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California State University-Fresno's viticulture and enology program is known throughout the world for its excellent academic and research programs. Fresno State is located in a region known for producing some of the world's best wine, table and raisin grapes. The Department of Viticulture and Enology offers undergraduate and graduate level degrees, and certification programs in enology and sustainable viticulture. Fresno State has earned a reputation for producing quality students through its hands-on approach to learning.
Its unique facilities, that include on-campus table, raisin and wine grape vineyards, a raisin processing facility, a sensory evaluation laboratory, and commercial winery, are used for teaching and research. Many of its faculty conduct research on topics pertinent to the grape and wine industry through the Viticulture and Enology Research Center (VER-C). Throughout the year, the department and research center hosts educational events, as well as scientists and students from across the nation and around the world.
Fresno State's history of industry support and unique facilities provide an added opportunity for hands-on learning. Fresno State is the only university in the United States that has a license to produce, bottle and sell wine. Since 1997, the winery has received over 300 awards at commercial wine tastings, including over 50 super awards. Student-produced products from the vineyard, including table grapes, raisins, and wine, are sold at the university's Rue & Gwen Gibson Farm Market. Increasing numbers of students seeking careers in the grape and wine industry are enrolling in this one-of-a-kind program.
Fresno State's Farm Laboratory consists of a 1,000-acre farm that provides a practical, hands-on educational experience to students. The farm is a focal point for one of the most highly regarded agricultural colleges in the nation. Students are involved in all facets of producing, packaging, marketing and selling a wide variety of products. From growing grapes for raisins, table use or wine, over 150 students are involved in the various farm enterprises.
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