Study Winemaking and Viticulture in
Canada
The Cool
Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute Brock
University Canada
Brock University's Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture
Institute (CCOVI) offers Canada's only university level programs for training in
the sciences of Oenology (winemaking) and Viticulture (grape growing).
Founded
in 1996 in collaboration with the Canadian grape and wine industry, CCOVI has
become the focal point for academic training and research for the Canadian
industry. Our unique academic programs are attracting students from across
Canada and around the world. Graduates of our programs have not only
established successful careers in Canada but are receiving international
acceptance.
Brock University is located in the heart of Ontario's
Niagara Viticultural Area. Niagara, long famous
for the natural beauty of the Niagara Escarpment and Niagara Falls, is now
gaining international recognition for its wines. Our location amidst the local
vineyards and wineries enables our students to gain practical experience to
complement their academic training. A complete range of table wines is produced
from premium Vitis viniferagrapes but our most famous product is Icewine.
Icewine is produced from grapes that have naturally frozen on the vine, picked
and pressed only when the temperature is below 8 C. The sweet, aromatic juice
is then carefully fermented to produce a exotic dessert wine.
CCOVI
is located in Inniskillin Hall, one of the most modern facilities in the world
dedicated to grape growing and winemaking research and education.
Inniskillin Hall includes a state of the art biotechnology
lab, a computerized sensory evaluation lab, viticulture lab, a fully equipped
research and teaching winery and a 43, 000 bottle wine cellar containing research
and teaching wines and the Canadian Wine Library collection.
CCOVI offers a complete range of
educational opportunities in Oenology and Viticulture(OEVI) including an Honours BSc Co-op degree in Oenology and Viticulture, PhD
and MSc studies in Biological Sciences or Biotechnology and a Certificate
Program in Grape and Wine technology. The range of offerings is complimented by
CCOVI's ever expanding selection of Continuing Education courses.
Most
students are enrolled in either the BSc or the Certificate program.
The BSc is an applied biotechnology, Co-op only program, blending a
comprehensive scientific education in both Oenology and Viticulture with courses
in marketing, tourism and wine appreciation. The Certificate program consisting
of core of BSc level Oenology and Viticulture courses. This permits
individuals, with the appropriate background, to gain the education necessary to
enter the grape and wine industry without completing a degree. Students with a
previous BSc that provides the required background courses in Biology and
Chemistry may be able to complete the Certificate in as little as 12 months.
Small
class size facilitates communication with the instructors and fosters a sense of
community. The education
focus takes a hands-on approach in the high tech laboratories, local vineyards
and the on-campus teaching winery. The Co-op component requires 3 work terms
totaling 48 weeks of real industry experience in the grape and wine industry.
Students gain additional hands-on experience in vineyards and wineries during
these work terms.
Applicants from the Province of
Ontario, Canada, planning to
enter the BSc program directly from high school must meet the following
requirements:
-
6 Grade 12U credits with an
average of 80%
-
courses must include
Chemistry and 1 Mathematics with minimum grades of 70%
-
2 more credits from
Biology, Physics or another Mathematics
Students from other areas should see
admission requirements in the Brock Undergraduate Calendar at
http: //www.brocku.ca/webcal/2005/undergrad/admi.html .
Applicants
who have completed or are currently enrolled in an appropriate University or
College program may qualify for admission to either the BSc or Certificate with
advanced standing. For more information see the Brock Undergraduate Calendar
at:
http: //www.brocku.ca/webcal/2005/undergrad/admi.html#sec14 or contact us at
ccovi@brocku.ca
Students in the BSc program can gain
international experience by participating in exchange agreements.
We have agreements with Lincoln University in Canada, University of Udine
in Italy or ENESAD, the Etablissement National dEnseigment Superieur
Agronomique de Dijon, France. Additionally, there are degree completion
agreements with other schools in Canada, providing the opportunity for students
from across the country to acquire this specialized education once only
available internationally.
Graduates
from our programs have the knowledge to pursue a broad array of career paths.
They are currently working as winemakers, wine chemists, quality control
supervisors, vineyard managers, marketing specialists, sensory scientists,
educators and industry researchers, or are pursuing graduate studies. The depth
of their academic training, combined with the breadth of their practical
experience, has resulted in our graduates achieving national and international
acceptance by industry and graduate schools.
CCOVI faculty are also researchers known throughout the
world for their expertise and are the recipients of awards from major funding
groups. One example of research at CCOVI is a
four year, nearly $1-million study designed to ultimately ensure the
authenticity of Canadian Icewines. Our students have the opportunity to
participate in this and other ongoing research projects.
If you would like more information about the educational
opportunities available at CCOVI, please contact us at ccovi@brocku.ca .
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CONTACT
Gail Higenell
Brock University
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