FRESNO STATE PRODUCES FIRST COMMERCIAL CRUSH

News Release
August 27, 1997

CONTACT
Cynthia Wood
Center for Viticulture and Enology Research
(559)278-7135

FRESNO STATE PRODUCES FIRST COMMERCIAL CRUSH

The Enology Program at California State University, Fresno produced its first commercial crush at the university's Agricultural Foundation winery on Tuesday, August 26, 1997. The crush will produce the first commercial vintage which will be bottled to produce approximately 500 cases of estate white wine.

The crush marks the beginning of Fresno State's new era of winemaking as the only university in the nation with a commercial license. In addition to the commercial winery, Fresno State also has an experimental facility.

More than 50 enology students are currently enrolled in the program, most of whom will be involved in the making of the first vintage. The first bottling will be named for professor emeritus and former director of the Viticulture and Enology Research Center, Dr. Vincent Petrucci.

"I am indeed honored to have the very first bottling of California State University, Fresno wine named after me," said Dr. Petrucci. "I consider this a great honor, as does the rest of my family."

Dr. Carlos Muller, professor and director of the Enology Program, said the grapes for the Vincent E. Petrucci vintage will be delivered to the crusher/stemmer early Tuesday morning, via the brand new belt conveyor donated by WESTEC.

The wine will be available for purchase by mid-December at the university's Farm Market, located at the corner of Chestnut and Barstow, for $12.50 per bottle or $150 per case.

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