The Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) at Brock University was founded in partnership with the grape and wine industry in October 1996 and continues with those partnerships today through the Grape Growers of Ontario, Ontario Craft Wineries and Wine Growers Ontario
Our internationally recognized research institute is dedicated to supporting the growth of the Canadian grape and wine industry and advancing cool climate winemaking globally.
CCOVI’s research, outreach and education activities are based on three pillars: quality, innovation and sustainability. Our key responsibilities include:
- Engaging in leading-edge research programs in cool climate viticulture, oenology, wine business, wine tourism and wine culture targeted at industry priorities.
- Providing technology transfer, outreach services and continuing education/ professional development opportunities for the grape and wine community and the community at large to facilitate the advancement of the industry.
- Training highly qualified personnel for the industry through the Brock Applied Grape and Wine Science (OEVI) undergraduate programs and graduate research programs at the MSc, MA and PhD levels conducted under CCOVI auspices.
CCOVI’s partnerships extend to other academic communities, federal and provincial government research organizations, and national and regional grape and wine industry associations within Canada and other cool climate wine regions across the globe. For example, as part of the Institute’s national approach, CCOVI initiated a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) in 2010 to foster collaboration and exchange between CCOVI researchers and researchers at AAFC, and has continued this MOU with the latest extension to 2030. CCOVI also has MOUs with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency through to 2034 and the Canadian Grapevine Certification Network, renewable in 2030.
For almost 30 years, the continued support from industry partners has been critical to the growth and development of the Institute. Each year, CCOVI strives to further strengthen its community and industry connections through its research, outreach and education work.
2025
Monday, February 24, 2025
Debbie Inglis
CCOVI Director, Professor of Biological Sciences, Brock University
Topic: Locally Isolated Indigenous Yeast: Can They Improve Wine Quality?
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Monday, February 10, 2025
Jennifer Kelly
CCOVI Senior Scientist in Oenology, Brock University
Topic: Sustainable Grape Varieties for Ontario Wine Production.
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Monday, February 3, 2025
Malkie Spodek
CCOVI Senior Scientist in Entomology, Brock University
Topic: The Multi-Coloured Asian Lady Beetles (MALB) in Niagara’s Vineyards; Challenges and Potential Solutions.
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Monday, January 31, 2025
Sudarsana Poojari
CCOVI Principal Scientist, Brock University
Topic: Diagnostic Tools and Techniques for Plant Virus Identification.
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Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Debbie Inglis
CCOVI Director, Professor of Biological Sciences, Brock University
Topic: Tannin Alert: A new winemaking tool to manage skin and seed tannin in red wines
Optimizing the Quality of Canadian Wines – CGCN-RCCV webinar – July 23, 2025 – YouTube
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Debbie Inglis
CCOVI Director, Professor of Biological Sciences, Brock University
Topic: Preventing high volatile acidity in wine using natural Canadian indigenous yeast isolates
Optimizing the Quality of Canadian Wines – CGCN-RCCV webinar – July 23, 2025 – YouTube
2024
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
Jim Willwerth
Associate Professor of Biological Sciences, Brock University
Topic: Understanding Vitis Vinifera Cold Hardiness in Ontario After a Decade
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Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Jennifer Kelly
CCOVI Senior Scientist in Oenology, Brock University
Topic: Winemaking Techniques to Manage Tannins: A Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon Case Study.
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Wednesday, March 27, 2024
Malkie Spodek
CCOVI Senior Scientist in Entomology, Brock University
Topic: Laboratory trials of entomopathogens as a biocontrol treatment for Grape Mealybug (GMB).
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Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Sudarsana Poojari
CCOVI Principal Scientist, Grapevine Virology
Topic: The Importance of Clean Plant Program for Grapevines.
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Wednesday, January 31, 2024
Liette Vasseur
Professor of Biological Sciences, UNESCO Chair in Community Sustainability, Brock University
Topic: Cover Crops: Commercial, Native or Exotic, or Not At All? This Remains a Question.
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Wednesday, January 24, 2024
Gary Pickering
Professor of Biological Sciences and Psychology, Brock University
Topic: Red, White or Green? Consumer Perceptions and Engagement with Sustainable Wines in Canada.
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