Grape cluster on vine

August 2021: Letter from the Director

Looking Forward

Dear RMI Supporter,

Hard to believe that summer is ending and classes will start soon. We look forward to seeing students back on campus and feeling the unique energy of in-person events and lectures once again. However, the recent rise in COVID-19 cases requires continued vigilance and following all safety protocols.

The pandemic taught us the value of virtual events. We welcomed more out-of-area attendees and increased access to wine, beer, and food science topics. We are switching to a hybrid event model where we will host an in-person audience and broadcast live to a virtual audience. Look for hybrid events to start in late fall or early winter.

In the meantime, our subsequent two events will be virtual. Sips and Bites on August 25 features the new UC Davis Olive Center Director. Make sure to order your olive oils today to ensure delivery. Forum on September 15 highlights the new UC Davis Coffee Center.

TASTE, our food and wine tasting fundraiser, returns on October 16. This year we will host under the beautiful trees of the olive grove and sycamore grove that lay at the heart of the Institute. The expansion increases the space for guests and food and beverage providers to accommodate safe distancing. We will limit capacity to 300. Additional safety procedures will be shared when tickets go on sale on September 7.

The future holds promise. Savor, our lecture series in partnership with UC Davis Library, will return soon. We are finalizing details for future events featuring tea, UC Davis-made products, wine, and more!

We appreciate your support as we adapt and evolve. Stay up-to-date by liking us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Stay safe,


Andrew Waterhouse
Director, Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science
Professor, Department of Viticulture and Enology

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