California Ag Network

Category: Grape Industry

  • Vineyard Employees Graduate from Sonoma County Fundación de la Voz de los Viñedos Leadership Academy

    The Sonoma County Fundación dela Voz de los Viñedos Leadership Academy graduated its fourth class in front of friends and family on Thursday. To date, 75 participants have graduated from the Leadership Academy which was created by the Sonoma County winegrower community. Sustainability is built on a comprehensive set of practices that are environmentally sound (make the land better than when you first set foot on it); economically viable (make your company better so it can remain in business); and socially equitable (make your community a better place to live and work).

    “Congratulations to the 2025 graduates of the Leadership Academy. From the beginning, the mission of the Leadership Academy has been to create a robust workforce development program that elevates the experience, leadership, and voice of our vineyard employees,” said Karissa Kruse, Executive Director of the Sonoma County Fundación de la Voz de los Viñedos and CEO of Sonoma County Winegrowers. She added, “We are exceeding our mission with a program that is both life changing and truly making a difference.”

    The nationally recognized Leadership Academy does not teach new farming skills, but, instead, focuses on advancing the skills needed for vineyard employees to be promoted into leadership positions within their organization or their community. This year’s twenty graduates have been gathering for the past six months for half-day classes on a range of topics including financial literacy, communications, leadership, wine production, sustainability and more. The success of the Leadership Academy is impressive, more than 50% of the members for the first two Leadership Academy classes took on new responsibilities in the first year following their graduation with more than one-third of the graduates earning a promotion during that same period of time. Just as important, the employers of the graduates have noted their employees possess more confidence, demonstrate stronger leadership skills and have become better at teaching, communicating and supervising.

    “We are very proud to support our skilled agricultural workforce and their families who sustain farming in Sonoma County,” said Duff Bevill, chairman of the Sonoma County Fundación de la Voz de los Viñedos’ board of directors. He added, “In just four short years, this has developed into one of the most meaningful leadership programs in U.S. agriculture. We are fortunate to have great support from our local growers who ensure their employees have the ability to participate and our subject matter experts who provide their expertise to teach the coursework.”

    Images by: Mickale Jones Photography

    2025 Leadership Academy Graduates

    (Their Employer and Their Years with the Company)

    1. Alfonso Quintero Gómez, Sangiacomo Family Vineyards, 19 Years

    2. Andrés Bautista, Munselle Vineyards, 11 Years

    3. Armando González, Robert Young Vineyards, 43 years

    4. Claudia Cruz, Redwood Empire Vineyard Management, 27 Years

    5. Crispín Solorio, Bevill Vineyard Management, 27 Years

    6. Edith Castro, Lynmar Estate Winery, Quail Hill Vineyards, 7 Years

    7. Eugenio López, Mauritson Farms, 19 Years

    8. Everardo Paniagua Rodríguez, Emeritus Vineyards, 10 Years

    9. Gabriel Ruiz, Atlas Vineyard Management, 30 years

    10. Gilberto Sapien, Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards, 26 Years

    11. Isaías Iñíguez, Dutton Ranch, 11 years

    12. Jerónimo Lozano Vázquez, Jackson Family Wines, 13 Years

    13. Jorge Guzmán, Atlas Vineyard Management, 8 Years

    14. José H. Manzo Valencia, Four Seasons Vineyard Management, 15 Years

    15. José Luis Herrera, Four Seasons Vineyard Management, 16 Years

    16. Leonel Mendoza, Munselle Vineyards, 25 Years

    17. Lorenza Lara, St. Francis Winery & Vineyards, 6 Years

    18. Marcial Tinoco, Joseph Phelps Vineyards, 21 years

    19. Raúl Vera, Jackson Family Wines, 12 Years

    20. Victor Rosales, Atlas Vineyard Management, 13 Years

     

    About the Sonoma County Fundación de la Voz de Los Viñedos:

    Originally called the Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation (SCGGF), Sonoma County Fundación de la Voz de Los Viñedos was first established in 2002 as a 501(c)(3) organization to help fund educational workshops in Spanish for agricultural employees. Relaunched in January of 2016, the Fundación is focused on improving the lives of Sonoma County’s agricultural employees and their families, while ensuring Sonoma County remains a place where agricultural workers will continue to live, work, and thrive. Our mission is simple – support local vineyard employees and their families. Since its relaunch in 2016, the Sonoma County Fundación de la Voz deLos Viñedos has continuously proven it has a unique model of outreach and support, recognizing and relying on the trusted relationship that farmers have with their employees. The Fundación has five strategic priorities: leadership; empowerment and recognition; workforce development; resiliency; and resources. The two flagship programs are the Vineyard Employee Recognition Program and the Leadership Academy.

