Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute
20 years of research innovation, outreach and education
Contents CCOVI overview 1 The development of an institute 2 Making an impact 3 Research 4 Signature programs 7 Outreach and education 8 CCOVI milestones 12 CCOVI committees 14 CCOVI research team 16
Vision Our vision is to be Canada’s centre of excellence with respect to the generation and dissemination of knowledge on cool climate viticulture, oenology, wine business, policy, wine tourism and wine culture.
Mission CCOVI is dedicated to the advancement of the Canadian grape and wine industry, as well as other cool climate grape and wine producing regions of the world. Our research, continuing education and outreach activities are based on three pillars —quality, innovation and sustainability — which reflect the values and goals of various individuals, organizations and institutions involved in the grape and wine industry. Key responsibilities: To engage in leading-edge research programs in cool climate viticulture, oenology, wine business, policy, wine tourism and wine culture targeted at industry priorities. To provide continuing education, professional development opportunities and outreach services for the grape and wine community, and the community at large, to facilitate the advancement of the industry. To train highly qualified personnel for the industry through the Brock oenology and viticulture (OEVI) undergraduate programs and graduate research programs at the MSc, MA and PhD levels conducted under CCOVI auspices. 1
The development of an institute
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With great ambitions of founding an institute that would address the needs of the rapidly expanding Canadian grape and wine industry, a group of 37 individuals from the Brock University community and the grape and wine industry met in fall 1996 as part of the Queen’s Landing Forum. This forum started extensive discussions with the grape and wine industry on the creation of CCOVI.
In 1999, CCOVI officially opened Inniskillin Hall — cementing the formal creation of the wine institute. This development was made possible thanks to the generous support and leadership of Donald Ziraldo and John Howard, who championed the Harvesting Knowledge Campaign raising $2.1 million from members of the grape and wine industry across Canada.
On Oct. 26, 1996, not long after that initial meeting, Brock officially established its partnership with the Wine Council of Ontario and Grape Growers of Ontario to create CCOVI — an institute that would focus on the research priorities of the Canadian grape and wine industry, and the continuing education and outreach needs of the community.
The support that CCOVI has received from the industry has been critical to the growth and development of the institute. To date, the institute has received 900 monetary gifts from 224 donors totalling more than $2.6 million in addition to in-kind contributions and research funding.
Making an impact A 2014-2015 economic impact study found that the investments made in CCOVI are yielding significant results. The study revealed that CCOVI contributes more than $91 million and the equivalent of 307 jobs to Ontario’s economy annually.
programs and services in seven categories: grapevine cold hardiness, ladybugs, new wine styles, Icewine, CCOVI services, workshops and seminars, and conferences. These programs provide both knowledge and hands-on tools or processes for industry use.
Conducted by the management consulting firm MDB Insight, the economic impact study found that investments in CCOVI’s industry-driven research and education continue to translate into job and business growth across Ontario.
The study also directly attributed more than $4.7 million worth of economic impact to Brock’s investment in CCOVI as well as government and industry supported research and development.
Of the $91 million overall impact, CCOVI’s research programs and services contributed an annual economic impact of more than $86 million in 2014-2015. To gauge its impact, the consultants evaluated CCOVI
Along with quantifying the impact of CCOVI’s activities, the significant data gathered for this analysis will be used as a baseline as CCOVI begins to chart its path for the next 20 years.
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Research
Past Canadian solutions for the Canadian industry Cutting-edge research in Icewine fermentation has provided the industry with information on this signature Canadian wine. The research defined the unique Icewine composition, improved Icewine quality (by overcoming yeast stress responses during fermentation) and examined how to distinguish authentic Icewine from its ‘faux’ counterparts. When multi-coloured Asian ladybeetles (MALB) were impacting juice and wine quality, CCOVI researchers identified the taint compound, determined a tolerance level, developed remediation methods and produced a best practices guide for industry. When sour rot was affecting Ontario grape crops, researchers found the causal organisms and treatment recommendations for growers to utilize.
