Harold P. Olmo
1909-2006
“The passing of Professor Harold Olmo marks the end of an era for the wine and grape industry. His breadth of knowledge and his adventurous spirit were critical to the reemergence of viticulture in California. His lasting imprint will be his tradition of innovation; illustrated by the tremendous collection of diverse Vitis vines that remain a key asset in California viticulture.” Dr. Andrew Waterhouse, Professor and Interim Chair, Department of Viticulture and Enology, UC Davis.
Established in 1976, by Harold and Helen Olmo, the Harold P. Olmo Fund was established to support research in the field of viticulture. Their intent was clear: The funds may be utilized for all reasonable expenses of scientific and agricultural study and research in the field of viticulture--including but not limited to books, equipments, supplies, plant cuttings, lease or purchase of land, cultivation of experimental plots, salaries for faculty, staff, and student researchers and visiting scholars, and travel. It is the royalities from his first three grape varieties: Carnelian, Centurion, and Carmine that support this fund.