Five new Italian varietals will be featured at the Vino Italiano Wine-tasting on Thursday, April 22, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Fresno State Winery (2360 E. Barstow between Cedar and Maple).

This event, presented by the winery, the Enology Society, and the Department of Viticulture and Enology at California State University, Fresno, is open to the public. Admission is $10.

“The community is invited to join us for a casual evening in the winery among the tanks as we celebrate the release of our new Italian varietals produced by our students,” said Robert Wample, chair of the Department of Viticulture and Enology and director of the Viticulture and Enology Research Center.

Fresno State’s 2001 and 2002 San Joaquin County Barberas, 2001 California Muscato, and

the 2002 President’s Reserve San Joaquin County Primitivo will be among the wines featured.

Guests will also have the opportunity to take part in a barrel tasting of Fresno State’s 2003 Sangiovese.

” ‘Vino Italiano’ is a great way for wine lovers and enthusiasts to learn more about Fresno State wine and meet some of our enology students,” said Kenneth Fugelsang, Fresno State winemaster.

Produced from valley grapes, the 2002 Barbera, 2000 Muscato, and the 2002 President’s Reserve Primitivo have all received honors at various wine competitions.

The 2002 Primitivo recognizes California State University, Fresno’s President John D. Welty. Autographed bottles are available.

“The 2002 President’s Reserve Primitivo is an extraordinary wine that combines fruity flavors with pepper and sweet oak,” Fugelsang said.

The $10 includes a taste of each of the featured wines, complimentary hors d’ oeuvres, coffee and dessert, and an opportunity to purchase wine at a discount. A $5 admission discount is available for faculty, staff, students, alumni association members and members of the Fresno State Wine Club.

Vino Italiano registration forms are available on the winery’s web site at www.FresnoStateWinery.com. Admission is payable at the door. Individuals must be 21 years

of age or older to attend.

Inquiries about Vino Italiano or registration should be directed to Fugelsang by email at kennethf@csufresno.edu or fax (559) 278-6619.

For more information on the Department of Viticulture and Enology, call 559 278-2089 or visit http://cast.csufresno.edu/ve.

For more information on the Fresno State Winery, call 559 278-WINE (9463) or visit www.FresnoStateWinery.com.

For more information about the Enology Society, call 559 278-3665 or visit http://www.csufenologysociety.com.

EDITORS and NEWS/PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIRECTORS: Press releases can be downloaded at www.fresnostatenews.com. University Relations also provides releases for news media companies

via e-mail. To be added to the distribution list, send your e-mail address to tomu@csufresno.edu.