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CCOVI research programs have heavily focused on how our changing climate impacts grape production and wine quality in Canada. This was done in order to provide the industry with the knowledge to adopt adaptive strategies and produce high-quality wines. Appassimento wines have also been identified as a possible signature wine style for Ontario, providing an adaptive strategy for our growing seasons. The industry was provided with information on drying methods, yeast strains, botrytis levels, consumer preference and best practices learned from the project. Grapevine cold hardiness research has yielded knowledge on the molecular markers for stress tolerant grapes, evaluated vine buds for winter hardiness, and determined hardiness levels through the dormant season, all of which are important when Mother Nature provides erratic weather.
Research Through this work, CCOVI was able to develop its flagship VineAlert outreach program and a best-practices manual for reducing winter injury for Ontario grape growers. CCOVI researchers have also provided the industry with Canadian research on grapevine water status and the impact on fruit quality, terroir-based wine quality, quality improvement through GIS/GPS technologies, improving winery operations, grape flavour compounds, plant pathology and innovative bird deterrents. Consumer behaviour CCOVI researchers have provided the industry with Canadian-based research on how consumers choose wine from both a sensory science and marketing perspective. Information on the sensory profile of consumers, flavour perception
of wine and consumer taste preferences helps to identify key attributes of Canadian consumers for winemakers. Studies looking at how consumers perceive winery names and are influenced by elements on labels, wine descriptors, winery retail experiences, and wine experts have also provided marketers with valuable insights in targeting consumers. Profiling an industry With the release of The World of Niagara Wine book, the Niagara wine industry was showcased and chronicled from a business, science and cultural perspective. The book uses research to explore the combination of nature and human effort that has shaped Niagara into one of Canada’s leading grape growing and wine producing regions.
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Research
Present
Staying on top of emerging issues
Understanding a changing climate
Current work includes further exploring new wine styles to improve industry competitiveness, combatting grapevine winter injury, finding solutions to new emerging diseases in the vineyard, improving red wine quality, terroir-based wine quality and understanding factors that impact consumer behaviour.
To address challenges the Canadian industry is facing due to a changing climate, CCOVI researchers are working on an integrated research program to improve grapevine health, wine quality, market competitiveness and sustainability. The program’s interrelated projects look at clone and rootstock combinations, grapevine cold hardiness, leaf removal timing and developing tools to manage tannins. Ontario sparkling wine CCOVI researchers are taking a transdisciplinary approach to sparkling wine research that will create a uniquely Ontario sparkling wine. The comprehensive project examines grape varietals and soil types, foaming ability of each grape variety, quality and sensory characteristics, methods to decrease aging time and identifying product attributes that consumers feel are important.
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Future CCOVI’s commitment to industry-driven research will continue to be responsive to the changes, needs and trends that will face the industry going forward — from the grape to the consumer’s glass. This work will help further Canada’s profile and reputation as a global leader in oenology and viticulture. Learn more about CCOVI’s research at brocku.ca/ccovi
Signature programs
Preharvest Monitoring Program The wine grape Preharvest Monitoring program is a one-of-a-kind online service that helps Niagara winemakers and grape growers make informed decisions leading up to harvest. The program tracks key fruit ripeness indicators for Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot noir, Cabernet sauvignon and Cabernet franc at four sites across the Niagara Peninsula. The program provides the industry with realtime data and allows users to compare data to previous vintages. People in 23 countries have viewed this data.
VineAlert With winter injury posing a major threat to the sustainability of the grape and wine industry, CCOVI researchers developed VineAlert – a risk management tool that helps grape growers reduce the economic loss that this threat poses. The online database tracks the cold hardiness of grapevines throughout the dormant period and warns growers when to turn on wind machines to mitigate potential damage from frosty temperatures. VineAlert’s database covers the Niagara Peninsula, Lake Erie North Shore and Prince Edward County and is viewed by people from 67 countries.
