What is your role within the Department of Viticulture & Enology?
I help support farming operations for the department’s vineyards in Davis and at the Oakville Station in Napa County. I’m lucky to be involved in every step in between planting and harvesting, mostly through supervising our vineyard crew.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I enjoy that my day-to-day tasks are always changing with the seasons and with the needs of the plants. Most days, however, begin with an early start, meeting with the team, and a drive around the vineyard. Whenever I get the opportunity, my favorite thing to do is be in the field with the crew.
What drew you to the wine and grape industry, and how did your career path lead you to UC Davis?
Definitely the people—their welcoming attitude, passion, and the hard work they put into realizing their visions, regardless of what aspect of the industry they work in. In previous roles, I had the opportunity to grow a wide range of plants, conduct research, and gain exposure to large-scale vineyard and winery operations. It’s now exciting to bring these experiences together while working alongside these same types of people.
What aspects of your work in viticulture are you most passionate about?
I’m most passionate about improving the health of our vineyards in ways that keep my team and me constantly learning. I also take pride in maintaining consistency and attention to detail in our farming practices to support and elevate the work of our students and researchers.
What are some emerging trends or challenges in the wine industry that influence your work?
The effects of climate change and rising costs for growers are motivating us to develop and test new management strategies to farm more resilient grapevines. In addition, a lot of current research in the vineyard is aimed at tackling problems related to drought, disease, smoke taint, and more efficient water use. I'm also excited for the potential of robotics and high-resolution imagery.
What advice would you give to students interested in pursuing a career in the wine industry?
The wine industry is supported by so many different disciplines, professions, and crafts, so there’s definitely a place for you in it. Explore broadly and seek out hands-on experiences across the vineyard, winery, and areas such as marketing and hospitality. Greater exposure to different parts of the industry will deepen your understanding of the work and whether it is the right path for you, and enable you to make more informed decisions about the role you ultimately pursue.
Fun Fact
There are just over 200 different grape varieties and wild species planted at the RMI vineyard.