- Fall 1997 "Update" Newsletter Article -
First Crush
From CATI Publication #971001
Copyright © 1997. All rights reserved.
Faculty and staff technicians for California State University, Fresno's Enology Program watch as the first load of grapes is prepared for crushing at the university's new commercial winery. The ceremonial crushing, complete with dignitaries and news media, took place Aug. 26 and marked the beginning of operations of the first commercial university winery in the United States. A commercial license allows the sale of the wine with the proceeds going back to university programs. But research will still be a key facet of winery operations, explained professor Carlos Muller, director of the enology program.
"There is so much flexibility in this operation. This winery will be a tremendous asset to the university and to our work here," he said. The first bottling of estate white wine will be named for professor emeritus and former director of the Viticulture and Enology Research Center, Vincent Petrucci. Approximately 500 cases will be produced and will be available in December at $12.50 per bottle or $150 per case.
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