VineAlert’s impact The ability to avoid one cold-weather event (where the damage causes five per cent vine death and 25 per cent bud injury) using VineAlert with wind machines can save grape growers: • $13.8 million in lost sales the year of the cold event • $11.7 million in lost sales over subsequent years while damaged vines recover • $29.1 million in vine renewal, replacement and retraining costs over four years • $2.3 million in fuel costs by knowing when it was not necessary to turn on wind machines.
TanninAlert The next addition to CCOVI’s lineup of research-based outreach programs will be TanninAlert. The program will be an online tannin management tool for Ontario winemakers that will help them make informed decisions in the winery.
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Outreach and education Past Since its inception, CCOVI has prided itself on providing the Canadian grape and wine industry with timely outreach and education programming.
wine marketing and wine business training, botrytis, Asian lady beetles, powdery mildew, cold hardiness and more.
Calibrate with CCOVI
Analytical Services
From 2012-2015, CCOVI offered the industry a series of hands-on workshops as a method of technology transfer. The Calibrate sessions helped winemakers and vineyard workers apply techniques and principles to their everyday practices.
CCOVI’s Analytical Services lab opened in 2010 to fill a need in the Canadian grape and wine industry by providing juice and wine analysis at competitive rates. The lab now processes more than 600 work orders each year for everything from sugar and acidity levels to alcohol content using validated methods.
Conferences and seminars Since 2002, CCOVI has hosted industryinspired forums such as Bacchus, the Academy of Wine Business Research Conference, and an Ontario Sparkling Wine Technical Symposium. These CCOVI conferences have brought international attention to both the institute and industry. CCOVI has also provided a number of timely workshops on topics including: berry sensory analysis, winery filtration, vineyard skills,
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Present
CCOVI Lecture Series Established in 2008, the CCOVI Lecture Series allows the institute’s network of researchers to get their findings out to members of the grape and wine community. The popular series, which is livestreamed and video archived, has picked up viewers across Canada and around the world in 43 additional countries.
Outreach and education CCOVI in the community
Cuvée Grand Tasting
During the annual Niagara Wine Festival, CCOVI presents interactive sessions that allow community members to connect with winemakers as they hear the stories behind their wines. These ‘Educate Your Senses’ sessions have been a popular attraction at the festival for more than 15 years.
Cuvée 2015 marked an exciting milestone as CCOVI took over stewardship of one of Canada’s most prestigious wine celebrations. Proceeds from Cuvée weekend support student scholarships and industry-driven research projects.
More recently, CCOVI has been providing educational sessions and workshops at the International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration (i4C) for both industry professionals and consumers. Conferences and seminars Providing the industry with access to current research and renowned experts in the grape and wine industry has been at the centre of CCOVI’s event planning. CCOVI continues to present numerous seminars with international guest speakers and to host long-running events like the Riesling Experience and the Triggs International Premium Vinifera Lecture Series.
Experts Tasting and VQA Promoters Awards Held annually at Brock, the Experts Tasting is a unique blind showcase of Ontario VQA wine to wine media, educators and industry professionals. Since 2006, the VQA Promoters Awards have been given away annually at the tasting to recognize individuals who have consistently promoted VQA wines. Fizz Club Fizz Club is a network of sparkling winemakers organized by CCOVI. This forum allows winemakers the opportunity to openly discuss sparkling production and the latest research.
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Outreach and education
Wine Tasting Challenge Created in 2004, the annual Wine Tasting Challenge is recognized as Canada’s largest and most prestigious wine competition. Presented by CCOVI, it’s open to wine enthusiasts and professionals who want to put their palates to the test by identifying select wine and spirits. Continuing education Since 1997, CCOVI has built a reputation for quality grape and wine continuing education programs. The popular classes Wine Appreciation – Exploring Varietals, Wines of Ontario and Wine Regions of the World have been offered for almost two decades to students and community members looking to expand their wine knowledge. Since 2009, CCOVI has also been a program
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provider of the internationally recognized Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) programs, offering their Level 1 through 3 awards via online and in-class options. This program allows wine enthusiasts and industry professionals to expand their knowledge while obtaining recognized credentials from WSET. Oenology and viticulture program Brock University is the only Canadian institution to grant a Bachelor of Science degree in oenology and viticulture. The University also offers a postgraduate Certificate in Grape and Wine Technology. Since the first graduating class in 2000, the program has been providing a comprehensive scientific education to the next generation of wine industry professionals, using stateof-the art facilities located within CCOVI as
Outreach and education
part of the teaching program. The degree and certificate programs now boast more than 150 alumni who are working from coast-tocoast and around the world.
