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 in summer 2026.

“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.

Source: CCOVI September 2, 2026 news release