Taste of Spring event showcases Fresno State Winery and students

(April 1, 2015) – The public will get a chance to meet Fresno State’s graduating class of winemakers and taste the first pouring of the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon at the Fresno State Winery’s Taste of Spring event from 3-6 p.m. Saturday, April 11.

Tickets are $10 for the general public and $5 for students, faculty and Fresno State wine club members.

"This event is the best chance that the public has to talk to our graduating glass of new winemakers, many of whom will go on to become notable players in the wine-making industry throughout the state, country and world,” said Kevin Smith, winery marketing director. “We'll be pairing local fine foods with our wines, hosting student-led winery tours and barrel tastings, as well as enjoying live music next to the Fresno State vineyards. It will be a stellar afternoon on the lawn and in the winery."

Another featured wine will be the 2007 Saviez Syrah that won the gold medal in the Pacific Rim and silver medal in the Orange County Fair wine competitions.

Other student-produced wines at the event will include a 2011 Tempranillo, 2012 San Joaquin Chardonnay, 2012 Pinot Gris, 2013 White Zinfandel and the Uva Doce Port style that will be paired with chocolate truffles made by Stafford’s Famous Chocolates.

The menu will also include food from Bella Pasta, the Fresno State Meats Lab, Fresno Meat Market, Hilmar Cheese Company and La Boulangerie.

Students from Fresno State’s Viticulture and Enology Department will visit with wine club members at a private gathering on site from 2-3 p.m. that will include a special welcome by University President Joseph I. Castro, Jordan College Interim Dean Sandra Witte and Department Chair Jim Kennedy at 2:30 p.m.

Fresno State’s viticulture and enology program in the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology was the nation’s first bonded commercial winery to operate on a university campus. Fresno State wines have won nearly 600 awards since the license was obtained in 1997.

Located at 2360 E. Barstow Ave., the winery sells its student products at the Gibson Farm Market and various retail establishments throughout the Valley.

Event information and tickets are available at http://store.fresnostatewinery.com/events/The-Taste-of-Spring or by calling Smith at 559.278.4867.

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