UC Davis launches label to sell Napa Valley wines

(KRON) — Wines made by University of California, Davis students and staff from grapes they grew in the heart of Napa Valley will be sold to the public for the first time in the school’s history. Proceeds from the approximately 500 gallons of wine bottled to sell will support student scholarships, according to the university.

The wines, which will be sold under the nonprofit label Hilgard631, include a 2020 cabernet sauvignon and 2024 sauvignon blanc made from grapes at the university’s Napa County research vineyard, Oakville Station. Other varieties will come from vineyards located around the UC Davis campus in Yolo County, such as a Petit Sirah, Chardonnay and Albariño.

“From vine to bottle, our students are involved in every step,” said Ben Montpetit, chair of the Department of Viticulture and Enology.

The student winemakers are “still learning and getting to try out things they may not have done before,” said Professor David Block. The wines produced in class used to be discarded, but that was allowed to change after a state law was enacted that allows up to 20,000 gallons of wine produced by the university to be transferred to a nonprofit for sales.

Wines crafted, designed and bottled by students will be priced at $30 to $40 per bottle. The Oakville wines cost $50 to $125.

Montpetit said the wines “represent our students, their knowledge, creativity and learning.”

All Hilgard631 wines are sold locally in Davis at the Teaching and Research Winery at 631 Hilgard Road. Purchasing is limited to June 24, 25, 26 and July 10 and 24 between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.