Wine Content

Sip Happens: What's Behind Wine's Decline

Amy M Quinton — November 20, 2025 - 10:04am

Global wine consumption is down. And the reasons are far more complicated than you might expect. In this episode, UC Davis experts unpack what’s behind the trend.

Can a Simple Calcium Spray Protect Grapes from Wildfire Smoke?

Andy Fell — February 24, 2026 - 3:39pm

Smoke from wildfires can alter grapes and affect the taste and sensory experience of wine, threatening California’s $88 billion industry as it faces an increase in fires on the horizon. Researchers from the University of California, Davis, and U.S. Department of Agriculture spent last summer applying a calcium spray to grapes to see if the treatment can protect the fruit from smoke exposure.

Is Wine Really Healthy? Experts Summarize the Research

Jocelyn C Anderson — January 28, 2026 - 12:30pm

Wine ranks as a popular beverage that has stood the test of time, lending an effortless elegance to any occasion.

But is wine good for your health?

Cabernet Sauvignon’s Long Memory Revealed

Amy M Quinton — November 18, 2025 - 9:33am

UC Davis scientists find chemical "switches" that control gene expression in cabernet sauvignon remain stable across hundreds of years of clonal reproduction.

UC Davis Launches Small-Batch Wine Label

Amy M Quinton — June 11, 2025 - 11:00am

UC Davis is selling wines to the public made by students, staff and faculty from Napa Valley and Yolo County grapes.

Beaulieu Vineyard Donates Historic Archives to UC Davis Library

Julia Ann Easley — February 11, 2025 - 7:00am

More than 60,000 pieces of archival material, including photographs, ledger books and other media make up a new library collection established in the name of Beaulieu Vineyard, or BV, at the University of California, Davis.

Why Do Some People Get Headaches From Drinking Red Wine?

Amy M Quinton — November 20, 2023 - 2:00am

Ever get a headache after drinking red wine? UC Davis researchers may have uncovered the culprit: the flavanol quercetin and its impact on alcohol metabolism.

Anita Oberholster and Colleagues Recognized for Smoke Taint Research

Amy M Quinton — January 31, 2023 - 2:28pm

Wine Enthusiast Magazine has named UC Davis enologist Anita Oberholster and two of her colleagues from other universities “Innovators of the Year” for their research on the effects of wildfire smoke on wine grapes.

Cabernet Can Survive Climate Change

Amy M Quinton — September 29, 2022 - 8:30am

UC Davis researchers find cabernet and other wine grapes can survive the extreme heat of climate change, with the right trellis system.

FFAR Grant to Help Improve Vineyard Soil Health

Katherine E Kerlin — August 03, 2022 - 12:20pm

Wine grapes are susceptible to subtle changes in temperature and precipitation, making them particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

Regenerative agriculture, which uses holistic farming and grazing practices to strengthen soil health and crop productivity, may help grape vines become more resilient to changing climate conditions. However, more research is needed to increase adoption of regenerative agriculture practices on vineyards.