Viticulture and Enology | BFTV Cluster News

Fall 2025 Extension Summary

Viticulture and Enology

Grape Day at the Oakville Station, June 4, 2025

Awards & Honors

Viticulture and Enology

Congratulations to the students, faculty and staff who have received recent awards and honors.

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.

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.

Summer 2025 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.

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.

Alumni Profile: Priyanka Dhar French

Viticulture and Enology

Priyanka graduated from UC Davis in 2011 with her M.S. in Viticulture and Enology. She is currently General Manager and Winemaker for Napa Wine Co./GhostBlock Wines.

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

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.

Remembering Dr. Mark Kliewer

Viticulture and Enology

Renowned UC Davis Professor of Viticulture Mark Kliewer Dies at 91
Kliewer trained a generation of viticulturists and winemakers while conducting research which provided the foundation for modern vineyard management practices.