Fresno State Viticulture and Enology Student Spotlight: Alberto Ramirez 

 

Q: Why did you choose to attend Fresno State, and how did you pick your major?

"I chose to attend Fresno State because of its more well-known and established viticulture program. They had a vineyard on campus, and all of the management staff I worked with are Fresno State graduates."

Q: When do you intend to graduate?

"I intend to graduate with my bachelor’s in the fall of 2024 and my master’s in the fall of 2026."

Q: What do you consider your hometown and /or where are you a native of (& include state/country if applicable)?

"My hometown is Shandon, CA in San Luis Obispo county." 

 

Q: Did you have any other family members graduate or attend Fresno State?

"I will be the first person in my family to graduate with a college degree." 

 

Q: Which classes & faculty members have had the biggest influence on you while at Fresno State?

"Dr. Kristy Sun pushed for me to get into the JCAST honors program and also sparked my enjoyment of wine. Dr. Cliff Yu is my mentor for my Honors project and just an all-around amazing person and professor. 

 

Q: Have you been involved with research on campus, and how will it benefit your career path?

"Yes, it plays a crucial role in better understanding the uses and benefits of cover crops in vineyards as a vineyard manager. Keeping up to date with vineyard management practices is very crucial in today’s industry climate."

"My current project with Dr. Yu focuses on how we can use cover crops to favor vine microclimates and pest/ disease pressures. This can help with things like heat absorption and water retention, which in turn can lead to less damage to the crop and the use of less irrigation. Furthermore, if microclimates and pests/diseases can be altered into favorable conditions for the grower, this can lead to less spraying and save the grower money in the end. "

 

Q: What was your background in agriculture before you started at Fresno State?

"Most of my family was involved in the vineyard industry. My dad is an equipment operator for Treasury Wine Estates, my mom is in a crew for Paris Valley Vineyard Services Co., and my uncle owns a labor contractor in the area."

"I started working for Martinez Framing alongside my father from 2014-2019 (ages 14-18). That job included field labor, irrigation, equipment operation, welding, and vineyard management for roughly 1,000 acres.

"From 2019-present (ages 18-22) I started working for Paris Valley Vineyard Services Co./ Mesa Vineyard Management as a viticulture technician. My primary job is to handle all sampling, statistical-related things, and equipment technology implementation. The operation is roughly 7,000 acres and growing. ." 

 

Q: What clubs/organizations at Fresno State have you been a part of?

"I am the Treasure of the Viticulture Cub and the Vice-president of the Enology Society."

Q: Have you received any scholarships related to campus, the Jordan College or Ag One?  

"Yes, I was selected for the Ag One-American Vineyard Magazine Viticulture Scholarship, Ag One-Ron Radoicich Memorial Scholarship, AG One-Ross Borba, Sr. Family Scholarship, and Ag One-Allied Grape Growers-Robert "Bob" McInturf Scholarship." 

Q: What’s your potential next career step, and do you have any other general career directions or options to mention?

"My main goal is to go into vineyard management, and I want to manage a vineyard that is at least 2,000 acres. I like being outdoors and in these large-scale, high-production environments." 

Q: Have you overcome any challenges to get where you are today that have shaped who you are?

"My hunger to better myself and be successful has gotten me to this point. I always strive to better myself and continuously learn new concepts. My will to learn has shaped me into who I am today." 

Q: Are there any other interesting notes about yourself that you would like to include?

"This fall at the age of 23, I will take part in my 10th harvest in the industry. I also hold 7 different AWS welding certifications."