at combatting human trafficking

  Thursday, February 01, 2024 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: February 1 2024 – R0012

  A new collaborative community project is being launched to help combat human trafficking in Niagara.

  TOES (Tools of Empowerment for Success) Niagara is working in partnership with Brock University Professional and Continuing Studies to develop a code of conduct to increase awareness of human trafficking and provide resources, including prevention strategies, for hospitality and tourism businesses and organizations in the region.

  The Welland-based non-profit organization — which supports and promotes the empowerment of women, with a special focus on marginalized and racialized women and youth — has received funding from the Government of Canada’s Women and Gender Equality (WAGE) office to bring the project to fruition.

  The initiative will build on an existing promising practice that has come out of the European Union to prevent human trafficking. The practice engages key stakeholders in the community to develop a code that local industry members may adopt to support workers in the travel and tourism sector in identifying and preventing human trafficking.

  “Fighting against human trafficking is a collective effort. This collaboration between TOES Niagara and Brock University isn’t just a necessity, it forms the bedrock of impactful policy development,” says Nyarayi Kapisavanhu, Executive Director at TOES Niagara. “Together, we will not only harness knowledge, empathy and grassroots insights to highlight the dangers vulnerable populations face when it comes to human trafficking but also provide resources for prevention.”

  The project will look to support vulnerable populations in the Niagara region, including newcomers to Canada, through the development of a code of conduct that will be brought to local businesses and organizations, particularly in the hospitality and tourism industry, for adoption. Stakeholders will be consulted throughout the document’s development to ensure it is applicable for the Niagara region.

  Brock will work with TOES Niagara to create the policy and educational materials for local businesses. The tools and resources for prevention of human trafficking will be developed and delivered over the next three years.

  “This important program reflects Brock University’s deep commitment to partnering with community organizations and local industry to improve lives throughout the Niagara region,” says Rajiv Jhangiani, Vice-Provost, Teaching and Learning at Brock University.

  “We are proud to support the prevention of human trafficking through the development of educational resources,” he says.

  “I am pleased to support TOES Niagara in their continued efforts to empower immigrant and marginalized women within our community. The project is centred around creating policy for people in the hospitality and travel industry, that addresses and educates individuals surrounding the issues of human trafficking for labour and/or sexual exploitation,” says Vance Badawey, Member of Parliament for Niagara Centre. “The Niagara region is a renowned tourist destination, thus making this funding crucial in educating individuals on the ways they can protect themselves against human trafficking. TOES Niagara and Brock University are continuing to support our local community with important projects like this one.”

  Funding is provided by the Government of Canada’s Women and Gender Equality Canada.

  For more information about the project, please contact info@toesniagara.ca or ce@brocku.ca

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  * Doug Hunt, Communications and Media Relations Specialist, Brock University dhunt2@brocku.ca or 905-941-6209 

  – 30 –

  Categories: Media releases