Viticulture and Enology Program Graduate Spotlight

Alex Cabrera, a recent Viticulture Undergraduate Program graduate, was inspired to pursue an education into viticulture after having exposure to Peruvian pisco, a clear, unadulterated brandy made from distilled wine. He had his first viticulture experience working at his extended family’s pisco business in Peru, doing back-breaking work with pergola trellised grapes several summers ago. Originally a student of biochemistry and biophysics program at OSU, Alex decided to switch to the Viticulture and Enology program to pursue the science and art of grape growing and wine making that he was so fascinated by while working in Peru as well as reading the literature.

When asked what he liked most about the OSU Viticulture and Enology program, Alex replied “The staff. The fact that several professors and instructors in both the horticulture and food science departments were always there outside of the classroom to answer my many questions and give advice greatly helped my learning.”

Alex graduated this March from OSU. He has taken a position as an assistant vineyard manager at Abacela Vineyards and Winery located outside of Roseburg in the Umpqua AVA. Alex was an intern at Abacela Vineyards and Winery during the summer of 2006, where he gained a great deal of experience working with over 20 winegrape varieties. Alex believes that this internship helped him to start understanding both the science and art of grape growing, reinforcing the knowledge gained in the classroom with practical vineyard experience.

“I was very lucky to have a great boss and teacher, Earl Jones, as well as working alongside a very qualified staff,” Alex explains.

Alex Cabrera graduated from the Viticulture option this March. He has chosen to stay with the Oregon winegrape industry to due the focus on quality and precision in grape production.

Evan Bellingar
Bachelor of Science
Class of 2006

Favorite Wine: “locally produce Pinot noir!”

Originally from Bellingham Washington, Evan has enjoyed his journey at OSU. While studying grape production and winemaking, Evan has worked as the Student Vineyard Manager at OSU’s Woodhall Vineyard. His responsibilities have included basic vineyard management and maintenance as well as interacting with University Researchers to help manage their projects.

Upon graduation, Evan will begin working full time for Advanced Vineyard Systems Inc, a premier vineyard design, development, and management company. Evan will work as a Site Manager overseeing crews as they develop and manage vineyard land in the North Willamette Valley. “I’m looking forward to being in the heart of the industry” Evan shares. “I look forward to learning from the people who have made this industry so successful.”

When asked about his experience as a student at OSU, Evan replies “I was so excited my Junior year when I found out about the Viticulture and Enology option OSU offered. This is what I’d always wanted to do!” As a Horticulture student, Evan has enjoyed the small class sizes, the accessibility to faculty and resources, and the fact that “the faculty seemed interested in my success”.

In the future, Evan hopes to be growing grapes and making wine of his own. Until then, he is looking forward to learning as much as he can while enjoying “being a part of the highest quality Pinot noir production in the world”.