Many of America’s top winemakers learned their craft and got their degree at the University of California at Davis.
It’s a college with an acclaimed viticultural program, and it receives a good deal of industry support because of its proximity to the Napa Valley and other North Coast winegrowing regions.
But U.C. Davis isn’t the only California college that turns out winemakers. So does Cal State Fresno, which is known far and wide for its wide-ranging agricultural program. A number of veteran Golden State vintners honed their skills at Fresno, including Chateau Montelena’s Bo Barrett and Sbragia Family Vineyards’ Ed Sbragia, formerly of Beringer.
So when I heard about an upcoming wine event that will benefit Fresno’s Ag One Foundation, I just had to tell you about it.
About all you need to know about the foundation is that it supports students in Fresno’s Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology—men and women who, in years to come, will contribute not only to the wine industry, but to perpetuating America’s food supply as well.
As you can read on Ag One’s website, some 3,100 students have received education-enhancing scholarships through the years, thanks to the foundation.
And what event will be benefiting this outstanding organization, you ask?
It’s called the California Wine Month Reception & Wine Tasting, and it’s scheduled for September 16 at Birdstone Winery in Madera, not far from Fresno. The event is being organized by the Madera Vintners Association.
Thirteen local wineries will be pouring their wares, local restaurants will offer delicious appetizers, and there also will be live music—everything you need for a few hours of enjoyment.
Here’s a list of the participating wineries:
- Birdstone Winery
- Ficklin Vineyards
- San Joaquin Wine Co.
- Chateau Lasgoity
- Idle Hour Winery
- Sumner Peck Ranch
- Cru Wine Company
- Papagni Wines
- Twin Pomegranates Wine
- Fasi Estate Vineyards
- Quady Winery
- Westbrook Wine Farm
- Appellation California
Tickets are available only in advance, and may be obtained through the vintners association’s website.
The cost is just $25 per ticket, and it’s all for a great cause.