For the continuing education program, this will consist of expanding WSET offerings to include the WSET Spirits Award Level 1 and 2, and the WSET Diploma.
Graduate students and post-doctoral fellows
CCOVI also looks forward to opening its doors to the world as Canada plays host to the International Cool Climate Wine Symposium in July 2020. Grape and wine researchers — as well as trade and media — from cool climate wine regions around the world will come to Brock to examine how adversity drives innovation to achieve success.
In addition to the undergraduate programs, Researchers and Fellows have trained more than 50 graduate students and post-doctoral research fellows.
Future As the Canadian grape and wine industry continues to grow, CCOVI is committed to listening to the needs of the industry and has provided engaging, in-demand programming and resources.
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Fall 1996
Viticulture program (BSc Hons).
Queen’s Landing Forum was held to discuss the formation of the Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI).
2001
Oct. 1996
Milestone timeline
CCOVI’s partnership is officially established after extensive discussions with the grape and wine industry. This date marked CCOVI’s partnership with the Wine Council of Ontario (WCO) and the Grape Growers of Ontario (GGO). July 1997 Successful application to NSERC to appoint two Industrial Research Chairs for CCOVI. Sept. 1997 First students entered the Oenology and Viticulture program at Brock University. It becomes the first institution granting degrees in Oenology and Viticulture in Canada.
May 2002 First International Bacchus Wine Conference. Nov. 2004 First annual Triggs International Premium Vinifera Lecture Series at CCOVI. 2004 Canada Foundation for Innovation and Ontario Innovation Trust approve grant in support of purchasing integrated tools for biotechnology. 2005 NSERC Strategic Grant approved for MALB behaviour in vineyards and wine remediation.
Sept. 1997
Feb. 2007
First “experiential learning” work placements took place, later to become co-op.
Brock produces its first PhD graduate focusing on wine research.
June 1998
March 2007
Brock University officially marks the beginning of construction for Inniskillin Hall.
Canada Foundation for Innovation and Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation approve grant for equipping CCOVI’s Consumer Behaviour Laboratory.
Sept. 1998 Continuing Education program starts with wine appreciation courses. Dec. 1998 CCOVI Advisory Council is formed and has its first meeting. 1999 Canada Foundation for Innovation and Ontario Innovation Trust approve grant in support of construction of Inniskillin Hall and the purchase of research equipment for the new facility. June 1999
May 2007 CCOVI creates new “Fellows” and “Professional Affiliates” designations. March 2008 CCOVI evolves to expand its research mandate to include the entire value chain for grape and wine (science, business, agrotourism, culture). June 2008 CCOVI opens its Consumer Perception and Cognition Laboratory.
Opening of Inniskillin Hall with a dedication celebration.
July 2008
Sept. 1999
March 2009:
Canadian Wine Library opens.
CCOVI is accredited as a provider for the internationally renowned Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET).
June 2000 First students graduate from the Oenology and 12
NSERC Strategic Grant approved to study the unique composition and production of Canadian Icewines.
First Riesling Experience Wine Conference.
April 2009
from Ontario to British Columbia.
CCOVI is the first recipient of research funding from the newly formed Ontario Grape and Wine Research Inc. (OGWRI) to tackle the multicoloured Asian lady beetle.
July 2012
Dec. 2009
Aug. 2012
CCOVI, in partnership with the GGO, received $1.9 million from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Developing Innovative Agri-Products Program and OGWRI for their program entitled “Harvesting Innovation for Growth and Sustainability of the Canadian Grape and Wine Industry.”
