Pride Points, Unique Facilities, Hands-on

California State University, Fresno's Viticulture and Enology Department is known throughout the world for its excellent academic and research programs in a region known for producing some of the world's best wine, table and raisin grapes.

Undergraduate and graduate level degrees, and certificate programs in enology and sustainable viticulture are offered, with a reputation for producing quality students that are highly trained for the industry's needs.

Its unique facilities, which include 120 acres of on-campus table, raisin and wine grape vineyards, research and sensory evaluation laboratories, and a commercial winery, are used for teaching and research. Many of its faculty work with industry members to conduct research on topics pertinent to the grape and wine industry through the campus Viticulture and Enology Research Center.

Throughout the year, the department and research center hosts additional educational events, wine tastings and demonstrations that attract industry members, scientists and students from across the state and beyond.

Fresno State's long history of industry support and unique facilities provide myriad opportunities for hands-on learning.

Since it became the first university in the United States to have a bonded license to produce, bottle and sell wine in 1997, it has received hundreds of awards at commercial and international wine competitions. The student-run operation sources grapes from campus, the Central Valley and other fine grape-growing regions and across the state in this industry-standard program, which produces over 4,000 cases of 15 to 20 fine wine varieties each year.

It also boasts a one-of-a-kind raisin processing facility on campus, an important training tool, since nearly all of the nation's raisins are produced in a 60-mile radius of Fresno.

These deep connections to industry and research go back to former faculty member Dr. Vincent E. Petrucci who started the program in 1948. Over the course of nearly 50 years, he taught generations of students, conducted research, and worked closely with industry members across the nation (and world) to help position the department and California at the forefront of the grape growing and processing industry.

These grape and wine production units are integral parts of the Fresno State's Farm Laboratory, which consists of a 1,000-acre farm and 18 units adjacent to campus that provide a practical, applied, educational experience to students in the world's most productive agricultural area.

The campus farm is a focal point for one of the most highly-regarded agricultural colleges in the nation. Students are involved in all facets of producing, packaging, marketing and selling a wide variety of products.

From growing grapes for raisins, for table use or wine, to milking cows for milk, ice cream, and cheese, over 100 students are involved in the various farm enterprises year-round. 

These items are sold to the community at the Gibson Farm Market, located on campus near Chestnut and Barstow Avenues, and selected retail outlets.

 

Link to the Viticulture and Enology Library

Link to the Fresno State Winery