Win a $500 Certification in Ontario Wines Course with Spill The Wine & CCOVI

Spill the Wine has teamed up with Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) to celebrate the release of our latest podcast episode — and we’re giving one lucky listener the chance to win one free seat in Brock’s online Certification in Ontario Wines course (a $500 value).

If you love learning about wine, Ontario terroir, and what really goes into the glass, this one’s for you.

About Spill The Wine

The Spill the Wine podcast is your gateway to the wonderful world of wine, making it fun and accessible for everyone. Join host Andrea Morris as she explores the beautiful Bench area of the Niagara Wine region, debunks wine myths, and discovers intriguing wineries.

Each episode focuses on one winery and an interview with the winemaker or sommelier. We learn the backstory of the winery, sample wines, and discuss the factors that can affect the taste of a vintage.

Spill the Wine and CCOVISpill the Wine Episode 36: Do YOU want to become a wine know it all? a visit to Brock University Cool Climate Oenology & Viticulture Institute

We’re going back to school in this episode to speak with Barb Tatarnic, manager of professional Certification in Ontario Wine, and Steven Trussler, course designer and teacher of the Certification in Ontario Wines on-line course. 

This course is designed for the wine enthusiast to take a deep dive into the world of Ontario wines and discover the characteristics of cool climate wines.  During our conversation we hit on another t-shirt slogan: Napa is the Niagara of California!!  (and yes, we REALLY have to get some made). 

If you take one thing away from this episode, it should be this – the wonderful thing about wine is nobody knows everything! There’s always something to learn and you’ll definitely learn some amazing things on this podcast.

Produced by Lukas Sluzar, recorded October 22, 2025

Wines sampled: Wyndham Estate Bin 555 Shiraz, Creekside Shiraz, Lindemans Bin 65 Chardonnay, Cave Spring Chardonnay

About the Prize

The prize is one seat in Brock University’s online course:

Certification in Ontario Wines

Join us for the first online course developed for anyone seeking to gain a foundation in the wines of Ontario. Develop an understanding of cool climate viticulture and winemaking and the VQA appellations systems while gaining a deeper understanding of the history of the Ontario wine industry. Become an ambassador for the wines of Ontario!

This 5-week course features chronological modules with facilitated online discussions as well as several optional, live, online sessions. Achieve three levels of Certification in ONE cool course! Certification through CCOVI, Brock University and the option for further certifications through the Ontario Craft Wineries (OCW), and the Ontario Wine Appellation Authority that oversees VQA Ontario. This Professional and Continuing Studies program is offered by Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI).

Course details:

  • Online course (open to participants worldwide)
  • Runs April 6 to May 8, 2026 (next intake)
  • Wines are not included with this course. 
  • Your online instructor will give you a list of wine styles you can taste but tasting wines are not a requirement of the program.
  • Designed for wine lovers, hospitality staff, and anyone wanting to deepen their understanding of Ontario wines.
  • Approximate value: $500 CAD

*The prize is transferable, but there is no cash alternative.

How to Enter the Contest

Step 1: Follow Both Accounts

You must be following:

Step 2: Comment on the Giveaway Post

Comment on the official giveaway post on Facebook OR Instagram and answer the following:

Question 1: Share one thing you’ve learned from the Spill the Wine podcast episode #36.

Question 2: Tell us why you’d like to take the Certification in Ontario Wines course.

Entries:

  • Answer one question = 1 entry
  • Answer both questions = 2 entries

Contest Dates

  • Contest opens: ★★★ Friday, Feb 6, 2026 once the posts are live★★★
  • Contest closes: ★★★ Wed 25th at midnight EST★★★
  • Winner announced: ★★★ Thurs Feb 26 ★★★

Winner Selection & Notification

  • One winner will be selected at random from all eligible entries.
  • The winner will be contacted via Facebook or Instagram direct message.
  • The winner must respond within ★★★ by monday march 2★★★ or a new winner may be selected.
  • The winner will be required to provide their full name and contact details, which will be shared with Brock University for prize fulfillment purposes only.

Eligibility

  • Open worldwide
  • No minimum age requirement
  • Employees, contractors, and immediate family members of Spill the Wine and Brock University are not eligible to win.

Important Disclaimers

  • This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook or Instagram.
  • By entering, participants release Facebook and Instagram from any responsibility related to this contest.
  • No purchase is necessary to enter or win.

Privacy Notice

No personal information is collected by Meta as part of this contest. Information provided by the winner will be collected by Spill the Wine and shared with Brock University solely for the purpose of prize fulfillment.

Ready to Enter?

Head to our official giveaway post on Facebook or Instagram, follow both accounts, and leave your answers in the comments.

Good luck — and cheers to learning more about Ontario wine 🍷