Washington State University Viticulture Expert Dr. Markus Keller to Deliver Honorary Research Lecture at 2025 ASEV National Conference

Davis, Calif. — May 12, 2025 —Dr. Markus Keller, one of the world’s foremost authorities on grapevine physiology and vineyard management, will deliver the Honorary Research Lecture, “Simply Water: H₂O and Prejudice,” at the 2025 American Society for Enology and Viticulture (ASEV) National Conference, to be held June 16-19 in Monterey, California.

As the Chateau Ste. Michelle Distinguished Professor of Viticulture at Washington State University’s Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center,
Dr. Keller has dedicated his career to advancing viticulture through rigorous research and practical application, as well as mentoring future industry leaders. Drawing from more than three decades of internationally recognized work on how environmental factors and vineyard management practices affect the sustainable production of wine and juice grapes, his lecture will focus on how water moves into and out of grapes and how it alters yield and fruit quality.

“Dr. Keller’s pioneering research on vine water relations, berry development, and grapevine cold hardiness has transformed viticulture and guided growers through today’s most pressing environmental challenges,” said ASEV Board Interim President Michelle Moyer. “We are excited to feature him as our 2025 Honorary Research Lecturer.”

Dr. Keller is best known as the author of The Science of Grapevines, a foundational textbook now in its fourth edition and used in viticulture programs worldwide. He currently serves as the science editor for the American Journal of Enology and Viticulture and has published more than 125 scientific papers from deficit irrigation to frost protection. His work has helped growers across diverse climates produce high-quality grapes while improving resilience to drought, cold and climate change.

Originally from Switzerland, Dr. Keller received his Master of Science degree in plant science and doctoral degree in natural science from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zürich. His research and teaching have spanned four continents, and his impact is felt globally through his contributions to both academia and the wine industry.

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. Dr. Keller’s June 18 lecture will be a highlight of this year’s event, offering deep insights into the future of grape growing grounded in decades of leading-edge science. To register for the conference, visit the online registration page before June 10 to save on fees. Group rates for hotel reservations are also available until May 27.

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 online 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.