If the professor is a scotch drinker, a high end bottle of scotch is another option.
Most women are not scotch drinkers, so that probably wouldn’t be a good bet, unless you happened to know that she liked it.
The OP said that she and her husband don’t drink wine. Given that, I think it would be fine to stick with the chocolates and skip the wine.
I posted about Fernwood Sav Blanc up-thread. It’s really FernRidge that we like. Sorry.
Not for the OP, because this wine is not very mainstream… But if you are in the greater Seattle area, check the garage wine district Had a fantastic Pinot Gris last night - Michael Florentino winery. Gotta hit the garage wine district again to restock!
As you can see, everyone’s taste differs. For instance, H and I only drink red. I would therefore not give wine. Or how about making up a basket of “stuff” such as a a small bottle of red and white (Pinot Noir and Pinot Grigio or Cabernet and Chardonnay etc.), some crackers, a small box of fine chocolate truffles and anything else you want ( or not) to add, such as, a pack of nice coasters and/or napkins, a jar of olives, nuts, etc, etc. A little more work, but there is probably something in the basket s/he likes. Haha.
Professor = Scotch
Or bourbon.
Professor is a woman. 
Not too many women are into scotch.
Hmm … you got me thinking about tequila. Professor’s specialty is Mexican immigration and she does a lot of research there. And she is serving tacos for dinner.
Seems weird to walk in with a bottle of tequila, though.
@morrismm - I love your basket idea!
I wouldn’t bring tequila, especially if you don’t drink.
Send flowers a day ahead of time with a note indicating how much you appreciate her support of your son and the dinner invite.
This place sends absolutely gorgeous flowers around the country. I don’t know many women who wouldn’t appreciate them.
https://farmgirlflowers.com/
Ok, so wine etiquette/hostess etiquette states that the wine you bring to the party is not to be opened at the party.
I know, this seems silly, but unless you want Martha Stewart breathing down your neck, don’t get cranky if the hostess doesn’t open your wine, because she’s following etiquette rules.
I don’t think you can make that generalization at all. Not all women like fu fu drinks with umbrellas on top. A good scotch is an evolved taste (says the scotch & bourbon snob), and it has NOTHING to do with your gender.
^^We are not choosing between fi fi drinks with umbrellas on top and scotch. We are choosing between wine and scotch. I say go with wine.
(I do not know too many women in my circles who would pick an umbrella drink over a glass of good zin. 
)
I love scotch, bring me scotch! The gnarlier the better. Or Irish whiskey. No bourbon please.
Maybe the OP’s kid can ask around to see what the professor really likes.
Okay - I sent a bouquet of those beautiful farmgirl flowers and a nice note to arrive on Friday (the dinner is Saturday). Question - should I still bring a bottle of wine or box of chocolates to the dinner or is that overkill? We are bringing 8 people and it seems rude to arrive empty handed.
Yes, I am quite aware that I am overthinking this.
I know lots of women who like scotch…but they always run into someone who seems surprised about that.
Kudos on the note - that’s the part that will “stick” - and could be put into a promotion file potentially. It would be nice if your child also took the time to write a gracious email.
Personally, I’d bring a bottle of something, just because it’s less socially awkward to show up at the door with a small gift. (And congratulations! Sounds like a wonderful professor-student connection!)
. I have never heard of this (and this was discussed on another thread recently). I would probably have preselected a wine to serve but if we drank it all I’d happily offer to open the gift.
@benreb You mentioned some local candy/chocolates. That would be great and generous to bring along but not necessary. Glad you liked the flower option. I’m sure the prof will love them!
edited to add: If you are beer drinkers, since she is serving tacos maybe a couple 6 packs of good quality beer would be a good idea. If nondrinkers, don’t sweat it and don’t worry about bringing wine.
I think the etiquette is more like advice to the giver not to be offended if the host doesn’t serve your wine that night. Because they’ve probably preselected the wine like you do. Now that I think about it, I think I actually read that exact letter in a Miss Manners or Dear Abby column a hundred years ago.
Or it may be a great wine, but not a good pairing for the meal.