Give to Grape Research; Gene Editing Innovation; AFRI Deadlines Extended

November 2025

Trouble in the vines.*

GIVE TO GRAPE RESEARCH

For many people, charitable giving is a cherished holiday tradition. The annual Giving Tuesday campaign, celebrated on December 2 this year, is a vehicle to mobilize seasonal philanthropy at scale. It gives donors coast to coast a way to connect to new causes or support hometown favorites in one day of collective giving, just in time for the holidays. And this year, NGRA hopes to be added to a few new gift lists...and raise $3,000 in the process.

What’s in This Issue?

Scroll down to find these stories and more.

Our inventory of funded grape research has a new tally (134 projects funded!)
UC Davis plant biologist Dario Cantù explains why gene editing is “the path to true innovation”
USDA-NIFA extended the application deadlines for its AFRI Foundational and Applied Science grant program

With a Giving Tuesday goal of $3,000, we aim to spark meaningful momentum for grape research. And with our colleagues at USDA noting that “every dollar invested in agricultural research returns $20 to our economy,” even this modest goal could represent up to $60,000 in potential economic impact through downstream innovations. To support NGRA this Giving Tuesday, click here to make a gift to grape research and help sustain our industry.

Wine is often a staple at holiday gatherings, and table grapes, raisins and grape juice help sweeten seasonal recipes. But few people realize how much science goes into improving and sustaining grape-growing. Our industry is under threat from wilder, more erratic weather, massive wildfires and floods, labor and water shortages, invasive insects like the westward-spreading spotted lanternfly, and more. These are all issues science can solve.

NGRA works to align the priorities for research across the grape and wine industry—spanning wine, table grapes, juice and raisins, nationwide—and to initiate projects to address them. Through the NGRA Research Fund, the organization gathers industry representatives and academic colleagues for scientific planning meetings; launches pilot, proof-of-concept research; funds the work of our NGRA Fellow; and produces extension and educational programming like this month’s Grapevine Improvement Workshop. Industry headwinds and tenuous federal funding puts much of this work at risk.

Grapes are one of America’s most economically important specialty crops. In fact, based on data compiled by WineAmerica, the wine industry alone contributed $276 billion to the U.S. economy in 2022. Research is the engine that drives grapes’ continued contribution to America’s bottom line.

As the holidays approach and we take stock of the causes we care about and that enrich our lives and communities, Giving Tuesday is a wonderful way to give back. A gift to grape research would certainly be one that keeps on giving, not just at the holidays but all year long!

Support NGRA this Giving Tuesday by giving to grape research. Your support truly matters.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Donnell Brown
President

*ABOUT THE IMAGE

NGRA Board Chair Rich Schaefers of Nuveen Natural Capital snapped this photo in Napa showing what would’ve been beautiful clusters of Cabernet Sauvignon, infected with Botrytis.

AROUND THE INDUSTRY

UPDATED! Our Inventory of Funded Grape Research

Our UC Davis intern Diego DeCarlo continues to update our inventory of grape research funded via grant programs at regional, state and federal levels. Click through for a comprehensive snapshot into the ways scientists in America are working to advance the grape and wine industry through science. Our spreadsheet documents all the grape research that’s been funded in 2025, totaling 134 projects and counting. It features helpful categories, running tallies and sorting capabilities. It’s a work in progress, so if you have a tip about funding sources and/or grant awards that aren’t reflected in the spreadsheet, let us know!

Government Shutdown Ends, Farm Bill Extended

On November 12, President Trump signed legislation ending the 43-day government shutdown and reopening federal operations after the longest closure in American history. The bill extends the 2025 fiscal budget until January 30, giving lawmakers a little more than two months to agree on a fiscal year 2026 budget. However, funding for the USDA was extended for a full year, enabling the agency to resume normal operations. The bill also extended the 2018 Farm Bill through September 30, 2026, giving lawmakers nearly a year to draft a new Farm Bill.

As WineAmerica’s Jim Trezise explains in his weekly Perspectives newsletter, “One of the issues addressed by the legislation involved the use of hemp to produce alcoholic beverages, which currently are not regulated. The pause will let legislators take their time revisiting the intent of the Farm Bill language and amending it.”

