Thousands expected to attend wine and grape symposium set for January­­­ 29-31

Fresno State group will represent viticulture and enology programs, host reunion

Faculty and staff from Fresno State’s Department of Viticulture and Enology will travel to Sacramento to represent the university’s grape and wine programs at the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium to be held Jan. 29-31 in Sacramento, California.

As part of the event, the department will have a booth in the exhibit hall on January 30-31 and will host the Fresno State Alumni & Friends Reunion at the Hyatt Regency in Sacramento the evening of Jan. 30, with support from Fresno State’s Viticulture and Enology Alumni Association.

The annual symposium is the largest of its kind in the western hemisphere and is presented jointly by the American Society of Enology and Viticulture (ASEV) and the California Association of Winegrape Growers.

The symposium serves as a clearinghouse for practical information important to wine and grape industry professionals. It also hosts a trade show with more than 650 suppliers displaying their products and services to upwards of 12,000 people who typically attend, many of whom are Fresno State alumni.

he program will feature a diverse lineup of professional speakers ­who will address industry needs. Tuesday through Thursday mornings will begin with a general session each day addressing the global wine market, the state of the industry and consumer trends. A session in Spanish with a wine tasting is also included in Thursday morning’s program.

Breakout sessions in the afternoons will carry the morning general session themes in four focus areas: grape growing, winemaking, business, and marketing and public relations.

The symposium organizers have a long and distinguished history of providing vintners and growers with the information they need to remain competitive. The conference represents the collective experience, knowledge and background of the entire industry.

The event will be held at the Sacramento Convention Center, 1400 J Street. In the heart of the downtown area, the convention center is close to fine restaurants, hotels, museums, the State Capitol and shopping centers. It is 20 minutes away from the Sacramento International Airport.

Dr. Jim Kennedy, chair of the Department of Viticulture and Enology, currently serves on the ASEV Board of Directors as the first vice president.

For a detailed program schedule and registration details, visit the event website at http://www.unifiedsymposium.org/index.html.

Retired and former Fresno State faculty and researchers who attended last year's symposium include (from left) Prof. Ken Fugelsang, Prof. emeritus Barry Gump (second left), former professor Bruce Zoecklein, and former director of viticulture and enology research Keith Striegler.