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CFFA Applauds the Nomination of Dr. Julie Callahan to be Chief Ag Negotiator of the United States Trade Representative

The California Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA) applauds President Trump’s nomination of Dr. Julie Callhan to be the Chief Agricultural Negotiator, Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR). Dr. Callahan has worked tirelessly to promote the needs of farmers and ranchers throughout the country in the
reciprocal trade negotiations.

CFFA’s Director of Trade, Caroline Stringer stated, “On behalf of the California Fresh Fruit Association, we congratulate Dr. Callahan on her nomination to serve as the Chief Ag Negotiator with USTR. She has been on the frontline to help reduce tariffs and nontariff barriers on agricultural exports.”

CFFA looks forward to working with Dr. Callahan on trade issues to address the needs of California’s fresh fruit industry. Dr. Callahan awaits confirmation from the Senate.

California Ag Today2025-07-18T13:40:05-07:00July 18th, 2025|

California Milk Advisory Board Announces Key Promotions to Accelerate Global and Domestic Growth

The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) today announced a series of strategic leadership promotions that reflect the organization’s ongoing commitment to expanding the reach of Real California Milk products both domestically and globally. These promotions recognize the contributions of four accomplished leaders who have played vital roles in advancing CMAB’s mission to support California’s dairy families by increasing demand for dairy products made with Real California Milk.

Glenn Millar Promoted to Executive Vice President, Strategy and Global Markets

For over a decade, Glenn Millar has led CMAB’s international team with distinction, driving exponential growth in global demand for California dairy. Under his leadership, the team has expanded distribution to 724 Real California Milk products across Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. In just the past five years, cheese exports have grown more than 40% to $610 million, and fluid milk exports have doubled to $50 million.

Millar brings more than 30 years of dairy industry experience to his role, having previously served as EVP and Partner at Keller’s Creamery, Risk Manager at Crystal Creamery, and held key operational and leadership roles at Safeway Stores, Alta Dena Dairy, Stella Foods, and more. At CMAB, he has fostered a truly global team, integrating insights and best practices from 10 countries to deliver value-added export strategies that maximize returns for California dairy producers.

Janet Arellano Named Director, International

With eight years of success managing CMAB’s international growth programs, Janet Arellano now steps into the role of Director, International. Her leadership has been instrumental in expanding value-added dairy product distribution in Mexico to 132 items, while increasing total California dairy volume by 17%. Janet has also led CMAB’s entry into the Middle East and Latin America, cultivating strong distributor relationships and opening new markets for California dairy.

Previously, Janet served as Sales Director at Tropical Foods, overseeing international sales operations across Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East. Her results-driven approach and expertise in global food distribution have helped position California dairy for sustainable international success.

Katelyn Harmon Promoted to Vice President, U.S. Business Development

Katelyn Harmon has been a driving force behind CMAB’s domestic retail business development for the past eight years, helping to modernize new business support, build out partnerships, and develop shopper marketing and e-commerce initiatives. In her new role as Vice President, U.S. Business Development, she will have expanded strategic oversight of foodservice business development and CMAB’s presence at key tradeshows throughout the year. Her focus on driving long-term value through strategy and innovation will continue to be a guiding force for CMAB’s success.

Prior to CMAB, Harmon spent nearly a decade with The Save Mart Companies in various roles across store operations, category management support, and business analytics, where she helped expand their loyalty program and roll out their own click-and-collect service.

Lizzie Werber Appointed Director, Business Development

Lizzie Werber has been promoted to Director, Business Development after a successful year as CMAB’s Senior Marketing Manager. In this role, she led tentpole promotions, built impactful shopper marketing programs, and cultivated strategic partnerships with retailers and media. Werber has also provided critical marketing support to CMAB’s processor network, bringing her deep brand strategy experience and passion for specialty foods to every initiative.

Before joining CMAB, Werber helped scale operations and market development at The Ugly Co. and spent eight years at Murray’s Cheese/Kroger, where she was integral to the brand’s national expansion and customer experience strategy.

“These leaders exemplify CMAB’s values of innovation, collaboration, and commitment to delivering results for California’s dairy farm families,” said CMAB CEO Bob Carroll. “Their diverse experience and proven track records will be instrumental as we continue to grow demand for Real California Milk products in both international and domestic markets.”

California is the leading U.S. state in dairy production. Its family dairy farms are focused on delivering the wholesome goodness of California milk while creating a more sustainable future for dairy in the state.

