Message from Conference Chair

On behalf of the International Cool Climate Wine Symposium (ICCWS) organizing committees, the Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) at Brock University and the grape and wine industry across Canada, welcome to the 2022 ICCWS. With the 10th installment of this conference, CCOVI is excited to welcome delegates from around the globe to Brock – situated atop the picturesque Niagara Escarpment in St. Catharines, Ontario – and to the symposium, taking place in Canada for the first time.

CCOVI has been dedicated to advancing the Canadian grape and wine industry through research, outreach and continuing education for more than 25 years and as we have grown, three important areas have been at the core of what we do. We’ve focused our research on industry needs that help increase the growth, profitability and sustainability of the Canadian industry; provided education opportunities to train the industry leaders of tomorrow; and provided international conferences and events that have helped raise the profile of Canadian wine globally. The institute works closely with our industry partners to provide outreach solutions for adapting to a constantly evolving and changing industry. These outreach programs include services that help growers and winemakers make informed decisions in their operations, provide critical knowledge transfer opportunities and ensure the vitality of the industry for years to come.

With this, CCOVI is pleased to have worked alongside our industry partners to develop a dynamic programming lineup, led by the foremost experts in the field of cool climate grape growing, winemaking, wine business and communications. The focus will be on examining how adversity drives innovation to achieve success across the entire value chain of the grape and wine industry. It is from these challenges that new opportunities arise to strengthen the place of cool climate wines in the international market.

The symposium will feature a mix of engaging keynote sessions, poster presentations and workshops, highlighted by breakout sessions and networking events that are sure to provide a holistic understanding of the challenges and opportunities on the horizon. The symposium will be rooted in the sharing of rigorous scientific content and provision of unique opportunities to learn from the best and brightest in the cool climate industry from Canada and around the world.

The morning sessions will bring all delegates together for the keynote session each day. Following the keynote sessions there will be presentations, workshops and panel discussions, including wine tastings. The main theme throughout the week is climate change adaptation and innovation. Within this framework, sessions will be based on four pillars:

• Innovations and Adaptations in Viticulture • Oenological Challenges and Solutions • The Business of Winery Sustainability: People, Place and Finance • Science Communication

Additionally, as part of the symposium programming, a trade show will be hosted where exhibitors from both the research community and across the grape and wine industry can come together with other buyers and sellers and connect with potential business partners.

Delegates also have the opportunity to explore all that our region has to offer with optional vineyard and winery visits, in addition to evening networking events and dinners, taking place during the week of programming.

The ICCWS 2022 is made possible thanks to the dedication and support of our partners and sponsors across Canada. From coastto-coast, our grape and wine industry invite you to come and experience Canada. To keep in touch with all social activities, follow @ICCWS2022 on Instagram and Twitter and use the hashtag #ICCWS2022.

Cheers,

Chair of ICCWS Organizing Commitee, Director of CCOVI