It’s starting to feel like fall as the UC Davis campus comes alive again, with students moving back and starting classes next week. The new academic year brings new programs and annual favorites as we kick off a year-long celebration.
Last month, we lost a dear friend of the Robert Mondavi Institute, UC Davis, and the wine industry. Walter “Walt” Klenz passed away on July 20, 2026, at the age of 81. Walt invested more than 50 years in the global wine industry, earning a well-deserved reputation as a humble, trustworthy, and kind leader.
This year’s selection of student-made and UC Davis-labeled wines is now available. The next sale date is Friday, June 26, from 12:00 to 2:00 pm, with more dates throughout the summer and fall. Six wines were created by viticulture and enology students as part of the post-fermentation class held each spring.
The academic year is coming to a quick end with students preparing for final exams and commencement ceremonies on the horizon. The Robert Mondavi Institute closes out the term with two amazing sold-out events.
Spring is slowly unfurling in Davis with grapevines and olive trees starting to bloom around the Robert Mondavi Institute. It feels appropriate that the monthly newsletter is filled with news about wine and olive oil.
Students are finishing their finals and next week is spring break! I always look forward to the spring quarter and am excited to share two events that showcase UC Davis alumni.
Our first two programs of the year have been successful and well-received, selling out quickly and drawing a full crowd to the Robert Mondavi Institute Sensory Theater.
Happy New Year! Students are back on a foggy campus for the winter quarter, and we are pleased to share upcoming conferences and programs centered around food and beverage research and innovation at UC Davis.
