Brock University's Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) is set to become the first post-secondary institution to offer the American Cider Association's (ACA) Certified Cider Guide Workshop.
The workshop will prepare participants for the first level of the ACA's Certified Cider Professional Program, which is the only professional certification for cider appreciation in the world.
"This is a landmark moment for cider education in Canada, and we're proud to partner with CCOVI to make it happen," says ACA Director of Education and Program Development Jennie Dorsey.
"Our Certified Cider Professional Program is the global gold standard in cider education. This partnership expands access to high-quality cider training for beverage professionals, educators and enthusiasts throughout Canada."
Brock's Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOV) offers a host of in-person and remote cider appreciation courses. A new partnership between the American Cider Association (ACA) and CCOVI is marks first time the ACA's Certified Cider Professional Program will be offered by a post-secondary institution.
The immersive one-day in-person workshop debuts at Brock Saturday, Nov. 8, with a session also planned for the spring of 2026. The workshop will guide participants through cider history, methods of production, style analysis, in-depth tasting, sensory evaluation and food pairings.
"CCOVI at Brock is the Canadian authority in grape, wine, spirits and cider education, and this partnership ensures that we will continue to offer world-class programs in these areas," says CCOVI Director Debbie Inglis.
CCOVI's own certified instruction staff will lead the workshops.
As well as a full day of expert-led training, participants will have access to ACA's online certification exam, the opportunity to earn internationally recognized cider credentials, and a chance to network with peers in the beverage, hospitality and education sectors.
"We are excited to combine the ACA's globally recognized cider appreciation certification programming with our current suite of cider and perry production programs offered in partnership with the Cider Institute, adding to the commitment CCOVI has to support the cider industry and enthusiasts," Inglis says.
For more information on the Certified Cider Guide Workshop at Brock, visit CCOVI website.
