Event Date
Join Dr. Hoby Wedler, blind Ph.D. chemist from UC Davis and Sensory Storyteller, as he guides you through a one-of-a-kind wine tasting experience!
Hoby founded Tasting in the Dark with Francis Ford Coppola in 2011, and has designed and led these experiences in various markets and industries worldwide.
In this first-of-its-kind experience, Hoby will feature wines all produced and bottled by UC Davis. UC Davis is special to him because he earned both his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the university and this is an excellent opportunity to feature products from a community he truly loves.
During this approximately one-hour experience, guests will be blindfolded and guided through a curated selection of wines from UC Davis. Hoby will begin by engaging everyone in a conversation about the science and art of wine while explaining that wine should be enjoyed subjectively and not viewed as pretentious.
Guests will then be guided through a variety of curated aroma samples designed by Hoby to train and prime their aromatic vocabulary.
Hoby will find aromatics that are present in the wines, which will help apply a vocabulary to the aroma and flavor of the wines when we taste them. The experience will conclude with a deep analysis of the aroma, flavor, and texture of four wines.
Guests who participate in this experience explain that it enlightens them to the qualities of wine they may not have noticed before. Temporarily removing our primary sense of eyesight allows us to refocus our attention and focus on things that we do not normally focus on. It is sure to be entertaining, educational, and lots of fun! Come join us for this memorable experience that will open your eyes and mind to the delicious product grown, produced, and bottled by UC Davis Aggies.
Event Schedule:
6:00 pm: Lecture and tasting.
7:15 pm: Reception with appetizers and refreshments.
Student-made, UC Davis wines will be served at the reception and attendees will have an opportunity to purchase bottles. All major credit/debit cards are accepted (no cash or checks). For more information and a list of wines available, visit the Hilgard631 website.
8:00 pm: Event ends.
Registration:
The lecture will be in the Silverado Vineyards Sensory Theater on the UC Davis Campus. Seating is limited. Tickets are $100 per person, $80 for UC Davis faculty/staff.
Registration opens soon.
Speaker:
Dr. Hoby Wedler is an insightful, disarming, and passionate thinker who loves to bring people together to help them see new possibilities. With the heart of a teacher, Hoby helps turn dreams into realities. Hoby has been completely blind since birth. He is a chemist, an entrepreneur, a sensory expert, and is driven by his passion for innovative, creative, and insightful thinking. Hoby is remarkably tuned into his surroundings and has frequently chosen to walk the unbeaten paths in life over known territories. In 2016, Hoby earned his Ph.D. in organic chemistry from UC Davis. His fearlessness is infectious, and he has actively paved the way for others to join him in his quest to follow passions regardless of the challenges that lie ahead.
In 2011, Hoby founded a non-profit organization to lead annual chemistry camps for blind and visually impaired students throughout North America. In the same year, he began opening doors to the world of wine aromas by developing Tasting in the Dark, a truly blindfolded wine experience, in collaboration with Francis Ford Coppola. He has since expanded the program to a global market in a variety of industries and special projects. Hoby uses his highly trained palate and acute sensory insight of his surroundings in his work as a sensory expert and product development consultant. Over the years, Hoby has become a motivational speaker, a mentor, and an educator committed to making the world more inclusive and accessible for all. Hoby also co-founded a gourmet seasonings company, Hoby’s Essentials and is co-founder of Senspoint, a Creative and Marketing firm that works with anyone committed to creating positive impact.
In Hoby’s work, you will find a unique trilogy between sensory awareness, scientific knowledge, and a love for sharing his insights.
Numerous people and organizations have recognized Hoby’s work over the years. To name a few, President Barack Obama recognized Hoby by naming him a Champion of Change for enhancing employment and education opportunities for people with disabilities. Also, Forbes Media named Hoby as a leader in food and drink in their 30 under 30 annual publication. In 2021, Hoby was named a 40 under 40 Tastemaker by The Wine Enthusiast. Hoby is dedicated to impacting everyone he works with by unlocking doors, overcoming challenges, increasing awareness, and expanding their horizons.
Venue & Parking:
This event will be in-person at Silverado Vineyards Sensory Theater at the Robert Mondavi Institute, Sensory Building. Parking is available at the Gateway Parking Structure. Parking payment is enforced on weekdays. There are three options for parking payment:
UC Davis uses AggiePark via the AMP app – please be sure to download the app ahead of time and set up your profile. Select the zone which you parked using the map or icon in the top right corner of the app. This is the preferred and easiest method.
If you do not have a smartphone to download the app, you can also sign up for an account online and follow the steps on the website: https://aimsmobilepay.com/
Alternatively, permit machines in the Gateway Parking Structure accept credit cards. You will need to enter your license plate number into the machine to purchase a permit. We recommend this option as a last choice.
Questions?
If you have questions about this event, please email rmievents@ucdavis.edu.