News - VEN

Ben Montpetit, Dario Cantu, Ron Runnebaum, Mason Earles, David Block

Awards & Honors

We are excited to share some wonderful news from the world of viticulture and enology! Associate Professor and Chair, Ben Montpetit, has been appointed the Richard M. Kunde Chair in Viticulture and Enology (V & E), honoring a legendary alumnus and Sonoma County grape pioneer! This prestigious appointment is a testament to Richard’s decades of dedication, leadership, and groundbreaking contributions to the wine industry.

Latest News

Ben Montpetit, Dario Cantu, Ron Runnebaum, Mason Earles, David Block

Awards & Honors

Viticulture and Enology

We are excited to share some wonderful news from the world of viticulture and enology! Associate Professor and Chair, Ben Montpetit, has been appointed the Richard M. Kunde Chair in Viticulture and Enology (V & E), honoring a legendary alumnus and Sonoma County grape pioneer! This prestigious appointment is a testament to Richard’s decades of dedication, leadership, and groundbreaking contributions to the wine industry.

Theodora Lee and Naomi Morales

Congratulations to this year's Viticulture and Enology Scholarship Recipients

Viticulture and Enology

Congratulations to all students who received scholarships and awards this year. The Department is grateful to the generous donors who make these opportunities possible.  

The Domaine Carneros Le Rêve Scholarship Award 
Rachel Smith

David E. Gallo Educational Enhancement Award 
Victoria Lasch

Heck Memorial Scholarship
Nikita Kodjak
Chris Severt

International Wine and Food Science Award 
Fallon Ely

Winemaker taking measurements

2024 Harvest Recap

Viticulture and Enology

Thank you to everyone who participated in 2024’s harvest, from staff and faculty to all our students, researchers, and scholars. We appreciate all their hard work. 

We had the great surprise of having Chancellor May and his lovely wife tour the winery in an episode of “That May Be the Chancellor”. 

Three women posting at a table with materials at an outreach event.

Fall Outreach Events

Viticulture and Enology
 

During the fall quarter, our outreach and communications team had an incredible experience visiting over 12 community colleges and high schools to attend college fair events. Alejandra engaged with future students, sharing the amazing opportunities in the UC Davis Department of Viticulture and Enology (V & E). On these trips, our team brought new marketing material tailored for our different audiences that helped outline the major requirements and career opportunities.

Aerial view of students standing in the vineyard

Course Profile: VEN 101A – Viticultural Practices

Viticulture and Enology

Grapevine cultivar diversity is extraordinarily large. Whether we talk about wine, table, or raisin cultivars, as well as the rootstocks on which they are grafted, the diversity is remarkable—not only in fruit and enological characteristics but also in their performance in the field. Choosing the right cultivar and rootstock for a specific vineyard is a complex decision that requires a deep understanding of the plant materials, the vineyard’s terroir, and the market.

Woman smiling in front of a vineyard with hills in the background

Student Profile: Kaitlin Libbey

Viticulture and Enology

Student Standing
Second-year Ph.D. student.

Degree/Focus: Horticulture and Agronomy Graduate Group, focusing on climate change and viticulture. My research explores how climate influences quality traits in Chardonnay grapes, specifically acids, polyphenols, and aromatic precursors.

Hometown:
San Francisco, CA.

Man stands in a winery with his hands on barrels and fermentation tanks behind him

Alumni Profile: Jeff Mangahas

Viticulture and Enology

Year and degree of graduation: 
2003, Masters in Food Science, Viticulture and Enology

Current job title/company: 
VP, Director of Winemaking, Williams Selyem Winery

What have you been up to since you graduated? 
I have been focusing on my career and had amazing experiences at Dutton Goldfield Winery, Hartford Family Winery, and now Williams Selyem.

Anita Oberholster

Remembering Anita Oberholster

Viticulture and Enology

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Anita Oberholster, Professor of Cooperative Extension in Enology in the UC Davis Department of Viticulture and Enology, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Her passing leaves an immeasurable void in our UC Davis V&E family. Above all, our thoughts are with Anita’s husband, Connie, and their two children during this difficult time.

Black wine glasses

Position Announcement: Assistant Professor of Sensory Science

Viticulture and Enology
As part of UC Davis’s commitment to hire leading research faculty with an outstanding commitment to teaching and service that meets the needs of our diverse state and student population, the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at the University of California announces an Assistant Professor faculty position (9-month) in the Department of Viticulture and Enology. Applications are encouraged from candidates with a strong background in any current or emerging area that will fit within our department’s disciplinary focus in Sensory Science
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