Outreach Services launches the Calibrate series of workshops.
March 2010
June 2013
CCOVI Analytical Services launched to serve the Canadian grape and wine industry.
CCOVI partners with Brock’s Goodman School of Business and Vineland Research and Innovation Centre to bring the Association of Wine Business Research Conference to Canada.
April 2010 CCOVI signs MOU with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre to formalize a national network to address research priorities.
CCOVI joins the International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration (i4C) to host the educational day.
May 2013 MOU signed between Brock University’s CCOVI and the Atlantic Wine Institute at Acadia University.
Nov. 2014 VineAlert Economic Impact Assessment reports millions in savings to Ontario grape growers.
Aug. 2010
Feb. 2015
Preharvest Monitoring Service launched.
CCOVI hosts first Cuvée Grand Tasting.
Sept. 2010
Jan. 2016
CCOVI Researchers, Fellows and Professional Affiliates total 36 members from across Canada and around the world.
Economic impact analysis shows CCOVI’s activities contribute more than $91 million annually to Ontario’s economy.
Nov. 2010
March 2016
VineAlert web-accessible database for monitoring grapevine bud hardiness launched.
CCOVI awards first scholarships from Cuvée 2015 proceeds.
March 2011
April 2016
Promoters Awards become recognized as the VQA Promoters Awards.
CCOVI receives $1.57 million in funding from NSERC, Ontario Centres of Excellence, OGWRI and industry partners for an integrated research program to improve grapevine health, wine quality, and market competitiveness.
July 2011 CCOVI, in partnership with academic and industry partners, are awarded $2.86 million from the Ministry of Research and Innovation from the ORF RE program for the grant entitled “Innovation, Integration, Adaptation: A Winning Response to Climate Change for the Ontario Grape and Wine Industry.”
Milestone timeline
May 2016 Canada wins bid to host the 2020 International Cool Climate Wine Symposium at Brock University.
Aug. 2011 Triggs Premium Vinifera Lecture Series extended 13
CCOVI Executive Committee, Advisory Council, Outreach Committee
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CCOVI Executive Committee 2015-2016 Gary Libben Chair, Vice President of Research, Brock University Don Cyr CCOVI Fellow Patrick Gedge Industry representative, Winery and Grower Alliance of Ontario Matthias Oppenlaender Industry representative, Ontario Grape and Wine Research Inc. and the Grape Growers of Ontario Allan Schmidt Industry representative, Wine Council of Ontario Donald Ziraldo Industry representative, CCOVI Advisory Council Debra Inglis Ex-officio, CCOVI Director
CCOVI Advisory Council 2015-2016 Allan Jackson Chair, Industry representative Richard Linley Industry representative, Wine Council of Ontario Ed Madronich Industry representative, Wine Council of Ontario Klaus Reif Industry representative, Wine Council of Ontario Allan Schmidt Industry representative, Wine Council of Ontario Bill George Industry representative, Grape Growers of Ontario Bill Schenck Industry representative, Grape Growers of Ontario Debbie Zimmerman Industry representative, Grape Growers of Ontario Anthony Bristow Industry representative, Winery and Grower Alliance of Ontario Jim Clark Industry representative, Winery and Grower Alliance of Ontario Patrick Gedge Industry representative, Winery and Grower Alliance of Ontario Matthias Oppenlaender Industry representative, Ontario Grape and Wine Research Inc. Dan Paszkowski Industry representative, Canadian Vintners Association Jim Brandle Industry representative, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre Donald Ziraldo Invited guest, Ziraldo Estate Wines Marg Bancroft Government representative, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Eugene Jaworski Government representative, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada George Soleas Government representative, Liquor Control Board of Ontario Jeff Leal Government representative, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Michael Toombs Government representative, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Laurie Macdonald Regulatory agency representative, VQA Ontario Craig Youdale Education representative, Canadian Food and Wine Institute, Niagara College Wayne Caldwell Education representative, Interim Dean of the Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph Neil McCartney Brock representative, Vice President Academic Gary Libben Brock representative, Vice President Research Gary Pickering CCOVI representative, CCOVI Researcher Don Cyr CCOVI representative, CCOVI Fellow Barb Tatarnic CCOVI representative, Manager of outreach and continuing education Debra Inglis Ex-officio, CCOVI Director
