Cancellations have wiped out the Good Life Garden’s calendar of events, with the exception of a backyard gardening seminar set for May 23 and summer programs for children. The gardening seminar is sold out, while sign-ups are still being taken for Kids, Farms & Food.

Sal Genito, director of Buildings and Grounds, which oversees the garden that sits amid the buildings of the Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science, announced the cancellations this week.

He blamed them not on slow ticket sales but the inability, in this tough economic climate, to charge enough to cover the costs of putting on the events. As it was, costs ranged from $95 to $125 per person for the events that were canceled. (The sold-out gardening seminar, All About Fruits, Nuts and Berries, was priced at $35 with a box lunch, $25 without.)

“The first priority of our event program was to help raise funds for the maintenance of the garden's ever-changing edible landscape," Genito said.

"To date we produced a variety of profitable events that sold out, but, in these economic times, the price we could charge for the tickets contrasted against the costs to implement the programs—and it just didn't pencil out."

He described the garden as "one of the most unique and beautiful areas on campus, one that truly ties the academic mission of the Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science to the landscape."

"We want to see it succeed without being a burden on the budget, so we are going to refocus our efforts on promoting the garden for use as an event space by outside groups."

He added that fundraising events still may be a part of the equation in the future, "but right now we are just not in a position to take on that kind of risk.”

The canceled events: Locavore Feast (which was to have taken place June 20), Good Life Garden Grape Stomp (Aug. 29), Cheeses of the World (Oct. 17), A Swanky Evening of Caviar and Artisan Vodka (Nov. 14) and An Evening of Beer and Spicy Foods (Dec. 5).

Also canceled: An Evening to Savor Port, originally scheduled for May 2, and then pulled off the calendar pending selection of another date.

Olive Center

• Beyond Extra Virgin: An International Conference on Excellence in Olive Oil, from Agriculture and Sensory Evaluation to the Culinary Arts—Presented by the UC Davis Olive Center in collaboration with UC Davis’ California Institute of Food and Agricultural Research, the Culinary Institute of America, and others. June 21-23, UC Davis and Napa Valley. Registration and more information: olivecenter.ucdavis.edu.

Wednesday Night Wine Flights

5-6:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month at the Gunrock Pub, on the south side of the Silo. Sponsored by the pub and the Cal Aggie Alumni Association’s Vintage Aggies Wine Club. Admission is $10, and no reservations are needed.

Wine selections are made each month according to a different theme, and the featured wines are available for purchase at discount prices. Retired UC Davis enologist Walter Winton serves as “resident wine expert.”

June 3—Vintage Aggies Wine, including some of the wine club's featured wines—all of which are made by Aggie alums. Organizers said some of those winemakers will be in attendance to talk about their products.

July 1—Wines With Barbecue, just in time for the Fourth of July! Instead of a full barbecue, this program features barbecue samples—and wines that complement the lively and diverse flavors. "Whether it’s ribs that need a big zinfandel to really sing, or a zingy sauvignon blanc to pair with grilled salmon, we’ll share a lineup that makes the most of the season."

Aug. 5—Alternative Whites, offering an opportunity to "be bold!"—by exploring the white wines down the aisle from chardonnay. Alternative white varietals comprise one of the fastest growing wine trends. These “aromatic” whites are naturally appealing and are extremely food-friendly. "Who knows, you might just find your next favorite here."

Sept. 2—Stock Your Cellar, an evening of good deals during inventory reduction time. Many of the wines will be from previous tastings.

East Quad Farmers Market

10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. every Wednesday through June 3. It is a project of Health Education and Promotion, a unit of Student Health Services, and other campus and community organizations.