2026 Asev Merit Award Presentation

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Merit Award Recipient
Dr. David E. Block, University of California, Davis

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 Dr. David E. Block as ASEV’s 2026 Merit Award recipient.

“I’ve always believed that the most meaningful research solves real problems,” said Block. “This recognition reflects the many students, colleagues, and industry collaborators who have helped turn fundamental science into better tools and practices for winemakers.”

“Dr. Block’s career represents the very best of what ASEV seeks to recognize,” said James Osborne, ASEV board president and Oregon State University professor. “He has strengthened the scientific foundation of fermentation while keeping his focus squarely on industry relevance, and his leadership has helped shape the next generation of wine scientists.”

Block holds the Ernest Gallo Endowed Chair in Viticulture and Enology at UC Davis, with a joint appointment in chemical engineering. His research program focuses on fermentation optimization and the metabolic engineering of yeast, bridging fundamental engineering principles with applied enology.

Beyond research, Block served as chair of the Department of Viticulture and Enology for more than 12 years, leading a curriculum revitalization, expanding extension programs throughout California and hiring two-thirds of the department’s current faculty. He is a recipient of the UC Davis Academic Senate Distinguished Teaching Award and serves as founding Director of the integrative Center for Alternative Meat and Protein (iCAMP). Prior to UC Davis, he worked at Hoffmann-La Roche in biopharmaceutical process development. He is a fellow of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) and holds both a Bachelor of Science of Engineering (BSE) from the University of Pennsylvania and a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota in chemical engineering.

Related Links

2026 Merit Award Recipient Press Release