By Dateline Staff on May 10, 2019 in University
Amid the International Wine and Health Summit held May 4-7 at UC Davis, the Renaud Society welcomed Gary S. May into its ranks as a chevalier, recognizing his role as chancellor of a university with leading programs in viticulture and enology, and health.
“We are a society of medical professionals with an interest in better health and a passion for wine,” the organization proclaims. It is named after the researcher Serge Renaud, known as the “Father of the French Paradox,” theorizing that wine can contribute to improved health.
Indeed, as reported by UC Davis’ Andrew Waterhouse, presentations at the wine and health summit held here led to the general conclusion of an association between moderate consumption of alcohol — particularly wine — and reduced mortality.
Renaud Society logo, "Better Health, Passion for Wine"“This association is largely due to reduced heart disease, with numerous studies and meta-analyses continuing to confirm the effect first reported by Renaud more than 40 years ago,” said Waterhouse, professor of viticulture and enology and director of the Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science, which sponsored the summit in partnership with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, the Desert Heart Foundation and the Renaud Society.
Waterhouse served as the summit co-chair with Tedd Goldfinger, the society’s grand maître (master). It was Goldfinger who, during a gala dinner at the International Center, surprised Chancellor May with his new title, represented by a neck ribbon and tastevin (wine tasting cup, attached to the ribbon).
Chancellor May, in his welcome remarks that night, noted the university’s agricultural roots and continuing research on grape growing and winemaking.