Jim also points out that the spending bill included a provision clarifying that the forthcoming update to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans will be informed by the congressionally mandated report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. It “has traditionally played this role and is far better positioned to provide legitimate information (than the) Interagency Coordinating Committee for the Prevention of Underage Drinking,” which had offered a competing (and inflammatory) report. The revised Dietary Guidelines are expected to be released in December.

Cornell’s Federal Research Funding Is Restored

Earlier this month, Cornell University reached an agreement with the federal government to restore and continue the university’s research funding. Since April, the university had been subject to more than $250 million in federal funding interruptions, including stop-work orders, grant terminations and funding freezes that stalled cutting-edge research. The government agreed to restore terminated federal grants, release all withheld funds for active grants, and consider Cornell fully eligible for new grants and funding awards, without disadvantage or preference. As part of the agreement, as the land-grant university for New York State, Cornell will invest $30 million over three years in research to strengthen US agriculture.

Lodi Launches a Business Improvement District

The San Joaquin (CA) Board of Supervisors approved the new Lodi Winery Business Improvement District on November 18. The BID will add a 1.5% assessment on sales at wineries in the Lodi AVA, including tasting fees, and purchases of wine, merchandise, food and tours. It also will apply to all online, email and phone orders to be shipped in state or picked up onsite, and the portions of private and public events that are subject to state sales tax. The assessment is expected to raise about $575,000 annually, based on recent sales tax figures. “The majority of it (will be) spent on marketing and promotion, followed by business development (and) educational activities for our winery community,” explains Stuart Spencer, CEO of the Lodi Winegrape Commission, an NGRA member-organization. The Lodi winery BID takes effect January 1, 2026.

New Leadership at the Raisin Administrative Committee

In late October, the Fresno, CA, based Raisin Administrative Committee (RAC) announced the appointment of Jeff Smutny as its new President and Managing Director. He succeeds Debbie Powell, who retired in July 2025. Jeff will oversee all aspects of RAC operations, including domestic and international marketing programs, research initiatives, and industry compliance

Michelle Moyer Earns the Clore Award

This month, Washington State University Professor and Viticulture Extension Specialist Michelle Moyer received the Walter J. Clore Award for exceptional contributions to the Washington State grape industry, conferred by the Washington State Grape Society at its annual meeting. Michelle has worked at the WSU Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center in Prosser since 2011. There, she has brought in millions of research dollars and mentored many graduate students. “She is a valued and reliable resource for all growers that she helps,” said Keith Oliver, President of the Grape Society, as he presented the award.

Congrats, Melissa Hansen!

Also this month, Washington State Department of Agriculture Director Derek Sandison visited the Washington State Wine Commission (WSWC) to present a Recognition of Service Award to Melissa Hansen, the WSWC research program director who is retiring this year after 10 years in the role. Melissa is a longtime advocate for Washington agriculture, WSDA writes. She has been an NGRA Board member since 2018.

Washington State Wine Commission Names New Research Program Manager

At the beginning of November, the Washington State Wine Commission (WSWC), an NGRA member-organization, announced Julie Tarara, Ph.D., as its new Research Program Manager, succeeding Melissa Hansen. Washington’s viticulture and enology research program is funded by all wine grape growers and wineries in the state through the WSWC. It is guided and driven by the Washington wine industry, with research results accessible to all. In this role, Julie will work to elevate the strategic importance of V&E research with key stakeholders, including winemakers, growers, researchers, students, media, research grantors and government bodies. Working closely with the WSWC Research Committee and the Wine Research Advisory Committee, she will play a crucial role in managing the industry’s research grant programs and disseminating outcomes to constituents. Julie has worked with the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates and, most recently, Results Partners. Along the way, she has played key roles in partnerships as with NGRA.

Oregon State Opens New Winery, Strengthens SOREC Research Capacity

The newly renovated OSU Research and Teaching Winery became operational for Harvest 2025, marking the completion of a multi-year expansion funded through industry partnerships and donations. It has a large suite of small-scale research fermenters, new processing equipment, and modern analytical tools for grape and wine chemistry. This harvest, the winery processed fruit and supported projects on malolactic fermentation, fermentation nutrients, smoke exposure and volatile sulfur compound management. It significantly expands research opportunities and enhances hands-on training for OSU students in enology and viticulture.

