University News Blog Posts

Endowed Professorship in Food, Wine and Culture Established at UC Davis

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.

Ben Montpetit New Viticulture and Enology Chair

From the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Ben Montpetit, a yeast geneticist and biochemist, is the new chair of the Department of Viticulture and Enology at University of California, Davis.

Montpetit joined UC Davis in 2016 and became department vice chair in 2021.

In his new role, he plans to enhance student offerings, continue to advance diversity efforts and foster investment in students, faculty, staff and department operations.

Integrative Center for Alternative Meat and Protein to Launch at UC Davis Jan. 17

From UC Davis News

The University of California, Davis, is leading the establishment of a new Integrative Center for Alternative Meat and Protein, or iCAMP. The center will work toward large-scale commercialization and technological advancement of alternative proteins, including cultivated meat (from animal cells grown in large fermentors), plant- and fungal-based foods, and innovative hybrids that combine conventional meat products with alternative proteins.

Andrew Waterhouse Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

On June 7, 2023, the Wine Advisory Task Force recognized Robert Mondavi Institute Director and Professor Emeritus Andrew Waterhouse with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

The California State Fair and the Wine Advisory Task Force recognize individuals and organizations for their accomplishments and service to the wine industry. The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a person, family, or institution who are pioneers in the wine industry based on their lifetime contributions to the California wine industry.

RMI Director Andrew Waterhouse to Retire

Dear RMI Supporter,

As you may have heard, after five years as director, I am leaving the Robert Mondavi Institute at the end of June, one year after my professorship retirement. The Dean’s Office is searching for the next director, ideally a professor with a passion for public outreach, and hopes to appoint my replacement by July 1.

New Sensory Immersive Room at UC Davis Simulates Real-life Environments for Product Testing

From UC Davis News and the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

What makes a cup of coffee or an energy bar enjoyable is usually more than just the taste. The surrounding environment may also influence the experience.

With that in mind, the Department of Food Science and Technology at University of California, Davis has constructed a new multi-sensory immersive room that can be used for product development, innovation and research.

Agave: The New Drought-Tolerant California Crop?

From UC Davis News and the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Agriculture in California faces an uncertain future as drought, wildfires and other climate extremes become more commonplace in the West. But a fledgling industry focused on growing and distilling agave plants, which are used to produce tequila and mezcal in Mexico, could be California’s answer to fallowed fields and a lack of water.