Jan 17, 2024

UC-Davis Viticulture & Enology sees new leadership

The Department of Viticulture & Enology at the University of California-Davis recently changed leadership.

Professor David Block stepped down as department chair after 12.5 years, and Ben Montpetit, associate professor, was named interim chair, effective Jan. 1.

Block’s tenure as department chair ranks as the second longest in department history, exceeded by the late Albert Winkler, who was chair for more than 20 years. After taking a break for sabbatical leave during part of 2024, Block will transition to focus more on research and teaching at UC-Davis. Block joined the Viticulture & Enology Department in 1996 and has a joint appointment as a professor in the UC-Davis Department of Chemical Engineering.

Montpetit has served as vice chair for two years. He joined the department faculty in 2016 as a yeast microbiologist to succeed Linda Bisson, the former faculty microbiology specialist, when she retired. One of Montpetit’s planned focuses is to enhance the student experience, which will include the teaching and classroom experience, as well as expand upon the research opportunities for students.

More information about Block’s accomplishments and Montpetit’s vision for the future of the department is in a Wine Business Monthly article.

A reception for Block will be during the Unified Wine and Grape Symposium Jan. 24.