Extension/Outreach

Auditorium stage with speaker at podium, four empty chairs, large projected vineyard photo

Extension & Industry Relations Update: Spring 2026

Viticulture and Enology

The UC Davis Department of Viticulture & Enology (V&E) Extension Team organized and presented several programs both on and off campus from January through April 2026. At the January 2026 Unified Symposium in Sacramento, the Departments of Viticulture and Enology at UC Davis, Fresno State, and Washington State, along with the Oregon Wine Research Institute at Oregon State University, co-hosted a Unified academic alumni, student, and friends’ reception on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. The turnout was great, over 310 people stopped by!

People talking by trellised vines in a sunny farm field under blue sky

Spring 2026 Student Outreach

Viticulture and Enology

Our on-campus student outreach efforts maintained strong momentum throughout the spring, as we welcomed a diverse range of visitors and collaborators. This quarter, we hosted community college counselors and administrators and middle and high school students from the Lodi and Napa Valley regions. In addition, our undergraduate advisor, Liz, and the broader team demonstrated exceptional leadership in engaging admitted students during Aggie Day and Picnic Day, encouraging prospective Aggies to enroll at UC Davis.

Selina Wang

Selina Wang Named Faculty Director of the UC Davis Olive Center

Food Science and Technology

For nearly 20 years, the Olive Center at the University of California, Davis, has worked to improve the olive and olive oil industry through research, education and outreach. The center, known for its work in sustainable olive growing and improving olive oil quality, has named chemist Selina Wang as its faculty director to guide the next phase of research and innovation for the state’s growing olive industry.

Attendees listening to a man present at an event

January 2026 Extension & Industry Relations Update

Viticulture and Enology
 

The UC Davis Viticulture & Enology (V&E) Extension Team organized and presented a couple of programs in the fall. On December 10, 2025, we were On the Road to the Foothills! It was a beautiful sunny day, just above the fog line. Megan Bartlett, Ben Montpetit, James Campbell, Chris Chen, Ha Nguyen, and Mackenzie Patton were the presenters.

Man stands in front of a grapevine talking to a group of students

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.

Ted Reiger poses for a picture in front of a body of water with a tree in the background

Ted Rieger, freelance writer and photographer, retires after 41 years of covering wine industry

Viticulture and Enology

Anyone who regularly attended our departmental extension events over the last 30 years would recognize Ted Rieger as a constant presence. Maybe more importantly, those not attending our events could rely on Ted’s accounts of those programs in industry publications such as Wine Business Monthly, Vineyard & Winery Management, and Wines & Vines. After four decades of freelance writing, including nearly one thousand wine-industry-related articles, Ted has decided to retire.

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 

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.

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.

Linda Harris receiving a plaque with her IAFP Honorary Life Membership Award

Harris receives IAFP Honorary Life Membership Award

Food Science and Technology

Congratulations to FST's Linda J. Harris, distinguished professor of cooperative extension, who received an International Association for Food Protection Honorary Life Membership Award at the IAFP Annual Meeting in Cleveland, Ohio last week!  The other recipients were Ian Jenson, Jeffrey Kornacki, and Ruth Petran. Each honoree received a personalized plaque recognizing them for their dedication to the high ideals and objectives of the International Association for Food Protection and for dedicated service to the Association.   

Attendees at Unified Reception

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.

Subscribe to Extension/Outreach