Viticulture Leader Larry Bettiga to Receive ASEV’s Highest Honor at 2025 National Conference

Davis, Calif., May 6, 2025 – 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.