California Ag Today2025-07-15T13:16:34-07:00July 15th, 2025|

USDA Projects Larger 2025 Almond Crop; Up 7 Percent from May Subjective Forecast

Harvest 2025 predicted at 3.0 billion pounds.

The 2025 California Almond Objective Measurement Report published Thursday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA-NASS) estimates that the crop harvested in 2025 will come in at 3.0 billion meat pounds.

The Objective Estimate is up 7 percent from USDA-NASS’s Subjective Forecast in May and 10 percent higher than last year’s crop of 2.73 billion meat pounds.

“The Objective Measurement reflects the hard work by California almond growers during uncertain times,” said Clarice Turner, president and CEO of the Almond Board of California. “While shipping has remained consistently strong, we know uncertainty remains surrounding future trade policies. We continue to engage with trade partners and stakeholders to encourage constructive solutions that support fair and stable trade so California almonds can continue to be enjoyed by consumers around the world.”

The 2024 harvest yielded 2.73 billion pounds, 2.5% below the 2024 Objective Report estimate, reflecting the difficulty of precisely forecasting crop size given the current fluctuations in weather and economic factors.

The report shared the 2025 almond crop experienced variable weather during bloom, which began in early February and peaked in the middle of the month. Storms brought rain, wind and hail, which hindered bee hours and blossom growth. Conditions improved in early March with warm temperatures accelerating the crop’s progress through the end of bloom. Mild temperatures and timely rain in spring supported nut growth and continued through early summer, lessening heat stress in orchards. Lower than normal pest and disease pressure have been reported. Harvest is expected to begin on time.

USDA-NASS’ forecasted yield is 2,160 pounds per acre, up from 1,980 in 2024. The forecast for the average nut set per tree is 4,364, an increase of 7 percent compared to 2024. The Nonpareil average nut set of 4,526 is 9 percent higher than last year. The average kernel weight for all varieties sampled was 1.60 grams, down 0.6 percent from the 2024 average weight. The Nonpareil average kernel weight was 1.60 grams, down 2 percent from the 2024 average weight.

The 2025 Objective Report is based on actual almond counts using a statistically rigorous methodology. The survey was conducted from May 24 to June 28 and 1,892 trees were sampled in 946 orchards. USDA-NASS conducts the annual Objective Report, Subjective Forecast and Nursery Survey to provide the California almond industry with the data needed to make informed business decisions.

California Ag Today2025-07-10T14:46:49-07:00July 10th, 2025|

Lessons from UCANR Agave Field Day

As agave farming catches on in California, UC ANR experts offer environmental and cultural considerations

We’re living in a modern gold rush. That’s according to Samuel Sandoval Solis, a University of California Cooperative Extension specialist and UC Davis professor in the Department of Land, Air and Water Resources. But don’t get your pickaxe yet, he’s not talking about minerals. He’s interested in the latest must-have crop.

“We have gone through the pistachio rush, the avocado rush, the almond rush. There is always a rush,” said Sandoval Solis. “We are now in the agave rush.”

The popularity of farming agave has taken off in the last few years, with climate change motivating growers to consider planting drought-tolerant crops. Before 2023, only 50 acres of agave were grown statewide, according to a UC Davis study. Now, that’s quadrupled to more than 200 acres.

With all that buzz, the UC Organic Agriculture Institute hosted a field day on June 4 for current and prospective growers at an organic agave farm in Campo, part of San Diego County. Through a series of bilingual lectures and site tours, experts from the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources shared farming techniques that respect the environment and the cultural significance of the agave plant.

Sandoval Solis, a water resources expert, delivered his talk in Spanish, retelling a Mexican creation story featuring agave. He hoped to inspire growers to reflect on the historic significance of the plant, which has been cultivated and studied in Mexico for thousands of years. With that background, he presented attendees with a choice for how they approach growing the plant.

“We are at a crossroads,” Sandoval Solis said. “We can expand the conventional, environmentally aggressive practices, or we can be a little bit more gentle and socially responsible.”

Spilling the compost tea

Ofelia Lichtenheld demonstrated those gentle, regenerative practices on her farm, Rancho de los Espíritus Contentos, where the event was held. She invited attendees to join the process of brewing a “compost tea.”

