BFTV Cluster News

A Brewing Reunion at a Turning Point for Beer

As Beer Faces Shifting Tastes and Economic Pressures, Alumni Gather to Honor Educators Who Helped Shape the Industry

Diane Barrett featured in UC Davis Emeriti Association video series

Diane Barrett, FST Extension Specialist Emerita, is featured in the latest video interview by the UC Davis Emeriti Association. Diane was appointed in 1992 and retired in 2016.

Two New Summer Abroad Programs Explore Beer and Agriculture

Food Science and Technology

UC Davis Global Affairs is offering a host of summer abroad options, including two new programs: Agriculture and the Environment in Colombia, and Brewing and Beer in Germany and Belgium.

2025 Harvest Highlights

Viticulture and Enology

Every harvest brings its own unique season and a wonderful group of students to work with. We are grateful to everyone who contributed this year: staff, faculty, students, researchers, and scholars. Between August 13 and October 16, 2025, we processed 54.4 U.S. tons of fruit across 20 grape cultivars.

Fall 2025 Student Outreach

Viticulture and Enology

We kicked off the fall quarter with our annual department BBQ, bringing together students, faculty, and staff for a lively start to the year. Our DEVO and WIW students took charge of the grill, while faculty and staff warmly welcomed both new and returning students. Liz, the UC Davis Department of Viticulture and Enology (V&E) advisor, shared thoughtful words as she embraced this enthusiastic new cohort. Our Chair, Ben, concluded the event with encouraging remarks that set a positive tone for the year ahead.

Student Profile: Victoria Lasch

Viticulture and Enology

Student standing:
Second-year master’s student (graduating in Spring 2026)

Degree/Focus/interest areas:
Viticulture and Enology, primarily interested in winemaking.

Where are you from originally?
I am from Issaquah, WA, and have been based there for about a decade, although my family is originally from Northern California.

What brought you to UC Davis?

Floundering to Food Science - My Journey and Advice for Undecided Majors

Food Science and Technology

Back in high school, I had no doubt that college was the next step. However, the pressure of choosing a major was colossal! It felt like choosing the rest of my life when asked to select a major. I knew I wanted to do something creative, but I didn’t want to throw away all of my hard-earned A’s in physics, chemistry, and biology. After switching the major option about a hundred times, I finally registered under Undecided - Fine Arts for UC Davis.

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.

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.

Student Profile: Dan Kline

Viticulture and Enology

Dan Kline is a second-year Viticulture and Enology graduate student.

Where are you from originally?
Lincoln University (Southeastern), Pennsylvania

The Evolution of Food Science and Technology at UC Davis

Food Science and Technology

The food science and technology major offered at UC Davis is a well-rounded mix of theory and practice, with a hands-on learning approach being both effective and expected at California’s No.

UC Davis Food Tech Club Students Find Connections and Opportunities

Food Science and Technology

Whether you are a future food scientist or a regular foodie, the Food Tech Club at UC Davis is a great opportunity for students to grow and connect with others. For over 50 years, the Food Tech Club has served as a student chapter of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) to connect students, faculty, professionals, and community members to something we all love: food!

Yoonbin Kim wins IAFP's J. Mac Goepfert Developing Scientists Poster Award

Food Science and Technology

A big congratulations to Yoonbin Kim, postdoctoral candidate in Dr. Nitin's lab, for taking 3rd place in the International Association for Food Protection's 2025 J. Mac Goepfert Developing Scientists Award.

UC Davis Yeast Discovery Paves the Way for New Eco-friendly Cleaning Products

Food Science and Technology

Over a decade ago, researchers at UC Davis noticed something unusual while studying yeast: tiny oil droplets sinking to the bottom of a flask. The strain of yeast was producing a natural compound with soap-like properties, and now it’s being developed as an ingredient in cleaning products that are gentle on skin and environmentally friendly.

2025 Unified Wine & Grape Symposium

Viticulture and Enology

UC Davis Viticulture and Enology (V&E) faculty, staff, and students represented the department at the Unified Wine and Grape Symposium, January 29 and 30, 2025, at the Sacramento Convention Center. Our team’s booth and engagement with industry leaders highlighted the department's innovative research, cutting-edge approaches to teaching, evolving curriculum, new faculty, and our continuing leadership.