Pride Points, Unique Facilities, Hands-on

California State University, Fresno's viticulture and enology program is known throughout the world for its excellent academic and research programs. Fresno State is located in a region known for producing some of the world's best wine, table, and raisin grapes. The Department of Viticulture and Enology offers undergraduate and graduate level degrees, and certificate programs in enology and sustainable viticulture. Fresno State has earned a reputation for producing quality students through its hands-on approach to learning.

Its unique facilities, which include an on-campus table, raisin and wine grape vineyards, a raisin processing facility, a sensory evaluation laboratory, and commercial winery, are used for teaching and research. Many of its faculty conduct research on topics pertinent to the grape and wine industry through the Viticulture and Enology Research Center. Throughout the year, the department and research center hosts educational events, as well as scientists and students from across the nation and around the world.

Fresno State's history of industry support and unique facilities provide an added opportunity for hands-on learning. Fresno State is the first university in the United States to have a license to produce, bottle and sell wine. Since 1997, the winery has received over 300 awards at commercial wine tastings, including over 50 super awards. Student-produced products from the vineyard, including table grapes, raisins, and wine, are sold at the University's Rue & Gwen Gibson Farm Market. Increasing numbers of students seeking careers in the grape and wine industry are enrolling in this one-of-a-kind program.

Fresno State's Farm Laboratory consists of a 1,000 acre farm that provides a practical, hands-on educational experience to students. The 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, table use or wine, to milking cows for milk, ice cream, and cheese, over 150 students are involved in the various farm enterprises.  Products produced and processed from these enterprises are available to the community through the Gibson Farm Market, located on campus at Chestnut and Barstow Avenues, as well as through selected retail outlets.

Link to the Viticulture and Enology Library

Link to the Fresno State Winery