  • Temecula Valley Wine Icons Gerry and Rosie Wilson Inducted Into the Temecula Valley Wine Country Hall of Fame

    The Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association (TVWA) is proud to announce the induction of Gerry and Rosie Wilson, founders of Wilson Creek Winery, into the Temecula Valley Wine Country Hall of Fame. The honor, presented at this year’s annual Grape Day celebration, recognizes individuals whose enduring vision and contributions have helped shape and elevate the Southern California wine region and impacted the wine industry as a whole.

    In 1996, Gerry and Rosie Wilson acquired land and moved to Temecula with a shared dream of building a winery that would bring people together. That dream became Wilson Creek Winery-now one of the most beloved and visited destinations in Temecula Valley. The winery first became known for its signature Almond Sparkling Wine and welcoming atmosphere but today is celebrated for so much more, including a full portfolio of world class wines, cutting-edge regenerative agricultural programs, and strong community leadership.

    Gerry Wilson, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 90, and Rosie were widely regarded as the heart and soul of Wilson Creek. Originally from the Midwest, the couple met on a train to Boise, Idaho in 1952, marrying a year later. Gerry was a Korean War veteran and former businessman, while Rosie worked for a power company. Both brought humor, warmth, and passion for people into every aspect of the winery, shaping a culture that continues to thrive under the Wilson family’s leadership.

    “Honoring my parents with this Hall of Fame induction is deeply emotional for all of us,” said Bill Wilson, president and CEO of Wilson Creek Winery and Gerry’s son. “My dad was a true force-larger than life, endlessly kind, and fiercely dedicated to building something that mattered. He loved Temecula Valley with all his heart, and it means the world to see his legacy recognized in this way.”

    Over nearly three decades, Wilson Creek Winery has earned numerous awards for winemaking, hospitality, and business innovation. Beyond the accolades, however, the Wilsons have been tireless champions of the Temecula Valley community-supporting local charities, hosting fundraisers, and embodying a spirit of generosity and inclusion that has helped define the region.

    “Gerry and Rosie didn’t just build a successful winery-they built a place where people feel like they belong,” said Krista Chaich, executive director of TVWA. “Their commitment to excellence, family, and community has inspired countless others and elevated Temecula Valley Wine Country as a whole.”

    The Wilson family continues to carry forward this vision, ensuring that the values established by Gerry and Rosie remain the cornerstone of Wilson Creek’s future.

    For more information about Temecula Valley Wine Country and its wineries, visit www.temeculawines.org.

    ABOUT TEMECULA VALLEY WINE COUNTRY

    Located within a 60-minute drive from San Diego, Orange County, and Palm Springs, and within 90 minutes of Los Angeles, Temecula Valley is widely recognized as Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country. The popular wine destination is southern California’s largest wine producing region by volume.

    The Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association (TVWA) is a 501 (c) 6 nonprofit regional organization. The TVWA (TemeculaWines.org) is dedicated to promoting the making and growing of quality wine and wine grapes in the Temecula Valley A.V.A. (American Viticulture Area).

  • CAWG Foundation Awards $41,000 in Scholarships to These Students

    The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) Foundation is proud to announce the awarding of $41,000 in college scholarships to eleven exceptional students whose parent or legal guardian is employed by a California wine grape grower.

    “This scholarship program reflects our deep appreciation for the families who are vital to the success of California’s winegrape industry,” said Craig Ledbetter of Vino Farms, Chair of the CAWG Foundation Board of Directors. “Each year, we are inspired by the talent, resilience, and dedication of the students who apply. Their commitment to education and community service is truly remarkable.”

    The CAWG Foundation Board carefully selects scholarship recipients who have demonstrated excellence in academics, leadership, and community involvement. Applicants are evaluated based on their financial need, scholastic achievement, participation in extracurricular activities, and a compelling personal essay that highlights their individual journey and future goals.

    Since its inception in 1998, the CAWG Foundation has awarded $680,500 in scholarships to help students achieve their higher education goals. This support is made possible by the generous contributions of CAWG members and the broader California wine community.

