Viticulture & Wine Sciences:

Niagara College has over 40 acres of vineyards, the country’s only Teaching Winery, a wine store, restaurant and teaching labs, 3D visualization facilities, and a new Wine Education Centre to be constructed in 2008/09 that will include a research lab for viticulture. Areas of applied, industry-led research have included the production of 3D maps of topography, irrigation, soil, fertilizer applications and disease conditions; the development of a crown-gall free clonal vineyard; business management applications; pest management strategies; and land analysis for the best planting strategies for new vineyards.

Niagara College’s proposed Land Use Technology centre will be a valuable asset to research in this vital economic sector of the Niagara Region. The College also has a state-of-the-market wine tasting lab and the capacity to conduct consumer taste and preference research.

Recent Research Projects

• Sensory and Aromatic Comparison of Wine in 3 Barrel Types

  The goal of the Canadian Oak trial is to define the distinct characteristics of Canadian Oak and its use, including the flavour profiles and terroir inherent in this unique barrel style. Wine from several distinct varietals was matured in each of the following barrel types: Canadian Oak, American Oak and French Oak. Full chemical and sensory analyses were performed. View Research Poster
  

• Vineyard Planning for Rehabilitation of the Fonthill Sand and Gravel Pit

  Lafarge Canada’s Fonthill sand and gravel pit requested the expertise of Niagara College faculty and students in examining the feasibility of developing a vineyard on the site. The research team has evaluated the proposed land using GIS technologies, completed soil profiles and analyses and has implemented a test plot. The research on the Fonthill site is ongoing. View Research Poster
  View Research Poster
  

Other Research Posters