Viticulture

WineVit showcases important WSU student and faculty wine science research

Washington State University research representation was strong at the recent WineVit conference, with many faculty, staff, and students taking home awards for their hard work.

Danni Fox stands next to her research poster.

WSU scientists offer research, advice for successful vineyard management

From unpredictable weather to pests and diseases, vineyard managers contend with a lot of challenges. Sessions at the recent WineVit conference showed that Washington State University scientists are determined to help Washington’s grape growers be successful and prosperous.

A panel of four sits in chairs. One speaks into a microphone and looks toward an individual standing at the podium. A black curtain is behind them.

WSU V&E department on track for a future of more diverse voices and continued partnership

At the annual WineVit conference, WSU Viticulture & Enology Department Founding Chair Jean Dodson Peterson outlined an exciting future, explaining how V&E will support WSU’s larger goals of creating a diverse set of global leaders and applying research to real-world situations.

Jean Dodson Peterson speaks at a podium on a stage. A sign that says "Washington Winegrowers" is attached to the podium.

WSU wine industry research liaison recognized with Walter J. Clore Award

Melissa Hansen, Washington State Wine Commission research program director, is the 2022 Walter J. Clore Award winner. The award recognizes her work to establish a strong research partnership between the wine industry and WSU.

Melissa Hansen holds her trophy.

WSU grape smoke exposure expert named Innovator of the Year by Wine Enthusiast Magazine

Department of V&E Assistant Professor Tom Collins was recently selected as Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s Innovator of the Year for his influential research on grape smoke exposure mitigation.

Collins stands next to a barrel in the winery.

Student-created wines blend well with holiday celebrations

RICHLAND, Wash. — Those looking for a special wine to celebrate the holidays need search no further than the student-made wines of Washington State University’s Blended Learning class. The course, which is currently holding a holiday wine sale, was launched in 2012 by Thomas Henick-Kling, a WSU Department of Viticulture and Enology professor who recognized a […]

Annette Loring works with a wine instrumentation device in the wine science center, standing next to a barrell.

German visiting scholar studies red wine quality, composition at WSU Wine Science Center

As a student in Germany, Ingrid Weilack was inspired by Washington State University enology professor Jim Harbertson. Now, the visiting scholar is experiencing what it’s like to work with him at the Ste. Michelle Wine Estates WSU Wine Science Center.

A woman in an orange sweater and white shirt sits at a lab desk, holding a tray of vials of polyphenol extracts.

Q&A: Viticulture & Enology Department Founding Chair Jean Dodson Peterson

Jean Dodson Peterson joined WSU this fall as founding chair of the newly established Department of Viticulture and Enology. In a Q&A, she describes her goals for the department, including combatting climate change’s effect on grapes and curriculum redesign.

A woman in a black vest and gray shirt stands in a vineyard with blue sky in the background.

Cross-university internships at Prosser research & Extension center help students, mentors grow

In collaborative internships, visiting students explore wine science, entomology, fruit breeding, and engineering at IAREC.

Selenia Oronia at entomology lab