October 2026: Letter from the Director
Fall Events & Farmers Markets
Fall quarter is in full swing, and we’ve hit the ground running with our annual fundraiser and a robust list of upcoming events.
At the 13th Annual TASTE earlier this month, we celebrated the 25th anniversary of the landmark gift from the Robert and Magrit Mondavi family. We were honored to have Chancellor Gary May, Dean Ashley Stokes, Friends of the RMI, donors, and supporters join us to raise a glass in commemoration of the Mondavi generosity and the philanthropic movement they started for the Robert Mondavi Institute. Read the article and visit the website to learn more.
After the toast, we continued the evening with hundreds of attendees enjoying amazing wines and delicious bites from our generous vendors, who are on the event webpage. I want to express a special thank you to our event manager, Babette Orendain, who brings TASTE to life with the help of student workers and volunteers and makes it a special evening for everyone.
Next week, on October 28, we have Savor: Fresh Starts, How California Farmers Markets Changed the Way We Eat. The Davis Farmers Market recently celebrated its 50th year. The movement was revolutionary, leading to farmers markets in most cities and a new way to connect with our food and farmers. We will host Ann Evans, co-founder of the Davis Farmers Market and founding member of the Davis Food Co-op; Sam Greenlee, CEO of Alchemist CDC; Chutharat Sae Tong, co-owner of Majka Pizzeria and Bakery; and Moderator Catherine Brinkley, associate professor in Human Ecology at UC Davis, as we dig deeper into farmers markets.
On November 18, Forum: Fermentation for Your Culinary Delight will welcome Distinguished Professor Emeritus Charlie Bamforth, the “Pope of Foam,” who will share humorous, colorful stories from his new book. He’ll talk about all your favorite fermented foods like bread, cheese, coffee, chocolate, wine, and, of course, beer. Book sales, an author signing, and a reception will follow the program.
We are partnering with PBS KVIE again this year on December 2 for America’s Test Kitchen Live at the Crest Theater. Since 2001, America’s Test Kitchen has captivated culinary enthusiasts with its unique, scientific approach to cooking. Join us as the hosts give guests a look into how it all works.
On December 3, two emeritus professors will come together for a hugely entertaining and lively debate on an age-old contest between wine and beer. As alcohol sales are down, Andy Waterhouse and Charlie Bamforth will banter about the joys and benefits of beer and wine at Grape vs. Grain. But will we finally name a definitive winner? Proceeds benefit UC Davis graduate students.
Finally, I encourage you to visit the From Labs to Lives website, which focuses on olive and avocado oil and features the UC Davis Olive Center. You can learn how federally funded research can move from the lab into the real world and impact shoppers like all of us.
I can’t wait for you to join us at one of our programs!
Sincerely,
Ned Spang
Director, Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science
Associate Professor, Department of Food Science and Technology
Ned Spang
Director, Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science
Associate Professor, Department of Food Science and Technology