Supporting Student Research in Viticulture and Enology
Araujo Student Research Fund Empowers Student-led Solutions
Research at UC Davis goes beyond the lab. It’s a launchpad for future leadership in the wine industry. The newly established Araujo Family V&E Scholars Research Fund is making that possible by providing helpful awards so that graduate students in the Department of Viticulture and Enology can focus fully on their studies without financial stress.
In the 2025-2026 academic year, the fund will support six graduate students, a mix of master’s and Ph.D. candidates, who are pursuing applied research projects in viticulture and enology. Students apply their knowledge to real-world challenges, from sustainable grape growing to innovations in winemaking, by working in vineyards, partnering with industry and testing their ideas at the campus winery.
“This type of support is invaluable to us,” said Ben Montpetit, chair of the Department of Viticulture and Enology. “It empowers us to say ‘yes’ to somebody. Students want opportunity, but without these funds, we would have to say ‘no’ to students who want to join us here. And this support allows us to say ‘yes,’ a simple but powerful word that provides opportunity to our students and knowledge and future solutions for the grape and wine industry. It's incredible.”
Bart and Daphne Araujo are generous supporters of education and the future of the wine industry. Since their first vintage in 1991, they have crafted exceptional wines and helped shape the community. Through their gift, they are investing in students who will carry that legacy forward – supporting not just research, but personal growth and career opportunity.
For many students, this is the difference between participating in research or not. The Araujo Fund provides much-needed resources to keep them engaged in projects that matter to the world of wine and the environment.
“When people are given opportunity, it does wonders for their confidence, for their belief in themselves,” said Montpetit. “For many of our students thinking about the future and what they want to do, whether a grape grower, a wine maker or someone who's working in other aspects of the industry, to have individuals of such a stature investing in them, provides a lot of empowerment and self- value. I think it undoubtedly helps launch these students on their career path.”
When students graduate from UC Davis, they’re not just ready to work, they’re already connected to the wine world because of the training they get on campus and in the field.
Support the department and give students the chance to say ‘yes’ to research that matters.
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Ben Montpetit
Chair of the Department of Viticulture and Enology