    This year, eight four-year scholarships were awarded to students attending either a University of California or California State University campus, three two-year scholarships were awarded to students attending a California community college, and one $1,000 scholarship was awarded to a student through the Robert Miller Memorial Scholarship. Created by the Miller family, the Robert Miller Memorial Scholarship supports Central Coast students who plan to pursue a career in the winegrape industry and are studying viticulture or enology at either Allan Hancock College or Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

    Four-Year University Scholarship Recipients

    Karen Abarca Hernandez, Stockton, Health Careers Academy Charter School

    Daisy Avina Hernandez, Calistoga, Calistoga Junior-Senior High School

    Jonalyn Cadaoas, Delano, Cesar E. Chavez High School

    Mariano Jaime Duran, Geyserville, Geyserville New Tech Academy

    Bishin Mahil, Madera, Liberty High School

    Karitina Manual Rios, Santa Rosa, Roseland University Prep

    Ella Senkowski, Windsor, Windsor High School

    Two-Year Community College Scholarship Recipients

    Fabiola Covarrubias, Kelseyville, Kelseyville High School

    Guadalupe Ibarra, Terra Bella, Porterville High School

    Kelsey Padilla Lara, Santa Rosa, Piner High School

    Robert Miller Memorial Scholarship Recipient

    Yasmin Santos Hernandez, Santa Maria, Santa Maria High School

    About the Recipients

    FOUR-YEAR SCHOLARSHIP

    Karen Abarca Hernandez, Stockton, Health Careers Academy Charter School / $2,000

    Karen is a dedicated and ambitious student planning to attend UC Davis to study Biology to become a Family Medicine Physician. Karen is deeply committed to her community and has actively volunteered with Spanos Elementary School, the Stockton Symphony, San Joaquin Office of Education, Stockton Scholars, YMCA Summer Camp, and more. Her passion for service is a guiding force in her life and one she plans to carry forward into her career. In addition to her community involvement, Karen is active in her high school and has shown entrepreneurial spirit by starting her own small crochet business. She has excelled academically, taking a rigorous course load that includes AP classes, and remains focused and driven toward achieving her career goals and giving back to her community.

    Daisy Avina Hernandez, Calistoga, Calistoga Junior-Senior High School / $8,000

    Daisy is an accomplished student who will be the first in her family to attend college. She plans to attend UC Davis, where she will major in Psychology to become an OB-GYN. With a strong desire to give back, Daisy hopes to provide reproductive and maternal healthcare to underserved communities. She has maintained a 4.1 GPA while working part-time, demonstrating her commitment to both academic excellence and personal responsibility. Daisy led her school in earning a prestigious MIT School of Engineering title—one of only eight schools in the nation to receive the recognition. She also played a key role in supporting California State Senate Resolution 106, which officially designates October as Intellectual Property Awareness Month. Daisy is also an active member of her school’s soccer, volleyball, basketball, and softball teams.

    Jonalyn Cadaoas, Delano, Cesar E. Chavez High School / $8,000

    Jonalyn is a high-achieving student with a strong passion for math and science, which has inspired her to pursue a career in civil engineering. She plans to attend either San Diego State University or Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where she will focus on developing innovative and sustainable engineering solutions. With a long-term goal of starting an engineering firm, Jonalyn is eager to make a lasting impact in her field. Her Filipino heritage is a meaningful part of her identity, and she has embraced opportunities to celebrate and share her culture through her involvement in the United Filipino Organization, where she has taken on leadership roles, participated in cultural dances, and helped organize community events. Jonalyn is also active in the National Honor Society and Associated Student Body, and has consistently demonstrated academic excellence, maintaining a GPA above 4.0 and ranking in the top 10% of her class.

    Mariano Jaime Duran, Geyserville, Geyserville New Tech Academy / $2,000

    Mariano is a first-generation college student who plans to attend Sonoma State University to study accounting, with the goal of becoming an accountant. The son of immigrants who were unable to complete their education, Mariano is proud to be the first in his family to pursue a four-year degree. He is a strong student, ranking near the top of his class, and is known for his leadership and commitment both in and out of the classroom. Mariano is actively involved in his community and takes great pride in giving back through volunteer service. His extracurricular involvement includes ag mechanics, the Upward Bound program for first-generation and low-income students, Mecha Club, Varsity soccer, and more.