At OSU’s Southern Oregon Research and Extension Center (SOREC) major facility upgrades and vineyard development ensure the center can support an expanding portfolio of viticulture and enology projects. Its fully renovated Fruit Processing Lab now offers modernized space for post-harvest research. And three newly developed vineyard blocks add roughly four acres of white cultivars and disease-resistant varieties for upcoming trials. Updates also are underway to the farm’s irrigation system

UC Davis Kearney Ag Center Seeks a Junior Specialist for Raisin Research

The UC Davis Kearney Agricultural Center in Parlier, CA, seeks a full-time Junior Specialist to assist PI Dr. Matthew Fidelibus in collecting important data to better understand grape cluster arm abscission and natural berry drying, which will inform the USDA raisin grape breeding program and help refine cultural practices for natural dry-on-vine raisin varieties. The position offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in plant histology and contribute to cutting-edge viticulture research. The ideal candidate will be organized, collaborative, and enthusiastic about learning and discovery. No prior experience in viticulture is required; training will be provided. Learn more and apply by December 31, 2025.

RESEARCH FOCUS

Genome Editing in Grapes: The Path to True Innovation

By Dario Cantù, UC Davis Department of Viticulture and Enology

Genome editing makes it possible to introduce precise changes in DNA, modifying the function of a gene or its regulation. These edits can mimic natural mutations that might otherwise take centuries to arise. In grapevines, the potential advantages are considerable, foremost the ability to enhance important traits while preserving the genetic identity of major wine cultivars.

Varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, are defined not only by their genomes but also by their long association with distinctive sensory profiles and viticultural regions. Conventional breeding, through inter-varietal crossing, introduces extensive genomic variation, which can alter defining characteristics and even compromise varietal identity.

Genome editing, by contrast, enables targeted modification of one or a few loci while leaving the remainder of the genome unchanged. A recent example that showcases the potential of genome editing comes from Italy, where researchers successfully edited Chardonnay grapevines to reduce their susceptibility to downy mildew. By disabling a gene that makes the plant susceptible to downy mildew, the resulting grapevines are genetically identical to Chardonnay except for their new resistance to the disease. This example shows that a classic variety can keep its name and identity while gaining a new trait that reduces reliance on fungicides.

GE Is Not GMO

Another advantage of genome editing is that it may avoid the regulatory and social stigma often associated with genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Because editing can be achieved without inserting foreign DNA (or trans-genes), U.S. regulators treat the resulting plants differently from transgenics. If the final edit could plausibly have arisen through natural mutation, the plant is not subject to the same regulations as GMOs.

This distinction is especially important for grapes. A Chardonnay that remains genetically Chardonnay, with only a small, targeted change, is far more likely to be accepted by growers and winemakers. Public trust will still depend on open communication and transparency, but genome editing holds the potential to be embraced in ways that transgenic grapevines never were.

Still a Relatively Long Runway to Commercial Availability

Despite these clear advantages, genome editing in grapevines requires a complex multi-stage process and, therefore, long-term vision and investment. Everything begins with gene discovery. Researchers must identify which genes control which traits, whether resistance to powdery mildew, tolerance to drought, or the accumulation of compounds that influence flavor or smoke taint. Many of these traits require multiple genes (polygenic) and involve complex networks of interactions. Editing a single gene can sometimes yield a clear effect, as in the Italian Chardonnay example, but often progress is more complicated and depends on years of research.

Classical genetics approaches, such as quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping and genome-wide association study (GWAS), remain essential first steps to understand and catalog gene function and association with specific traits. Larger populations increase resolution and speed up the identification of candidate genes. Depending on the trait (monogenic versus polygenic, highly versus moderately heritable [that is, capable of being passed down to offspring]) and the organ of interest (leaves or fruit), this process can take two to three years or more.

