Leading Fermentation Scientist David E. Block Earns ASEV’S Highest Honor

UC Davis researcher honored for advancing modern fermentation
science and winery practice

Davis, Calif., February 26, 2026 – Dr. David E. Block of the University of California, Davis, has been confirmed as the 2026 recipient of the American Society for Enology and Viticulture (ASEV) Merit Award. By applying chemical engineering principles to real-world winemaking challenges, Block has advanced fermentation management, process efficiency and yeast performance, helping translate rigorous science into practical tools wineries use every day.

The ASEV Merit Award is the Society’s highest honor, recognizing career achievements that significantly advance enology or viticulture through research, teaching, extension and service. For more information, visit asev.org.

“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.

Dr. Block will be formally recognized at the 2026 ASEV National Conference in June at Boise, Idaho.

ASEV is an international community of wine and grape professionals promoting industry vitality through research, education, and information exchange. ASEV publishes the American Journal of Enology and Viticulture (AJEV) and awards scholarships to students in enology, viticulture, and related sciences.