    Bishin Mahil, Madera, Liberty High School / $4,000

    Bishin is a dedicated and forward-thinking student who plans to attend Fresno State University to study Entrepreneurial Business, with the goal of creating and expanding businesses within the agricultural industry. Agriculture has always been a part of Bishin’s life, and he has seen firsthand the hard work and commitment required to maintain and grow a successful crop. He is actively involved in the California Scholarship Federation, the Liberty High Golf Club, and the Nanaksar Gurdwara, where he volunteers weekly to give back to his community. Bishin hopes to apply his business education to manage farming operations and contribute toimportant decisions around harvesting and logistics. His passion for agriculture and entrepreneurship is matched by a strong sense of service and community.

    Karitina Manual Rios, Santa Rosa, Roseland University Prep / $2,000

    Karitina is a compassionate and determined student who plans to attend Sonoma State University to study Psychology, with the goal of becoming a Child Psychologist. As a first-generation college student, she deeply values the importance of education, a value instilled in her by her family. After experiencing the loss of her father at a young age and receiving support from school counselors, Karitina was inspired to pursue a career where she could provide the same kind of help to children navigating difficult situations. That desire to give back and support others is what motivates her. In addition to excelling academically, Karitina is an active member of several school and community organizations, demonstrating both leadership and a strong commitment to service.

    Ella Senkowski, Windsor, Windsor High School / $8,000

    Ella is a driven and service-oriented student who will attend the University of California, Los Angeles, where she plans to study Business Economics with the goal of becoming a Financial Planner or Analyst. Ella balances a rigorous academic schedule with a wide range of extracurricular and work experiences. She is active in ballet, Girl Scouts, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Bring Change to Mind, Best Buddies, and more. In addition to her volunteer commitments, she holds multiple part-time jobs teaching swim lessons and dance classes and has gained professional experience through an accounting internship. Through these diverse roles, Ella has developed a strong sense of responsibility, leadership, and purpose. Her experiences have reinforced her passion for mentorship and advocacy, and she looks forward to continuing to make a meaningful impact as a leader in her community.

    TWO-YEAR SCHOLARSHIP/ $2,000 EACH

    Fabiola Covarrubias, Kelseyville, Kelseyville High School

    Fabiola is a first-generation college student who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and academic achievement throughout her time at Kelseyville High School. She has been actively involved in AVID, Associated Student Body, cheerleading, and FFA. Fabiola was one of just eleven students selected to join K-CORPS, a specialized search and rescue team that partners with the local sheriff’s office—an opportunity that reflects her deep sense of service and civic responsibility. In addition to her school involvement, Fabiola works as a cashier at Lakeport Rainbow Ag, where she remains connected to the agricultural community. She plans to attend Santa Rosa Junior College to study Allied Health and pursue a career as a radiology or ultrasound technician. With a strong desire to help others, Fabiola looks forward to making a meaningful impact in the medical field and her community.

    Guadalupe Ibarra, Terra Bella, Porterville High School

    Guadalupe is a first-generation college student and the valedictorian of her graduating class at Porterville High School. She has demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence and a deep dedication to serving her community. Guadalupe is actively involved in a range of extracurricular activities, including the Red Cross Club, HOSA, and the California Scholarship Federation. She has completed over 100 hours of community service, participating in food distribution efforts, blood drives, Relay for Life, and other activities that reflect her passion for helping others. Having grown up working alongside her parents in the agricultural fields, Guadalupe has witnessed firsthand the social and economic challenges faced by her community. These experiences have shaped her goal of becoming a registered nurse or nurse practitioner. She plans to attend Porterville College to study nursing.

    Kelsey Padilla Lara, Santa Rosa, Piner High School

    Kelsey is a driven and community-minded student who will be the first in her family to attend college. She is graduating from Piner High School a year early with an above 4.0 GPA and is already enrolled in college courses, demonstrating her strong motivation and academic excellence. Kelsey plans to attend Santa Rosa Junior Collegeto study nursing, to become a registered nurse, and eventually a nurse practitioner. She has a deep desire to create positive change in her community and has volunteered with organizations such as the Redwood Empire Food Bank, the Sonoma County Children’s Museum, and the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), where she developed skills in disaster preparedness. Kelsey’s academic achievements and dedication to service reflect her readiness to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare field.