Genomics and transcriptomics (focused on RNA) can help narrow candidates, but experimental validation is still required, typically by adding an active version of the gene to a plant that normally lacks that trait or by targeted knock-out in a genotype that carries it. Even with these tools, experimental validation can take an additional three or more years. Ultimately, vines must still be propagated in nurseries, evaluated under regulatory frameworks and released to growers—another three years or more. This sequence of discovery, validation and delivery is lengthy and demanding, but it remains the only path to true innovation.

Better Together

Genome editing should be regarded as a tool, a powerful one, but a tool that can only be applied effectively when validated genetic targets are available. Because the process is complex, no single laboratory or company can achieve it in isolation. Progress depends on coordinated partnerships among researchers, nurseries, wineries, growers and marketers. Academic scientists contribute expertise in gene discovery, functional validation and editing technologies while the industry provides the essential context of commercial vineyards, the ability to test edited vines under field conditions and, critically, the perspective on which traits should be prioritized.

Takeaway

Progress is underway, but its pace and ultimate impact will depend on trust, clear priorities and sustained collaboration. With long-term investment and rigorous science, genome editing can deliver grapevines that preserve the identity of established cultivars while gaining traits required to remain productive under changing environmental conditions.

Though the technology is powerful, its success will require patience, coordination and commitment. If developed and applied wisely, genome editing has the potential to become one of the defining tools of 21st century viticulture, ensuring that the wines valued today can continue to be produced and appreciated for generations. If the grape and wine industries are to realize this potential, they will need to invest in research, build partnerships across academia and industry, and engage openly with consumers and regulators.

This article was adapted from the excellent original, “Genome Editing in Grapes: Promises, Challenges and Partnerships,” by Dario Cantù, published on November 1, 2025, in the Practical Winery & Vineyard Journal inside Wine Business Monthly. Click to the full story for more insights from Dario about which varieties are more amenable to gene editing, whether it’s possible to insert (“knock in”) traits, and more.

NSF Resumes Operations

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is now operating under a continuing resolution that runs until January 30, 2026. As it resumes operations , the federal agency is prioritizing the restoration of its capacity to make awards and ensuring continued management and oversight of existing awards.

Be Featured at USDA’s Agricultural Outlook Forum

The USDA’s next Agricultural Outlook Forum is scheduled for February 19-20, 2026, in Arlington, VA. If you have an innovation that is wholly or partially funded by USDA, you’re invited to apply to have your science featured among the Science Innovation Exhibits at the event. A selection committee will evaluate and rank the proposals based on communicated impact, alignment with USDA priorities, and the visual, tactile or other interactive qualities of the proposed exhibit. Learn more and send in your proposal by December 5, 2025.

Funding Opportunities

AFRI Deadlines Extended

The USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has extended the deadlines for its Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Foundational and Applied Science program into December to ensure that potential applicants have the opportunity to receive technical assistance from NIFA staff. If an applicant did not submit an application, they may submit prior to the new deadline. If an application has already been submitted and the applicant was not able to receive technical assistance from NIFA staff, they may revise and resubmit prior to the new deadline. NIFA asks that applicants do not resubmit applications if there are no changes.

CDFA Specialty Crop Block Grant Assistance Program

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is accepting proposals for

assistance to limited resource applicants for the 2026 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). The assistance program intends to provide a process through which small and/or limited-resource applicant organizations can participate. Eligible organizations include non-profits, Tribal governments, and K-12 school districts that have not previously received SCBGP funding, do not have expertise with grant writing, and work directly in either supporting limited resource and/or beginning farmers or providing nutrition and/or access to specialty crops in low resource communities. Apply by January 12, 2026.

FFAR Fellows

The Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR) is accepting applications for the 2026-2029 cohort of FFAR Fellows. The program is designed to provide career guidance to PhD students who represent the next generation of food and agriculture scientists. It prepares a career-ready STEM workforce by breaking down disciplinary silos and focusing on professional development and soft-skills. Two types of fellowship are offered:

Stipend + Professional Development: Applications due February 22, 2026
Professional Development: Applications due April 15, 2026

Applying for a grant? Request a letter of support!

NGRA is pleased to provide letters of support for research projects that directly address our industry research priorities. Request a letter via our online request form at least two weeks prior to the grant deadline (or any internal deadline you may have). Late requests are not accepted. Requests are reviewed and approved by NGRA Research Committee leadership, so processing times may vary.

