2025 Asev Merit Award Presentation

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In the Question of Vine Development – Does Size Matter?

Welcome & Introduction
Keith Striegler, GALLO, California

Merit Award Recipient
Mr. Larry Bettiga, University of California Cooperative Extension, Monterey County

The ASEV Merit Award is presented annually to an individual who has significantly contributed in an outstanding manner to the progress and advancement of enology and viticulture to the industry and/or to the Society. This award acknowledges excellence in the fields of education, technology, research, management, public relations, or any discipline related to enology and viticulture.

The ASEV Board is pleased to honor Mr. Larry Bettiga as ASEV’s 2025 Merit Award recipient.

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).

Related Links

2025 Merit Award Recipient Press Release