The murky cocktail is a mixture of organic nutrients including kelp, molasses, bat guano and vermicompost (aka, worm poop), which will be used to water the various test plots of agave growing on the property. Each agave species is evaluated for its suitability to the local microclimate, and Lichtenheld hopes to set every plant up for success by holistically investing in the farm.

“Chemical fertilizers feed the plants, not the soil. I am very concerned about getting the diverse microbiome in the soil,” Lichtenheld said. “You can tell in the plants – they are very happy.”

Reduction in pesticides and herbicides presents some inconveniences, however. Squirrels and rabbits nibble on Lichtenheld’s plants, drawn to their natural sweetness. Coyotes have damaged her irrigation system by chewing through the plastic tubing.

“I have a lot of challenges. That’s why I wanted to have all these people here so they can learn,” Lichtenheld said.

The farm is experimenting with solutions like enclosing the agave with gopher baskets. Meanwhile, Lichtenheld is installing even more wildlife habitat on her site with help from Point Blue Conservation Science.

She’s confident the long-term benefits of pollinators and other wild visitors will outweigh the frustration during this research and development phase. That’s why she appreciates the guidance shared by UC ANR advisors. She’s also sharing her findings as part of the organic hub of the California Farm Demonstration Network, which supports the exchange of sustainable knowledge and practices between demonstration sites.

“ A farmer should not be farming alone,” Lichtenheld said. “They should be farming with other farmers.”

To that point, agricultural experts from UC ANR and UC Davis are conducting a survey for agave farmers to share their experience growing the crop. The survey is available in English and Spanish. Results will be used to create an agenda for applied research, educational training and manuals of strategies that address current challenges.

Investing in long-term growth

Technically, field day attendee Christopher Konrad has been an agave grower for over a decade. His uncle introduced him to the plant as a water-saving ornamental in his garden.

“They’re easy to propagate,” Konrad said. “He would hand them off to me. I would start growing them and enjoy them in my yard.”

Now, Konrad is thinking about the plant differently – turning the corner from home gardener to entrepreneurial agave grower. He’s watched the crop gain a foothold in California, marked by the establishment of the California Agave Council, a trade group dedicated to the plant.

This year, Konrad purchased 40 acres of remote farmland close to the Cleveland National Forest, with the intention of planting agave and selling them to distillers or landscapers. He envisions a farm that’s integrated with the environment, even enhancing the site’s biodiversity.

Touring Lichtenheld’s farm gave Konrad a role model for turning that vision into reality. He took notes on the compost tea recipe and a possible brand of irrigation system to consider purchasing. He’s even hoping to buy agave plants from Lichtenheld, in addition to the free agave seedlings handed out to every attendee of the field day.

Besides absorbing those technical tips, Konrad left the event reflective of his place in the ecosystem of agave growers.

“I’m trying to get clear with myself: why am I doing it? What are my values? What do I care about? If I can be clear with that, then I can know my path forward,” Konrad said.

Agaves are slow-growing – some species take over a decade to mature. From Konrad’s perspective, a lucrative outcome isn’t guaranteed. Over that time, he plans to experiment alongside experts like Lichtenheld and other UC affiliates to ensure these culturally significant plants are well cared for and don’t compromise the environment around them.

Soon enough, he may have his first harvest to show for it.

“I’m going 2032,” Konrad said. “It sounds like a nice number to me.”

California Ag Today2025-07-10T14:26:22-07:00July 10th, 2025|

Daily Consumption of Grapes Improves Muscle Strength Markers in Postmenopausal Women

A new study from the University of California, Davis, published in the peer reviewed journal Food & Function, provides the first clinical evidence showing that regular consumption of grapes – just 1 ½ cups per day – can improve muscle strength and boost irisin levels in postmenopausal women. The results suggest a promising strategy against age-related muscle decline, also known as sarcopenia.

Sarcopenia is the loss of muscle mass and strength. These losses can start as early as age 40 and with progression over time, sarcopenia adversely affects quality of life including degree of mobility, loss of independence, and higher healthcare costs.

In this study, led by Gerardo Mackenzie, Ph.D., one group of subjects consumed whole grape powder (equivalent to 1 ½ cups fresh grapes per day), while the other group consumed a placebo powder that had none of the beneficial phytonutrients found in grapes. The women consuming grape powder significantly improved their performance on the tests of muscle strength: hand grip and gait speed. Irisin, a hormone that is beneficial for muscle and bone growth, was also measured pre-and post-study interventions. Those consuming grapes had a 14.4% increase in plasma irisin levels, while the placebo group saw a 7.8% decrease in irisin levels, although the changes did not reach statistical significance. However, the research team observed a positive and significant association between changes in grip strength and changes in irisin levels from baseline to the end of the study.