    ROBERT MILLER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP / $1,000 EACH

    Yasmin Santos Hernandez, Santa Maria, Santa Maria High School

    Yasmin is a dedicated student with a deep passion for the wine industry and will attend Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, majoring in Viticulture and Enology. Her goal is to build a career in wine production. In addition to spending summers working alongside her parents in the vineyards, Yasmin also holds a part-time job during the school year—demonstrating both a strong work ethic and excellent time management skills. She is actively involved in her school’s FFA program, where her experiences have further fueled her interest in the wine industry. A first-generation college student, Yasmin has received numerous academic honors and is committed to continuing her success in higher education.

    About the California Association of Winegrape Growers Foundation

    The CAWG Foundation is a nonprofit public benefit corporation that awards scholarships to high school seniors whose parent or legal guardian is employed by a California winegrape grower. For more information, visit www.cawgfoundation.org.

  • California Table Grape Harvest Kicks off in Coachella

    The 2025-26 California table grape season is officially underway, with harvesting beginning in mid-May in the Coachella Valley in Southern California. Grapes will continue to be harvested in the Coachella Valley through mid-July before shifting north to the San Joaquin Valley, where grapes are harvested into December. To support the season, the California Table Grape Commission launched a global marketing campaign strategically developed to motivate the trade to stock and promote California table grapes, while inspiring consumers in the U.S. and across 21 export markets to choose more California grapes more often.

    To encourage retailer participation, the campaign offers a comprehensive suite of promotional tools and incentives. These include bonus opportunities, digital promotions, a registered dietitian (RD) retail program, contests, point-of-purchase materials, and in-store sampling. On the consumer side, the campaign features advertising on multi-retailer shopper apps, digital coupons and rewards, influencer and RD collaborations, and targeted social media advertising that highlights recipes, snacking ideas, and the health benefits of California-grown fresh grapes. “Grapes from California enjoy a long season, with plenty of opportunity for promotion, from summer celebrations to fall gatherings,” said Ian LeMay, commission president. “With a product that has global appeal, strong demand, and a strategic marketing campaign executed by a dedicated team, the commission is yet again ready to continue promoting California table grapes in markets around the world,” said LeMay.

    Throughout the season, the commission marketing team attends tradeshows and expos to connect with industry partners. This week, the team is exhibiting at the West Coast Produce Expo and can be found at booth B709 and welcomes anyone interested in learning more about California table grape promotions.

  • RBA Celebrates Gov’t Raisin Buys, Shares Factors that will Shape Grower Prices in 2025

    California raisin growers received the second highest price ever for this past year’s crop, which is much needed as growers fight inflating production costs. While the 2025 crop is in early development and growers are far from knowing what their return will look like postharvest, Raisin Bargaining Association (RBA) leaders Charles Salmon and Dwayne Cardoza visited with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to share some of the factors that will shape raisin pricing moving forward, such as USDA purchases, foreign imports, etc… Watch this video and read more about it in American Vineyard Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor SIPCAM AGRO USA for their industry support.

  • What Weeds are Telling You About Your Soil Health with American Vineyard Live

    Join Stetcyn Maldonado and Tom Johnson from Project Apis m. as they explore how weeds can serve as powerful indicators of vineyard health—often revealing potential problems before they become critical. In this insightful episode of American Vineyard Live, you’ll discover what different weeds can tell you about your soil and how they reflect the overall condition of your vineyard. As soil health takes center stage in sustainable agriculture, understanding these natural signals is more important than ever.

    Special thanks to Ag Bio Fusion for sponsoring this event.

  • UCCE Viticulture Advisor and Exceptional Plant Pathologist Passes

    George M. Leavitt, Jr., UC Cooperative Extension viticulture advisor emeritus for Madera County, passed away in Paso Robles on April 21, 2025. He was 79.

    Leavitt served as the UCCE viticulture farm advisor for Madera County from 1975 until his retirement in 2006. During his 34-year UCCE career, he was recognized as an exceptional plant pathologist specializing in grapevine trunk diseases like Botryosphaeria, Eutypa and Phomopsis dieback.

    Prior to becoming a UCCE viticulture farm advisor, Leavitt worked as a staff research associate for the distinguished UCCE viticulture specialist Fred Jensen. While finishing up his master’s degree at Brigham Young University, Leavitt found it was the perfect job because Jensen led a busy lab focused on evaluating plant growth regulators and cultural operations for table grape production.

