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

From the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Pieces of dried mango rest on the bottom of a black opaque goblet. Next to it, another glass contains apricot jam. Leticia Cardoso Madureira Tavares, a second-year Ph.D. student in biosystems engineering, brings the glasses up to her nose one at a time to take a sniff.

An academic institution’s ebbs and flows are ever-changing and comforting in their regularity. Students recently celebrated at various commencement ceremonies, and we wish them the best as they move on to new adventures and challenges. The campus has returned to its quiet summer atmosphere as activities slow down.

From the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

From concept to container – food science students gave the UC Davis community a taste of their original food creations, including upcycled noodles and a savory vegan waffle.

When she arrived to tour the newly opened winery and brewery at the Robert Mondavi Institute in 2011, Mary Horton didn’t realize she was gatecrashing. The LEED-platinum-certified facility was the first of its kind, and she was looking forward to seeing the state-of-the-art building. Even though there was a mix-up, she was still welcomed in and picked up an RMI Friends brochure on her way out. “Well, it seemed like, okay, I gatecrashed; I could certainly make a donation because they were so nice about it,” said Mary. She has supported the Robert Mondavi Institute ever since!

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.

College is a formative time for students, setting the foundation for years to come. It is a time of discovery, whether it be new passions, friends, or opportunities. Personally, I discovered my love for grapes and wine at UC Davis, which I had never been exposed to growing up in Los Angeles. I ended up switching my major and pursuing a career in the wine industry because of my exposure at UC Davis and the subsequent uncovering of a passion.

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

It feels like we are on the cusp of Summer, with warmer temperatures bringing bees and blooms to the Good Life Garden at the heart of the Robert Mondavi Institute.

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.

Only two months are left in the academic year, and the campus is buzzing with spring energy!

Grains feed the world, but not all grains are (or taste!) equal. Just like the taste of wine depends on the type of grape, grain varieties affect quality, color, flavor, and more.

It has often been said that great wine is made in the vineyard, and it is very true that high-quality grapes are a fundamental ingredient for producing excellent wine. However, the people who tend to the vineyard are often overlooked.

It may still be raining in Northern California, but the winter quarter is ending for students with finals next week, and the trees on campus are starting to bloom! Spring ushers in a busy time with many intriguing events.

From UC Davis News

Wine Enthusiast Magazine has named UC Davis enologist Anita Oberholster and two of her colleagues from other universities “Innovators of the Year” for their research on the effects of wildfire smoke on wine grapes.