“These findings indicate that regularly consuming a modest amount of grapes – just 1 ½ cups per day – can help improve muscle strength in postmenopausal women who are at risk for muscle loss as part of aging,” said Mackenzie. “Incorporating grapes into the diet may offer an easy and promising nutritional approach to help mitigate sarcopenia, a condition for which there are no effective treatment options.”

California Ag Today2025-07-08T13:47:29-07:00July 8th, 2025|

CDFA Accepting Grant Applications for Adaptive IPM for Invasive Agricultural Pests

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is now accepting grant applications for its Adaptive IPM for Invasive Agricultural Pests program, formerly known as Proactive IPM Solutions. Administered by the Office of Pesticide Consultation and Analysis (OPCA), within the Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability, the program is offering a total of $500,000 in this grant cycle, expected to fund one grant.

This program addresses the threat of invasive agricultural pests in California by developing and implementing adaptable IPM (integrated pest management) strategies that enable swift action against emerging pests, whether they are newly introduced, resurging, or expanding their range. The program also supports research to enhance existing IPM strategies against established invasive agricultural pests that have expanded their reach or do not have any effective management options, particularly those with pesticide resistance. Previously known as Proactive IPM Solutions, the program has evolved into a more agile, responsive, and inclusive initiative—better equipped to meet the growing complexity and urgency of invasive pest threats in California.

CDFA strives to use IPM methods in all pest management activities, and the Adaptive IPM for Invasive Agricultural Pests program prioritizes lower risk pest management solutions, such as biological control, selective or biological chemistries, and cultural control over broad-spectrum insecticides.

Applications are due by 5:00 pm, August 29, 2025. Public or private colleges and universities, local, State, and federal government entities including tribal governments, non-profit organizations, and commodity groups are eligible to apply. The project lead(s) and their institutions must be based in California. Detailed information, including the application process and requirements, is available at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oars/opca/adaptive-ipm.html.

California Ag Today2025-07-08T13:35:31-07:00July 8th, 2025|

California Fresh Fruit Association Announces Clayton Smith Has Been Selected to Serve as the New Director of Government Relations

The California Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA) is pleased to announce the hiring of Clayton Smith, as its new Director of Government Relations. He comes to the Association after serving as a Legislative Assistant in the United States House of Representatives.

CFFA Board Chairwoman Melissa Frank of the Wonderful Company stated, “On behalf of CFFA’s leadership, we are thrilled to welcome Clayton to the Association. His experience working in Washington, DC, along with his background and education will be of great value to our membership.”

Association President Daniel Hartwig added, “I am delighted to welcome Clayton to the CFFA team. He brings extensive professional experience working on issues such as water, labor and trade and I am confident he will be a strong voice for our membership in Sacramento and Washington, DC. I am confident that Clayton will work collaboratively in conjunction with our current staff to continue to serve the needs of the California fresh fruit industry.“

Clayton is a graduate of Oklahoma State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business. He served as an intern for CFFA the summer following his college graduation. Clayton’s first day at the Association was Monday, July 7.

California Ag Today2025-07-08T10:07:41-07:00July 8th, 2025|

California Milk Advisory Board and Partner VentureFuel Expand Support for Dairy-based Startups with Return of Real California Milk Excelerator Competition, Addition of Incubator Track

Applications open through August 4, 2025 for dairy startups and entrepreneurs focused on high-growth dairy products

The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) and innovation consultancy VentureFuel today announced the opening of applications for the seventh Real California Milk Excelerator, one of the largest dairy-specific startup competitions in the world, along with the formalization of an Incubator track for early-stage products.

The competition, which focuses on accelerating value-added products using real milk, features an immersive mentorship program and access to non-dilutive capital and an innovation ecosystem for brand growth. Since launching in 2019, the Real California Milk Excelerator has supported more than 50 startups, helping to drive multi-million-dollar growth and national retail expansion across Whole Foods, Sprouts, Costco and more. The addition of the official Incubator track, piloted in 2024, represents a deepened commitment to driving dairy innovation and supporting a broader ecosystem of entrepreneurs across all stages of growth.

