COVID-19 has affected the way we report news across the world. The stories we tell and our information gathering processes for feature news have shifted to virtual formats.
My name is Julia Kryzan and since the beginning of quarantine, I have participated in more than my fair share of virtual happy hours and become a big self-proclaimed wine-enthusiast. When my partner Lauren Hodgins proposed the idea to write about the new JUSTIN and J.LOHR Center for Wine and Viticulture, I immediately agreed. We both thought it would be interesting to learn more about the construction of this facility during the pandemic and how this project would affect students, faculty, the Wine and Viticulture Department, and community members in San Luis Obispo (not to mention we both LOVE wine).
Lauren and I interviewed Allyson Dela Cruz, the Director of Development for the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences who explained the wide impact this new facility will create.
“It’s going to provide an educational environment that is similar to what the students will see in the industry and it will allow our students to gain not only the knowledge needed to be successful in the industry but the hands-on skills, the work ethic needed to really be successful right when they graduate,” Dela Cruz said.
After the interview, I was very impressed with the department and their commitment to giving students industry experience. Their wine club and partnerships with local wineries, to me, was a huge factor setting Cal Poly’s program apart.
Lauren and I both joked in the interview that Allyson’s background picture featuring the inside of the new winery was enough to make us switch our majors and stay an extra four years.
“I thought it was really interesting to hear of the extensive plans that the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences has for the future,” said Hodgins. “Not only are they getting this new wine center, but a new research center and plans down the line to create a tasting room/place for all of their majors to sell their products. It was really exciting to hear of the future for this college and Cal Poly in general.”
Through this story, we hope to raise awareness of the new construction and the department’s plans for future program expansion.
Follow @Cal Poly College of Agriculture, Food & Environmental Sciences and @California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) on Facebook and visit www.cafesbuilds.calpoly.edu/center-for-wine-and-viticulture/ for more information.