Fresno State’s viticulture and enology programs will be represented at the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium Jan. 29-31 in Sacramento.

The symposium is the largest of its kind in the western hemisphere with an estimated 12,000 participants. It is presented jointly by the American Society of Enology and Viticulture and the California Association of Winegrape Growers.

The symposium, which provides practical information important to wine and grape industry professionals, includes a trade show with more than 650 suppliers displaying their products and services, as well as a diverse lineup of professional speakers ­that will address industry needs.

Faculty and staff from Fresno State’s Department of Viticulture and Enology will staff a booth at the trade show two days, Wednesday and Thursday.

The department also will host the Fresno State Alumni & Friends Reunion at the Hyatt Regency in Sacramento on Wednesday evening, with support from the Viticulture and Enology Alumni Association.

Dr. Jim Kennedy, chair of Fresno State’s Department of Viticulture and Enology, currently serves as the first vice president of the American Society of Enology and Viticulture’s board of directors.

During the symposium a general session addressing the global wine market, the state of the industry and consumer trends begins each day.

Afternoon breakout sessions will focus on four subject areas: grape growing, winemaking, business, and marketing and public relations.

A session in spanish with a wine tasting is also included in the Thursday program.

The event will be held at the Sacramento Convention Center (1400 J Street). For a detailed program schedule and registration details, go to Unified Wine & Grape Symposium.