The days feel shorter, and the rainy weather has arrived for winter. We settle into this cozy season thinking about how grateful we are to our supporters, partners, and student workers who help bring food and wine programs to you and all our attendees who learn and have fun with the institute. We have exciting upcoming events, news, and videos this month.

Strawberries are known for their vibrant color, juicy texture, and sweet flavor. With more than 100 different varieties of strawberries, UC Davis put four to the taste test! The community gathered to try four varieties or cultivars from the UC Davis Strawberry Breeding Program and voted on their favorite by the end of the night. After the event, Guittard Chocolate Company donated chocolate to pair with the strawberries. 

On October 22, 2024, Ed Matovcik, Vice President of Public Affairs at Constellation Brands (owner of well-known wineries like Robert Mondavi Winery and Opus One), spoke at the Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science about the ongoing debate about alcohol and its health effects. With decades of experience advocating for the wine industry in both Washington, D.C. and Napa, Matovcik is deeply involved in various organizations that support the wine industry and those who work in wine. 

Food and wine are more than just great flavors – they reflect the stories of communities and traditions. Darrell Corti, a Sacramento food and wine expert, has spent a lifetime sharing those stories, enriching California’s culinary landscape with his introduction of new tastes, ingredients and varietals.

To honor Corti’s contributions, Bob and Roger Trinchero, brothers from one of the largest family-owned wineries in the country and producers of Sutter Home wines, have established the $1.5 million "Darrell Corti Endowed Professorship in Food, Wine and Culture" at UC Davis.

Last Saturday, we welcomed TASTE guests for an evening of wine, food, and music in the courtyard of the Robert Mondavi Institute Sensory building. The weather was beautiful, and as I walked around and chatted with attendees and vendors, I was reminded how important it is to gather together and connect. I had so many great conversations with colleagues, friends, and neighbors.

When the academic year starts, there is always a buzz of excitement. Students are moving in, faculty are preparing for classes, and we are solidifying our events for the year.

Summer has gone by quickly, and the campus is already preparing for the return of students next month. Fall feels like it is peeking around the corner with slightly cooler weather, and this year's grape harvest has started in the RMI vineyards.

Driven by his passion for food science and brimming with ideas, UC Davis student Dion Skaria created Fit Candy – a nutritious treat that blends sweet and sour flavors while reducing food waste. This innovative gummy candy is crafted from upcycled watermelon rinds.

Summertime is officially here! We're so proud of all the graduates honored at commencement ceremonies this month. The campus is quiet now, and we'll take time to plan our events for the next academic year, develop our strategic plan, and prepare for a busy fall.

From the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden and UC Davis News

From the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

In a celebration of friendship and fermentation, the 2024 UC Davis Iron Brew competition has crowned Brew La-La as this year’s winner. With each sip, this Belgian blonde ale features hints of honeysuckle, wildflowers and citrus blossoms that intertwine with subtle undertones of vanilla, bubble gum and honey. 

The end of the academic year is just around the corner. We have so much happening and so many things to celebrate!

From the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Georgian cheese bread, cilantro-blackened fish tacos, quesabirria tacos with seitan and cinnamon sugar churros – four culinary creations but only one was crowned winner of the Upcycled Iron Chef Competition at UC Davis.

This Saturday, UC Davis will host the 110th Picnic Day! It's a fantastic day to visit campus for the biggest open house you've ever seen. Visit the Picnic Day website to see the complete schedule. The Robert Mondavi Institute will host hundreds of visitors to taste olive oil, honey, and ice cream. There will also be winery tours, grapevine giveaways, and wine barrel-making demonstrations. I invite you to visit us!

Years ago, Bob Leidigh and Barbara Leidigh (nee Williams) were both entering freshmen at UC Davis. They came from different locales and different backgrounds. They met Homecoming Weekend at the pre-game dance at Freeborn Hall (then known as "The Pajamarino”). Soon thereafter, they were actively dating and then going steady. Today, nearly sixty years later, they are still a couple.