“From concept to commercialization, our expanded program meets innovators where they are and helps them scale by tapping into the powerful benefits of California milk and our support system for brands that use the Real California Milk seal,” said Bob Caroll, CEO of the California Milk Advisory Board. “By formalizing the Incubator alongside the Excelerator, we’re helping even more startups realize their potential and doubling down on our long-term commitment to reimagining what’s possible with real milk from our dairy farm families.”

The Excelerator and Incubator tracks will run for 10 weeks and offer stipends to support program participation—from formulation and production to marketing and retail strategy, along with providing elite mentorship, hands-on support, and connections across the dairy supply chain. The program will culminate in an in-person event in California where Incubator and Excelerator participants will sample their products and the Excelerator cohort will compete in a live pitch competition with up to four finalists taking home $30,000 in marketing support. Those four will then compete over the following 12 months to unlock an additional $100,000 in support based on in-market performance.

The Real California Milk Excelerator is open to growth-stage companies already demonstrating product traction and revenue, while the Incubator track is built for early-stage startups, including pre-revenue concepts. Applicants will be evaluated through a single submission and placed into the track that best aligns with their business stage, traction, and goals.

The program’s return comes amid renewed momentum for dairy. According to Circana, real milk sales rose 4.6% year-over-year in dollar terms through May 2025, underscoring consumer interest in real milk for its taste, nutrition, and versatility.

“Dairy is experiencing a powerful resurgence as consumers seek authentic, nutritious options—and the opportunity for innovation has never been greater,” said Fred Schonenberg, Founder and CEO of VentureFuel. “In year seven of the Real California Milk Excelerator, we continue to unlock new commercial growth for visionary entrepreneurs who are building with dairy, no matter what stage their products are in. By connecting bold ideas with the resources, expertise, and network they need, we are proud to work with CMAB to help shape the future of dairy and drive the next wave of category-defining products.”

Applications are open through August 4, 2025. Startups and entrepreneurs developing high-growth dairy products made with at least 50% dairy are encouraged to apply. Categories of interest include beverages, snacks, cheeses, yogurts, butter, confections, and even non-edible items such as personal care or pet products with a specific interest in GLP-1 friendly, gut health, high protein, lactose-free and reduced sugar products.

Interested parties can apply or learn more about competition rules, key dates, the application process, and RSVP for a virtual information session on July 15, 2025 at 12 PM PST at realcamilkexcelerator.com.

The 2025 Real California Milk Excelerator celebrates the state’s role as the number one producer of dairy in the United States. California, also known for innovation, has a reputation for quality dairy products and leads the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. More than 1,000 family dairy farms produce the milk found in fluid milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, ice cream, and other dairy products identified by the Real California Milk seal.

California Ag Today2025-06-27T10:50:31-07:00June 27th, 2025|

State Water Board Takes Unprecedented Action to Restore Failing Central Valley Sewer System

State’s first-ever wastewater administrator appointee will oversee East Orosi sewer system

Exercising new authorities under a 2024 law to protect public health and ensure access to sanitation in disadvantaged communities, the State Water Resources Control Board today appointed an administrator to provide safe and reliable wastewater services to the Central Valley community of East Orosi.

The appointment of the Tulare County Resource Management Agency to manage East Orosi’s sewer system was facilitated by Assembly Bill 805, which allows the State Water Board to require failing sewer systems that serve disadvantaged communities to contract with an approved administrator. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the landmark bill last September while visiting East Orosi with Board Chair E. Joaquin Esquivel, AB 805 author Assemblyman Dr. Joaquin Arambula and community partners. The board will be responsible for eligible costs associated with the county’s administrator services.

“This appointment is another milestone in the board’s ongoing efforts to ensure that all residents, particularly in underserved rural areas, have access to clean, safe, and affordable water for drinking, cooking and sanitation,” said Esquivel. “Administrator appointment authority has been a critical tool to help us secure safe drinking water for communities, and now it can serve to broaden access to wastewater services as well.”

For nearly a decade, a poorly managed sewer system has exposed residents of the disadvantaged Tulare County community to a variety of challenges, including raw sewage leaks, maintenance backlogs, plumbing issues and billing discrepancies. The administrator will take over management of East Orosi’s system, using their technical expertise and financial support from the board to restore basic sanitation services to approximately 100 low-income households. In addition, a separate technical assistance provider will conduct an engineering study of the system and provide recommendations for system improvements.

