Vincent Petrucci, professor emeritus of viticulture at California State University, Fresno, was honored by the San Joaquin Valley Winegrowers Association for lifetime service to the wine grape industry in the California’s Central Valley.

Petrucci, who taught at Fresno State from 1948 until 1993, helped establish the viticulture and enology academic program and the Viticulture and Enology Research Center (VERC). Since retiring, Petrucci has published numerous papers and books detailing wine and grape growing.

The association also honored Bob McInturf, a founder and 31-year president of Allied Grape Growers, and Mike Nury, a chemist whose efforts to concentrate grape flavors have helped table grape, wine and specialty products’ industries.

Fresno State has served viticulture and enology students since 1948 through several programs before the Department of Viticulture and Enology was established in 2000. It was the first California State University campus to combine research and academic offerings in both disciplines, and the first university in the nation with a winery bonded to market student-produced wines commercially.

Program graduates fill leading grape and wine industry positions worldwide.

The Vincent E. Petrucci Library in VERC recognizes contributions of the former professor who founded the center in 1985. It also serves students enrolled in the viticulture and enology programs as well as the public, faculty, staff and industry.

In 1994, the CSU conferred an honorary doctorate of science on Petrucci.

“Vince Petrucci is truly an icon of modern viticulture in California and beyond,” said Dr. James Prince, interim department chair for viticulture and enology. “Thousands of people in the field have been touched by Vince and his efforts.”

Related link:

Department of Viticulture and Enology