Wine Microbiology Expert Dr. Sibylle Krieger-Weber to Deliver Honorary Research Lecture at 2026 ASEV National Conference

Global leader in malolactic fermentation to present on advances in wine microbiology

Davis, Calif. — April 15, 2026 — Wine microbiology expert Sibylle Krieger-Weber, PhD, has been selected as the 2026 Honorary Research Lecturer and will deliver a featured presentation at the Joint 77^th American Society for Enology and Viticulture (ASEV) National Conference and 50^th ASEV Eastern Section Annual Conference in Boise, Idaho.

Her presentation, “My Malolactic Journey: History, Innovations, and Future Developments,” will explore advancements in malolactic fermentation and the evolving role of bacteria in shaping wine quality, stability and style.

The Honorary Research Lecture recognizes a researcher who is actively engaged in scientific inquiry and has established a strong national or international reputation in their field. Krieger-Weber’s work has played a central role in advancing the understanding and practical application of malolactic fermentation, one of the most critical processes in winemaking.

Krieger-Weber began her career studying malolactic fermentation at the University of Hohenheim in Germany, where she completed both her M.Sc. and Ph.D. research focused on starter cultures for inducing malolactic fermentation in wine.

She went on to lead research, development and production of starter cultures at Gewürzmüller GmbH, before joining Lallemand in 1999, where she directed global research and development on wine bacteria. In that role, she coordinated international research collaborations and helped translate scientific advances into practical tools widely adopted by winemakers.

For more than three decades, her work has contributed to the development, optimization and global adoption of malolactic starter cultures, improving reliability and control in fermentation processes across diverse wine regions and production styles.

“Dr. Krieger-Weber has been one of the most important contributors to our understanding of optimizing the use of malolactic bacteria in winemaking,” said ASEV Technical Program Director Hans Walter-Peterson. “Her work has helped translate microbiological research into practical tools and protocols that are widely used across the industry.”

Krieger-Weber said her lecture will reflect both the evolution of the science and its continued importance to winemaking. “Malolactic fermentation is much more than biological deacidification. Wine lactic acid bacteria are genuine actors in winemaking, influencing both style and quality. Choosing a spontaneous malolactic fermentation hands control of this final and crucial vinification step to an unknown microorganism—with unpredictable consequences for the wine,” she says. “I look forward to sharing how our understanding has developed over time, as well as the opportunities ahead for improving consistency and control in winemaking.”

Following her retirement from Lallemand in 2025, Krieger-Weber founded ViMiCo Consulting, where she continues to advise the industry on wine microbiology and fermentation practices.

Her presentation will provide a forward-looking perspective on the role of bacteria in winemaking, drawing on decades of research and industry experience. She will be presenting on June 17, offering attendees a rare opportunity to hear directly from one of the leading experts who has helped shape modern understanding and application of malolactic fermentation. For industry professionals, the session is expected to deliver both technical insight and practical perspective that can inform fermentation strategies and wine quality decisions.

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 before June 9 to receive discounted rates. Conference rates for hotel reservations are available until May 15 for The Grove and Hotel 43 and May 24 for Home 2 Suites.

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.