September 2025

UC Davis researchers developed an online tool that tracks agricultural leftovers to help reduce food waste and inspire new uses. (Gregory Urquiaga/UC Davis)

Turning Food Scraps into Opportunities

Food Science and Technology
Researchers Create New Tool to Track What’s Left After Processing Foods


For every juicy tomato or crunchy almond California grows, there’s a pile of pulp, hulls or scraps that often goes to waste. A new online tool, created by University of California, Davis researchers, tracks those agricultural byproducts aiming to find innovative ways to put them to use.

Attendees at Grape Day

Fall 2025 Extension Summary

Viticulture and Enology

Grape Day at the Oakville Station, June 4, 2025

On Wednesday, June 4, the Department of Viticulture & Enology at UC Davis in collaboration with Christopher Chen, UC Cooperative Extension Integrated Vineyard Systems Advisor, North Coast, hosted a Grape Day at the UC Davis Oakville 

Labeling for Hilgard631 wines

Hilgard631 Wine Sales

Viticulture and Enology

Hilgard631, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, made its debut in June 2025, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the UC Davis Department of Viticulture & Enology’s (V&E) mission to connect student scholarship with public enjoyment of student-made wine. Since the launch, sales have been successful, and every bottle sold directly contributes to the future of V&E students. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has purchased and supported the program so far.  

Picture of 2025 Viticulture and Enology Graduates, Faculty & Staff

Congratulations to the 2025 Viticulture & Enology Graduates

Viticulture and Enology

The Department of Viticulture and Enology (V&E) had an outdoor graduation celebration for our students receiving their B.S. or M.S. in Viticulture and Enology on Friday, June 13, 2025. Miguel Luna, V&E alumnus (B.S., 2014) delivered an inspirational graduation speech, and Department Chair, Dr. Ben Montpetit, and graduate and undergraduate advisor, Liz Price, presented the 2025 graduates and citation recipients. Last year’s DEVO president & vice president, Sydney Rogers and Vincent Powell, announced the 2025 Departmental Teaching Award, which was given to Dr.

Students crush grapes in bags at a classroom table

Summer 2025 Student Outreach

Viticulture and Enology
 

This summer, the outreach team actively engaged with prospective students to showcase the exciting opportunities offered by the UC Davis Department of Viticulture and Enology (V&E). To support these efforts, we introduced new marketing materials, interactive activities, and tailored presentations designed for diverse audiences. These resources helped students and counselors better understand major requirements and explore career pathways in the wine industry.

Collage of photos from summer abroad class in France

Course Profile: VEN 3 Summer Abroad

Viticulture and Enology

A Summer Study Abroad course, “VEN 3: Introduction to Winemaking” continues to be offered by the UC Davis Department of Viticulture & Enology (V&E) in the historic city of Dijon, France–the capital of Burgundy. This course introduces students to grape varieties, grape production, fermentation science, wine styles, alcohol and health, sensory evaluation, wine history, and an overview of the major wine regions of the world. As a Summer Study Abroad course, the class is condensed into four weeks and students earn 8 quarter units. 

Ha Nguyen

Research Profile: Ha Nguyen

Viticulture and Enology

Ha Nguyen is a newly appointed Assistant Professor and Sensory Scientist in the UC Davis Department of Viticulture and Enology (V&E). Her research integrates classic and advanced psychophysical, sensory, and consumer research methods with cutting-edge genetic, molecular biology, and physicochemical techniques to advance sensory knowledge and methodologies, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing wine sensory characteristics and consumer perception.

Junior Specialist - Luxin Wang Lab

Food Science and Technology
The position of Junior Specialist provides technical or specialized expertise in the planning and execution of research projects in a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) Laboratory. The Junior Specialist stays apprised of the research area and maintains technical competence in the designated area(s) of specialization.
a hand pulls a draft beer from a tap

Glen Fox weighs in on Sacramento brewery closures

Food Science and Technology

Glen Fox, endowed professor of malting and brewing sciences at UC Davis, is quoted in a Sacramento Bee article published on August 2, 2025 titled, "Are evolving tastes and high costs killing Sacramento breweries? Experts weigh in".  The article reports the closure of local breweries Track 7 and Device Brewing, both in Sacramento.