leading the way out of the abyss was research conducted at the university of california, davis. faculty published reports on which varieties of grapes grew best in which regions of the state, held seminars on winemaking techniques, consulted with grape growers and winemakers, offered academic degrees in viticulture, and promoted the production of quality wines. the results of their success would be demonstrated decades later at the paris wine tasting in 1976, the nation's 200th anniversary.