Blog

My first three months as director at the Robert Mondavi Institute have gone by in a flash. I have enjoyed meeting with campus partners, collaborators, and supporters to learn how to continue highlighting food and beverage research and advancements in an enjoyable and approachable way. I'll continue these conversations, but I am already proud of the institute's fall programs.

Fall has arrived on campus with cooler days and a buzz of excitement as students move in and prepare for classes to start next week. It's one of my favorite times of the year, and I'm excited about the fall events we have lined up for you!

I'm honored to address you today as the new director of the Robert Mondavi Institute. If you missed the announcement, let me share my vision for the institute and background.

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.