    Leavitt would go on to use the trial methodology in his own large field trials that became popular with Madera County growers. After Jensen’s retirement, Leavitt would check in with him regularly to discuss industry issues over lunch, which often included Larry Bettiga, UCCE viticulture farm advisor in Monterey County and former Jensen staff research associate.

    “George arranged a lunch meeting every year and we continued to meet annually after Fred’s passing for a Jensen memorial luncheon,” Bettiga said.

    In the early 1980s, Leavitt began work on his Ph.D. He took a sabbatical to complete his course work at UC Riverside and returned to Madera to continue and finish his field work, which was focused on grapevine canker diseases, under the tutelage of Donald E. Munnecke, Ph.D., at UC Riverside, whose philosophy was that fieldwork made the researcher. Leavitt had been working with growers to identify the cause of dying cordons and noticed the symptoms varied greatly and didn’t fit the traditional tattered leaf symptoms that E. lata is known to cause.

    From left, Stephen Vasquez, Leavitt, Fred Jensen and Larry Bettiga. Leavitt showed his appreciation for his mentor, Fred Jensen, with an annual lunch that often lasted 3-4 hours. They would discuss the grape industry and dates for their next ski trip.

    Leavitt took Munnecke’s adage to heart and collected numerous samples from California, Arizona and northern Mexico vineyards, documenting symptoms, collecting samples, spending hours in the laboratory, plating them on auger plates and looking through a microscope to identify the different fungi. His hard work paid dividends, because he determined that Botryosphaeria theobromae was the other fungus infecting grapevines, causing “Bot canker.”

    After retirement, Leavitt mentored early-career plant pathologists working on canker diseases who brought a different set of skills and approach to working on grapevine cankers, which was primarily focused on lab research. However, he would gently remind them of the importance of collecting their own field samples.

    Leavitt enjoyed field days and looked for opportunities to train the next generation of plant pathologists.

    Growers regarded Leavitt as a consummate professional and educator. “You could always count on learning something from him,” said Kip Green, a former vineyard manager and current Pest Control Adviser and Certified Crop Adviser. “George was generous with his time and always made sure you had the information to make the right decision in the vineyard.”

    Leavitt held monthly grower meetings at the Howard School building in Madera, which was turned into a restaurant by local caterer, Dino Petrucci, who renamed it “Old School House.” Petrucci, a grape grower himself, made sure his grower colleagues didn’t go hungry, serving up tri-tip sandwiches, potatoes, beans, salad and dessert for $10! Growers would meet for lunch and receive one hour of continuing education credit to maintain their Private Applicator License.

    Leavitt would often present a topic, but would also have his UC ANR colleagues give talks on relevant grape issues, like insect pests or weeds. A grower once said “You never leave George’s meeting hungry or bored. The discussion is always lively.”

    Leavitt’s powdery mildew field days started with him standing in the truck bed and reviewing the fungicide treatments with growers and reporters taking notes.

    In addition to working on grapevine trunk diseases, Leavitt also conducted powdery mildew fungicide trials at a local grower’s vineyard. The trials were extensive, often having 30-plus treatments that included multiple combinations of registered and experimental fungicides. Grape growers from Bakersfield to Modesto would attend the field day to learn about the latest products.

    Stephen Vasquez, a former UCCE viticulture advisor who served in Fresno County for 14 years, attended the field days and described them as a “who’s who of the grape industry.” “Everyone wanted the information so they could prepare for the next season,” Vasquez said.

    Tome Martin-Duvall, a former UC technician who worked for Leavitt and oversaw the powdery mildew trials, mentioned that 50 to 100 growers would attend the field days.

    “Bad mildew the previous season would result in increased attendance the next season,” said Martin-Duvall. “You could often meet up with other UCCE farm advisors, too, because they wanted to share the trial data with their growers.”

    After retiring in 2006, Leavitt remained involved in the grape industry and research. He supported UC colleagues by presenting at their local meetings on grapevine disease management. He also worked with international colleagues on separating grapevine fungal pathogens using DNA technology.

    “He never lost interest in viticulture research,” said Vasquez. “He always wanted the newest information so he could share it with his grower friends in the San Joaquin Valley.”

    George Leavitt was a grape plant pathologist and was always evaluating new technologies to improve disease management for growers.

