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Department of Viticulture and Enology

Welcome Message

Sonet Van Zyl, Rolston St. Hilaire, and Estaban Garcia meeting outside of the Viticulture and Enology department.

Map of CaliforniaWelcome to Fresno State's viticulture and enology program.  Our university campus is situated in the San Joaquin Valley, at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and is internationally regarded for its training in the agricultural sciences. Centrally located within the largest grape producing region in the United States, the Department of Viticulture and Enology at Fresno State is widely recognized as a program that provides students with practical training backed by scientific understanding. Upon graduation, our students have not only learned, but they have applied their knowledge.

Resources for training students include a 120-acre vineyard and bonded winery, which are co-located on the main campus. Our vineyards include raisin, table and wine grape varieties, and our bonded winery has produced countless award-winning wines. Students have taken great pride in knowing that they have an opportunity to learn all aspects of the industry. Our talented faculty and staff work with students to ensure that they learn the latest in grape and wine production technologies.

Our graduate program in Viticulture and Enology provides students with an opportunity to conduct research that is original and relevant. Upon successful completion, students receive a Master of Science degree in Viticulture and Enology. Because of our reputation and location, student projects often involve the grape and/or wine industry. Our faculty and research capabilities are internationally-recognized, and our graduates are well prepared for careers in the grape and wine industry or further research training in PhD programs.

Historically, our program had its start over 60 years ago, and was initially developed for grape research and education. Wine research and education were added soon thereafter and in 2000, the Department of Viticulture and Enology was formally recognized as a department. With this much history in our program, one of the greatest outcomes is the pride and presence of Fresno State alumni in the various grape and wine regions throughout the state, country, and world. From coolest climate to warmest, from the smallest operation to the largest, our graduates have frequently commented on the high quality preparation that they received while here.

Take a look at what we have to offer and please contact us to schedule a visit. We are very proud of what we have to offer and are confident that you will feel the same way!
 

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