In Profile: Grayson Davies shines as Tech's first viticulture, enology graduate
A wine produced by Texas Tech's first viticulture and enology graduate has been awarded a platinum designation for its bold taste at the San Diego International Wine Competition, a nationally-recognized blind-taste test conducted by professional sommeliers. Grayson Davies graduated from the university's program in 2011 and has since helped his family's vineyard in Saint Jo (53 miles northwest of Denton) grow into a full winery, known as Arche.
"We're proud to claim Grayson," said Ed Hellman, a professor in Tech's Department of Plant and Soil Science. "I was confident that he would quickly apply his education to take the family business to the next level. His recent platinum award is clear evidence of his success."
Davies said that out of about 3,000 wines entered in the competition, less than 30 were chosen for platinum. Out of those that were selected, his was the only Roussanne. Roussanne is a late ripening grape variety that produces a distinctive white wine.
Although Davies initially pursued a business career, his taste and love for a nice glass of wine led him to Texas Tech with a group of other students pursuing careers in viticulture and enology. After completing his general coursework at North Central Texas College, he began his coursework in 2009.
"Grayson was an energetic and inquisitive student who was always involved in class discussions and asked excellent questions," Hellman said. "He was often looking for practical applications of viticultural principles that he could apply back home in his family's vineyard and winery."
Since beginning the program in 2009, Texas Tech remains the only university in Texas with a four-year undergraduate viticulture and enology graduate program. The program continues to grow by adding new classes, internship opportunities and also teaching classes in Fredericksburg where its teaching vineyard is located.
Written by Norman Martin
CONTACT: Richard Zartman, Department Chair and Leidigh Professor of Soil Physics, Department of Plant and Soil Science, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2838 or richard.zartman@ttu.edu
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Editor's Note: For more information on specialization in CASNR's Viticulture and Enology Program at Texas Tech, go to http://www.pssc.ttu.edu/VEpage/default.php
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