After a five-year hiatus, the prestigious Cuvée Grand Tasting event made a triumphant return to the wine event scene, drawing nearly 500 enthusiasts and industry professionals to celebrate Ontario’s grape and wine industry.
Held at the Holiday Inn Conference Centre in St. Catharines on Saturday, March 30, this event, organized by Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI), provided a platform to honour the best in Ontario’s food and wine.
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Featuring 38 wineries showcasing their finest selections, alongside 10 live gourmet food stations and an exclusive industry after-party, the Cuvée Grand Tasting delivered a sensory experience to remember. This event, a hallmark for Ontario’s $5.5-billion wine industry, marked a significant milestone by returning to in-person festivities for the first time since the pandemic.
Barb Tatarnic, Cuvée Manager, expressed immense satisfaction at the event’s revival, indicating “There is no other event like this where winemakers, government officials, industry professionals and consumers come together to raise a glass of the very best in Ontario VQA wines while also providing a boost to the sector’s future stars.”
Photo courtesy of CCOVI.
Beyond the celebration, the event also serves a philanthropic purpose. Funds raised contribute to the Cuvée Legacy Fund, which provides scholarships to students and supports research priorities identified by the grape and wine industry. This year’s event recognized outstanding students in Oenology and Viticulture from Brock University, underlining the commitment to nurturing the industry’s next generation.
Moreover, the Cuvée Grand Tasting honoured individuals making significant contributions to Ontario’s wine industry. Phillip Dowell of Angels Gate Winery received the Tony Aspler Cuvée Award of Excellence for his dedication to advancing Ontario’s wine aspirations.
Steve Pohorly of River Bend Farms Inc. received the Cuvée Vineyard of Excellence Award for his outstanding vineyard management. The third-generation grape grower was recognized in this year’s Best Red Vinifera category, with his 25-year-old block of merlot vines acknowledged for excellence in vineyard practices supplying outstanding merlot grapes to the industry.
“An exciting aspect of the Cuvée Vineyard of Excellence Award is that it reflects Brock’s long history of supporting Ontario’s grape and wine industry,” said Lesley Rigg, Brock’s President and Vice Chancellor. “Like CCOVI, this award recognizes that greatness starts in the vineyard. CCOVI is committed to helping the industry continue to grow by training the next generation of industry professionals and by providing industry-leading solutions — beginning in the vineyard.”
Photo of Rob Power receiving his Winemaker of Excellence Award is courtesy of CCOVI.
Winemaker of Excellence
Rob Power of Creekside Estate Winery was celebrated as the recipient of the Cuvée Winemaker of Excellence Award, acknowledging his leadership, mentorship, and contributions to VQA winemaking.
Power’s multifaceted involvement in the grape and wine community, including roles as a wine judge, presenter, educator, and research collaborator, underscores his profound impact on the industry. His recognition epitomizes the spirit of the Cuvée Grand Tasting, honouring excellence, innovation, and community engagement within Ontario’s vibrant wine landscape.
“This honour feels truly special,” said Power. “There are many awards in this industry that are rather subjective; I’m sure each winemaker looks to their colleagues’ creations and says, ‘that should have won!’ Since moving here 27 years ago, I’ve tried to be a positive part of the community and to be a part of helping move it forward. This honour feels like I have been truly embraced by the community. I am humbled.”
Power was named the 2008 Winemaker of the Year at the Ontario Wine Awards and received the Larry Patterson Vineyard Innovation Award in 2012 and the Lieutenant Governor Award for Excellence in Ontario Wine in 2015, 2016 and 2017. Power was also part of the very first graduating class from Brock University’s OEVI program.
