Agriculture

Vincent E. Petrucci, founder of Fresno State enology program, dies

The Fresno Bee
Vincent E. Petrucci stands next to his 100-foot-long grapevine in his backyard in 2005. Petrucci, who founded the viticulture and enology programs at Fresno State, died Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2016.
Vincent E. Petrucci stands next to his 100-foot-long grapevine in his backyard in 2005. Petrucci, who founded the viticulture and enology programs at Fresno State, died Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2016. Tomas Ovalle Fresno Bee file

Vincent E. Petrucci, founder of the viticulture and enology programs at Fresno State, died Tuesday, the school announced.

“If it wasn’t for Vincent, Fresno wouldn’t be the place for all the wineries to recruit from, “ Bo Barrett of Napa Valley winery Chateau Montelana said in a 2015 interview. “He has done so much for the business.”

Just this fall, the Fresno State winery released Petrucci’s Crush, a limited edition red wine blend in Petrucci’s honor.

Services are pending.

Check www.fresnobee.com Wednesday for more on Dr. Petrucci’s life and influence.

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