The Brock University Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) inSt. Catharines continues to lead Canada in modern winemaking, research andinnovation.
On May 24, the institute hosted the much-anticipated Cuvée 2025 at Holiday Inn &Suites St. Catharines Conference Centre on Ontario Street. This year’s event mayhave been the best yet, drawing some 500 people.
Barb Tatarnic, the event organizer from Brock, spoke to me about the enduringimportance of Cuvée.
Barb Tatarnic of the Brock University Cool ClimateOenology and Viticulture Institute was chief organizer ofCuvée 2025, which this year marked its 33rd year.John McTavish photo
“What’s special about this event isthat it’s all about local — and thattruly matters right now,” she said.“We’re coming together once againfor Cuvée. This marks our 33rd year,and here we are, continuing tosupport local winemakers andproducers. We’ve always championedlocal, but now more than ever, itresonates with everyone.”
What makes this year unique?
“We’re welcoming some exciting newwineries alongside many long-standing favourites,” she said. “Andwhat are they pouring? That’s themagic — it’s not just any wine, it’stheir personal favourites. Whether it’s the vintage, the varietal or simply a winethey’re passionate about — maybe a Rosé, a Gamay or something unexpected —they choose what they love most.
“The twist? You won’t know what’s being poured until you walk into the room.That’s our little secret.”
One of the evening’s most anticipated moments was the presentation of the Cuvée Winemaker of Excellence Award. It was fittingly awarded to Thomas Bachelder, ofBachelder Niagara in Beamsville, a name synonymous with quality winemaking inOntario and beyond.
Bachelder’s is familiar face at virtually every wine event in Niagara and across thecountry. His passion, leadership and commitment have inspired a new generationof winemakers who are turning Niagara’s soil into a nurturer of world-class wines.
Bachelder shared the spotlight with his wife Mary Delaney, who he said deserved asmuch credit as he.
“It’s an incredible honour … I said earlier today: if she hadn’t come to wine schoolwith me I wouldn’t be standing here right now. I was too nervous to go alone. Sincethen, we’ve done everything together — every step of the way.”
The Cuvée Vineyard of Excellence Award, which honours a grower who promotesvineyard excellence, went to Tom Wiley of Wiley Wines in Jordan.
The event also featured a notable expansion in the culinary experience, with morerestaurants than ever participating. Guests were treated not only to exceptionalwines, but also to delicious offerings from top Niagara restaurants.
Featuring exquisite main dishes, decadent desserts and my personal favourite — anoutstanding selection of cheeses and crackers — it was a true culinary journey.
Each winery presented two of their favourite wines, typically one white and onered, giving attendees a chance to meet the winemakers, taste their creations andhear firsthand how they are adapting to Niagara’s cool climate to produceexceptional vintages.
If you get the chance to attend Cuvée, I highly recommend it. It’s a once-a-yearopportunity to experience the best of Niagara’s food, wine and community, all inone place.
As I’ve said many times before, we can make wine in Niagara just as well as anyregion in the world. Congratulations to Brock University and the entire CCOVIteam for organizing a truly outstanding event.
I encourage everyone to visit our local wineries and experience the incredible winesfor themselves.
Opinion articles are based on the author’s interpretations and judgments of facts, data and events.