Outreach Committee 2015-2016 Barb Tatarnic Belinda Kemp Jim Willwerth Kevin Ker Kevin Buis Jamie Evans Gerald Klose Daniel Speck Sue Ann Staff Colin Stanners Dan Sullivan Roger Vail Kevin Watson Scott Wilkins Debra Inglis
Chair, CCOVI Manager of outreach and continuing education CCOVI oenologist CCOVI viticulturist CCOVI Research Associate Industry representative, Grape Growers of Ontario Industry representative, Wine Council of Ontario Industry representative, Winery and Grower Alliance of Ontario Industry representative, Wine Council of Ontario Industry representative, Wine Council of Ontario Industry representative from a grape and wine region outside of Niagara Industry representative from a grape and wine region outside of Niagara Industry representative, Winery and Grower Alliance of Ontario Industry representative, Grape Growers of Ontario Industry representative from a grape and wine region outside of Niagara Ex-officio, CCOVI Director
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CCOVI Researchers, Fellows and Professional Affiliates
CCOVI Researchers 2015-2016 Debbie Inglis Gary Pickering Andrew Reynolds
CCOVI Director, Associate Professor Biological Sciences Professor Biological Sciences Professor Biological Sciences
CCOVI Scientists 2015-2016 Belinda Kemp Jim Willwerth
Senior scientist in Oenology Senior scientist in Viticulture
CCOVI Fellows 2015-2016 Ralph Brown Engineering, University of Guelph Don Cyr Associate Professor, Goodman School of Business, Brock University Dirk De Clercq Professor, Goodman School of Business, Brock University Vincenzo De Luca Professor Biological Sciences, Brock University Ronald Jackson Sensory Science, University of Manitoba Lester Kwong Associate Professor, Social Sciences, Brock University Antonia Mantonakis Associate Professor, Goodman School of Business, Brock University Annette Nassuth Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph Michael Ripmeester Professor, Social Sciences, Brock University Tony Shaw Professor, Social Sciences, Brock University Jeffrey Stuart Associate Professor, Biological Sciences, Brock University Narongsak (Tek) Thongpapanl Professor, Goodman School of Business, Brock University George van der Merwe Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph Maxim Voronov Associate Professor, Goodman School of Business, Brock University CCOVI Professional Affiliates 2015-2016 Carl Bogdanoff Pat Bowen Linda Bramble Margaret Cliff Janet Dorozynski Karl Kaiser Kevin Ker Tom Lowery Alexandra Mayeski Wendy McFadden-Smith Gerry Neilson Daniel O’Gorman Richard Smart George Soleas Daryl Somers Kevin Usher
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Viticulturist, AAFC’s Pacific Agriculture Research Centre Viticulture research scientist, AAFC’s Pacific Agriculture Research Centre Wine writer, author and educator Sensory research scientist, AAFC’s Pacific Agriculture Research Centre Global practice lead, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada Co-founder Inniskillin Wines Viticulture consultant Entomology research scientist, AAFC’s Pacific Agriculture Research Centre Lawyer, Mayeski Mathers LLP Extension specialist, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Plant and soil research scientist, AAFC’s Pacific Agriculture Research Centre Research biologist, AAFC’s Pacific Agriculture Research Centre Australian viticulture consultant Senior VP logistics and quality assurance, LCBO Research Director, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre Oenology research scientist, AAFC’s Pacific Agriculture Research Centre
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Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute Brock University 1812 Sir Issac Brock Way St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1 905 688 5550 brocku.ca/ccovi @CCOVIBrockU
Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute
20 years of research innovation, outreach and education
Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute
20 years of research innovation, outreach and education