State-of-the-art wine cellar given to Vita Nova learning laboratory

Donors: Tatiana and Gerret Copeland at Vita Nova, with Howard Cosgrove, chairman of UD's Board of Trustees, at right. Photo by Eric Crossan

The Copeland Vinotek, a state-of-the-art, redwood-paneled wine cellar, was dedicated Thursday, Feb. 7, in the University of Delaware's Vita Nova dining room in the Trabant University Center.

The Vinotek is a gift to the University from Tatiana and Gerret Copeland of Greenville, Del., owners of the Napa Valley, Calif., Bouchaine Vineyards. A special dinner was prepared by Joseph Di Gregorio, Vita Nova's executive chef, and served by University students.

Acting Provost Dan Rich said the Vinotek is yet another addition to the "special opportunities" that UD students in the Department of Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management (HRIM) have at Vita Nova.

Howard E. Cosgrove, chairman of the UD Board of Trustees, officially dedicated the Vinotek.

The Copelands were invited to visit Vita Nova nearly two years ago by President David P. Roselle and then HRIM Director Paul Wise. After sampling the student-run facility's fine cuisine and service, they agreed to make an investment in student hospitality education in the form of the wine cellar.

"It is a very generous gift," HRIM Chairperson Fred DeMicco said, "The Vinotek will be used to provide wine and food education at a higher level. It's a wonderful learning laboratory for the students."

"Vita Nova" in Latin signifies new life or a new beginning. At UD, the facility is the last applied classroom experience for HRIM students before graduation when they begin their work in the hospitality business. The food and service at Vita Nova are the responsibility of students, who rotate each day through 17 different positions.

JEANINE MCGANN