Viticulture and Enology

140th Anniversary Alumni Celebration 2021

On December 3, 2021, we finally got the chance (after several attempts) to celebrate the 140th Anniversary of the Department of Viticulture and Enology with approximately 150 people in attendance-only a year and a half after we intended!  The morning started with Department Chair David Block presenting a brief history (with pictures from the University Farm and Picnic Days) and the impact the department has had on the California and global grape and wine industries since its start in 1880.  With respect to impact, Dr.

Reflections by Dr. Andy Waterhouse

I was very lucky that in 1990, I saw an ad for a job at UC Davis. The next year I was proud to join such a distinguished department with its long history of leadership in research and teaching in Viticulture and Enology.  In my first quarter as a faculty member, Professor Ough asked me to give a lecture on chromatography.  I was happily explaining how HPLC could separate and quantify the acids in wine when a student innocently asked, “how much tartaric acid is in wine?”  I had no idea, and I realized how much I needed to learn.

Course Profile: VEN 110

Assistant Professor Megan Bartlett teaches VEN 110, Grapevine Growth and Physiology, during the winter quarter. The goal of this course is to give students the understanding of grapevine biology they will need to tackle the challenges of vineyard management.  

Student Profile: Arpa Boghozian

Student standing:  
I am currently a senior in the department.  


Degree/Focus/interest areas: 
One unique feature about the viticulture and enology program at UC Davis is that undergraduate students must complete courses in both disciplines. That being said, I have found that even though I originally thought that I would prefer viticulture, I have thoroughly enjoyed the courses with a focus in enology. Going forward, I would like to pursue positions that have roles in both disciplines.  

Alumni Profile: Daniel Baron

Year and degree of graduation: 
I received my BS in Plant Science in 1976 (V&E Department Citation for Outstanding Undergraduate Accomplishment) and completed my classwork for my MS in Horticulture in 1978.  I completed my thesis and received my MS in 1981.  My thesis advisors were Dr. Harold Olmo and biometeorologist Dr. Jerry Hatfield. My thesis topic was Microclimate and Wine Quality of Eleven Cabernet Sauvignon Vineyards of the Napa Valley in 1976. 

Viticulture and Enology Extension Update

On June 7, we hosted a program dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the grape and wine industries.  Representatives from UC Davis and individuals working in the wine and grape industries discussed the following topics:  increasing diversity among students at UC Davis and in the Department of Viticulture and Enology, increasing diversity in the grape and wine industries, promoting a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, opening the door to underrepresented consumers, and making wine more accessible.  The program featured welcoming remarks by