    Leavitt made significant contributions to California viticulture and was recognized by the University of California, the California Association of Pest Control Advisers and the San Joaquin Valley Winegrowers Association for his research and extension program.

    Leavitt is survived by his wife Annette, seven children, 36 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

    Funeral services for Leavitt were held on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2600 Ramona Road, Atascadero, California. Those wishing to honor Leavitt’s life can make donations to Court Appointed Special Advocates San Luis Obispo at slocasa.org. — Article by Stephen Vasquez and Larry Bettiga

  • Viticulture Leader Larry Bettiga to Receive ASEV’s Highest Honor

    Longtime viticulture advisor and researcher Larry Bettiga will deliver the prestigious ASEV Merit Award presentation at the 2025 American Society for Enology and Viticulture’s (ASEV) National Conference, taking place June 16-19 in Monterey, California.

    A pillar of California viticulture, Bettiga will be recognized with ASEV’s highest honor for his exceptional career advancing wine grape production through science-based research, grower education, and industry leadership. His presentation, “In the Question of Vine Development – Does Size Matter?,” is scheduled for Thursday, June 19, and will highlight the evolution of viticultural practices in coastal California and the pivotal role that applied research and cooperative extension have played in improving vineyard productivity and sustainability.

    Bettiga has served as a Viticulture Farm Advisor with the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) for over 41 years, primarily based in Monterey County. In this role, he has conducted applied research and extension education programs that have benefited grape growers across Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties. His work has focused on cultural practices, rootstock and clonal selection, canopy management and integrated pest management—all aimed at enhancing vine health and fruit quality.

    Before his appointment in Monterey, Bettiga spent six years conducting viticulture and pest management research in California’s Southern San Joaquin Valley, working with grapes, tree nuts and vineyards at the UC Kearney Research and Extension Center and Tulare County UC Cooperative Extension.

    Over the course of his distinguished career, Bettiga has authored and co-authored more than 450 technical articles, newsletters, research reports and abstracts. He served as technical editor during the third revision of the influential book Grape Pest Management and is widely recognized for his leadership in translating research findings into practical solutions for vineyard managers.

    A member of ASEV since 1984, Bettiga has served on the Society’s Board of Directors—including as president from 1999 to 2000—and has presented numerous research and symposium sessions at ASEV National Conferences. He previously received the ASEV Extension Distinction Award in 2017, among many other honors including the University of California’s Distinguished Service Award for Outstanding Teamwork (2006, 2016), the Western Extension Directors’ Association Award of Excellence (2008) and the International IPM Award of Recognition for his work on the European grapevine moth team (2018).

    The ASEV Merit Award recognizes individuals who have significantly advanced the science and practice of enology and viticulture. Bettiga’s presentation will offer a unique perspective shaped by four decades of dedicated service to California’s wine grape industry and his enduring commitment to grower education and sustainable farming.

    The ASEV National Conference is a platform to gather and discuss scientific and technological advances for the benefit and evolution of the grape and wine industries. It provides a stimulating and collegial atmosphere for industry, students, and academics to learn, engage, and network. To register for the conference, visit the online registration page  by June 10 and/or make hotel reservations by May 27 for cost savings.

    ASEV is an international community of wine and grape professionals that promotes industry vitality through the exchange of information and support of research and education. ASEV hosts the National Conference in June and co-hosts the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium in January. ASEV publishes the American Journal of Enology and Viticulture (AJEV) and awards scholarships to students pursuing a degree in enology, viticulture, or in a curriculum emphasizing a science basic to the wine and grape industry.

  • How to Water your Vineyard Smarter this Season with American Vineyard Live

    American Vineyard Live teams up with Larry Williams and Cassie Braswell of HotSpot Ag to discuss how to water your vines more efficiently and economically. Topics discussed: Distribution Uniformity, Technology and Irrigation Monitoring, Irrigation Timing, and more! Learn from a renowned researcher and water conservation specialist!

    Special thanks to our sponsor HotSpot Ag

  • American Vineyard Live: What Weeds are Telling you About your Soil Health

    Join Stetcyn Maldonado and Tom Johnson from Project Apis m. on May 9th at 10am as they discuss how to understand vineyard soil conditions better by the weeds that are thriving. Strategies for remediation and scouting tips will be a primary focus. Walk away with several actionable items to improve your soil health!

    Register to attend the free webcast at: https://americanvineyardmagazine.com/register-live/