FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — There’s plenty to toast about when it comes to Fresno State.
And in one department, students are doing so– with wine they actually produced.
“They’re making, what I would call, world-class wines at school. They’re doing this while they’re getting their education,” says Tom Montgomery, winemaker for the Fresno State Winery.
Fresno State is the first university in the country to have a commercial winery on campus.
Many of those working on the wine are also pursuing degrees in Enology—the scientific study of wine.
“I think at the beginning, for some, it’s a curiosity factor. But there are some of those who know, this is what they want to do,” Montgomery says.
Students learn everything from growing grapes to microbiology.
“We’re pulling samples once or twice a week during harvest, running full chem analysis,” says Diego Mantelli, a Junior at Fresno State.
They also bottle the wine—and market it.
“It’s 100 percent student-run,” says Adison Todd, who is studying sales and marketing. “Learning all of the aspects that go into a winery prepping me for my career.”
Even at a time when the industry is struggling.
A 2025 report from The Wine Institute found U.S. wine exports dropped by 35 percent.
In Northern California alone, four wineries have announced closures or layoffs just this year.
But bottle by bottle these students are determined to turn things around.
The students produced 21 different varieties in 2025 – winning two double golds, a gold, two silvers and a bronze at the recent San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.
“It took my family a while to understand I’m actually working at a winery,” says Clara Trenado, a Freshman at Fresno State. “Wine is something that’s been around thousands of years — and it’s going to be around thousands more. I just want to be part of that little bit that goes into the growing of vineyards.”
Even as Trenado and others can’t actually buy the wine they’re producing.
They’re not 21 years old yet.
“I’ve spit out some of the most expensive wines in the world, and I’m proud of it,” Mantelli said.
Montgomery says Fresno State Enology grads are in demand.
He says one student who will be graduating this spring already has four job offers—and plans to work in Napa Valley.
FILE – Wine produces at Fresno State on sale at the Gibson Farm Market{ } (Photo: Christina Lopez/FOX26)
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You can buy the wines produced by students at the Fresno State Winery, the Gibson Farm Market, and retailers across the Central Valley.