Officials at Sonoma State University say a $3 million donation will go toward building a new facility for its Wine Business Institute.
The Santa Rosa Press Democrat reports the gift announced Monday came from Marvin R. Shanken, editor and publisher of Wine Spectator magazine.
The money will support 15,000-square-foot facility that will house three classrooms, a commons area, and a center for meetings between students, academics and business professionals. It will be named the Wine Spectator Learning Center.
University officials envision the center will be a hub between academia and the needs of the multibillion-dollar wine industry.
The donation follows a $1 million gift by Gary Heck, owner of Korbel Champagne Cellars, made in January.
The school hopes to raise another $10 million in support of student programs.
U.S. & World
Construction is expected to begin next year.