“Tulare County applauds the board’s leadership in working to cure the longstanding problems in East Orosi,” said Tulare County Supervisor Eddie Valero. “Tulare County stands ready to remedy obstacles, provide transparent management of the sewer system and work towards a long-term solution for the community.”

Following the enactment of AB 805, the board moved quickly to update its policies to facilitate the sewer system administrator process, hold public comment periods and meetings with East Orosi residents and approve nearly $390,000 to Tulare County for the administrator services. The county was selected through a solicitation process that requires it to ensure the sewer system comes into compliance with applicable sewer and wastewater regulations sustainably into the future. Since 2022, the county has served as the administrator of East Orosi’s drinking water system.

Failing and outdated sanitation systems can threaten access to drinking water supplies or cause harmful algal blooms and other environmental harm. The board is conducting a nation-leading effort to evaluate the conditions of the state’s estimated 100,000 miles of sewer lines and more than 900 wastewater treatment plants. The ongoing assessment aims to identify financial gaps and permanent funding solutions to assist more communities suffering from inadequate sewer systems like East Orosi.

Find more information at the Sewer System Administrators: Community and Program Information | California State Water Resources Control Board page.

California Ag Today2025-06-11T15:46:11-07:00June 11th, 2025|

UC Davis Launches Small-Batch Wine Label

Hilgard631 Wine Sales Will Benefit Student Scholarship

By Emily C. Dooley

For the first time in its storied history, the University of California, Davis, is selling wines to the public made by students, staff and faculty from grapes they grow in the Napa Valley and around campus in Yolo County.

Hilgard631 has been in the works for more than 10 years and was made possible by a 2021 state law that allows the transfer of as much as 20,000 gallons of Department of Viticulture and Enology wines to a nonprofit that will handle public sales. With this release, the department bottled roughly 500 gallons of wine to sell.

Money from the sales will support student scholarships. By using the grapes and wines produced through teaching, the department is enhancing sustainability. Prior to these sales, wines made by students, including in a 10-week winemaking course, had to be discarded.

“These wines represent our students, their knowledge, creativity and learning,” said Ben Montpetit, chair of the Department of Viticulture and Enology. “From vine to bottle, our students are involved in every step.”

The wine label name pays homage to Eugene Hilgard, founding director of the university’s Agricultural Experiment Station, and 631, which is the address of the Teaching and Research Winery on campus.

The wines sold under Hilgard631 include a 2020 cabernet sauvignon and 2024 sauvignon blanc made from grapes at Oakville Station, a research and teaching vineyard in the heart of Napa County.

Twelve other wines made by students in the product development class, known as VEN 127L, also will be for sale, including albariño, chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon and petite sirah.

VEN 127L has traditionally been focused on blending, wine stabilization, bottling and the design of labels, and this launch broadens the class to include the consideration of selling, said Professor David Block, who created the course in 2017 when he was chair of the department.

“The wines are made by students who are still learning and getting to try out things they may not have done before,” Block said. “It’s a new aspect of the program. It’s more sustainable than pouring it down the drain.”

In VEN 127L, student winemakers are divided into three groups and charged with developing a red and white wine. Each group also gets help from a professional consultant and department alum who offers advice throughout the class.

“It’s absolutely fascinating,” said Leticia Chacón-Rodríguez, the winemaker and winery manager. “The students get to connect everything that they learn — all the chemistry, regulations, marketing and blending. The blending piece is where you really put your senses into play.”

Students also design their own labels. Master’s student Bainian Chen designed the Oakville Station labels, which are a mix of vibrant colors and some familiar campus sights such as the water tower and a bike.

“I usually love my pictures to be very colorful, full of imagination,” said Chen, who is known to give artwork to friends and professors. “I wanted to leave something for the viticulture and enology department.”

The student winemakers also helped label and bottle the wines, working a commercial mobile bottling line in a trailer behind the winery.

“To see it being bottled is coming full circle for all of us,” master’s student Megan Hill said.

Block feels the same way. “I want to buy the first bottle of wine,” he said.

Wines will range in price from $30 to $40 per bottle for student labels and from $50 to $125 per bottle for the Oakville wines. The winery is bonded and meets federal regulations for commercial wine sales. More information can be found at the Hilgard631 website.

California Ag Today2025-06-11T15:18:34-07:00June 11th, 2025|

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