University Wine Wins State Fair 'Super Award' Today At Grape And Gourmet Event In Sacramento

For the third year in a row, California State University, Fresno's student-produced wine is among the "super award'" winners of this year's California State Fair Wine Competition announced tonight at the Grape and Gourmet event in Sacramento.

Fresno State's 1999 Barbera Linden Hills Vineyards received a gold medal with a high 94 rating and a prestigious Best of Class in the California State Appalachian region super award. The 1999 Barbera was produced from grapes grown in San Joaquin County at Duarte Nursery's Linden Hills Vineyard.

Two other medal winners at this competition include a silver medal for Fresno State's 1999 Syrah Saviez Farms and a bronze medal for their 2000 White Zinfandel, both produced from grapes grown in Fresno County.

The wines will be available at the state fair held at the Cal Expo in Sacramento when it runs Aug. 17 through Sept. 3.

Later this week, Fresno State viticulture and enology officials and students who were at the Sacramento event will present the awards to university officials in a special presentation on campus, said Dr. Robert Wample, chair of the university's Viticulture and Enology Department and director of the Viticulture and Enology Research Center.

California State University, Fresno is the first and only university in the nation that has a commercial license to produce, bottle and sell wine. The commercial winery and vineyard, located on the Fresno State campus, are used by the viticulture and enology teaching and research programs.

Fresno State wines are available for purchase at the Fresno State Farm Market on Chestnut and Barstow Avenues as well as other retail outlets. Proceeds benefit College of Agriculture and Science Technology programs.