IN THE NEWS

National Grape Research Alliance Debuts Giving Tuesday Campaign

November 20, 2025 | Good Fruit Grower

Shout out to Good Fruit Grower for shining a light on NGRA’s Giving Tuesday (December 2) campaign! “Traditionally funded by industry members, the nonprofit organization hopes the campaign will broaden its base of support and build awareness of the alliance’s work at a time when federal funding for research has been cut and questioned,” writes Editor Kate Prengaman. The campaign connects people to a part of the industry that’s less understood. NGRA president Donnell Brown says, “‘People see the public policy and the marketing and the regulations, but very few people understand the research landscape behind the industry and how (it) keeps the industry growing and thriving into the future.’”

At NGRA Grapevine Improvement Workshop, Scientists Share Genetics Strategies for Developing Grapes for the 22nd Century

November 14, 2025 | Wine Business Monthly

Huge thanks to Wine Business Monthly for their coverage of our Grapevine Improvement Workshop on November 5! “Advancements in grape gene editing and technologies for overcoming pest, disease and climate challenges in grapes to develop strong resilience for the future were key topics discussed and celebrated” at the event, writes Katherine Martine. “As NGRA President Donnell Brown said in her opening remarks, ‘With so many headwinds facing growers today, we figured you could use some good news, and this is it: That there are some very smart and driven people working to sustain grape-growing into the future.’”

Breakthrough with First Successful Harvest of Disease-Resistant Grapes Shows Hope for a Florida Wine Renaissance

November 13, 2025 | Wine Business Monthly

University of Florida researchers led by Ali Sarkhosh are growing the five Pierce’s disease resistant grape varieties from UC Davis, and successfully harvested and, with local winery partner Château Le Coeur, vinified 13 cases of Errante Noir this season. Florida has a thriving industry for muscadine grapes, which are native to the southeast and impervious to PD—a disease of Vitis vinifera that has limited Florida’s ability to play in the traditional wine industry. “This could be the start of a new chapter for Florida wine,” Ali said.

Cornell Creates Transformative Tech for Wine Industry

November 11, 2025 | Cornell Chronicle

During harvest season, Gallo collects up to 300 grape samples per day, analyzing them for toxins, off tastes or aromas, or taints. The time- and labor-intensive task has long been a bottleneck. But Cornell Professor of Food Science Gavin Sacks has delivered a solution: a high-throughput analytical platform that slashes screening time from 30-40 minutes per sample to just 3-4 minutes. The system, called SPMESH-DART, was deployed at Gallo’s Modesto, CA, headquarters for the first time in October.

A Fresh Perspective on California’s Vineyard Footprint

November 11, 2025 | California Winegrape Growers on Substack

The California Association of Winegrape Growers (an NGRA member-organization) and 12 regional grower and vintner organizations released the first grower-led vineyard-block-level dataset of and statewide mapping tool for winegrape acreage in the state. Developed by Land IQ, the project reflects what’s physically planted across California’s winegrowing regions. It provides a shared factual baseline, showing there are 477,475 acres currently standing and that 38,134 acres have been removed in the last year.

Raisin Growers Suffer Devastating Losses that Crop Insurance Won’t Cover

November 7, 2025 | American Vineyard Magazine

Rain at harvest time in California’s Central Valley, where substantially all raisin grapes are grown, caused a devastating loss of crop. As two raisin growers explain in this video, 15% moisture in raisins is considered storable (e.g., at a packing house). But rain soaked the dry-on-vine (DOV) raisins ready to be harvested, raising moisture levels to 18-20%. Now, to be saleable, the crop must be dried in a dehydrator facility prior to packing—an added expense.

How Spotted Lanternfly Puts Grapes at Risk—and What Growers Can Do

November 6, 2025 | Sustainable Winegrowing with Vineyard Team

Spotted lanternfly is a serious risk to vineyards in the eastern US, and spreading. Here, Penn State Extension Educator and SLF researcher Brian Walsh explains the pest’s unusual egg-laying behavior, how honeydew-covered canopies attract stinging insects and the potentially devastating impacts of SLF infestation on vine health. Tune in to learn about insecticide options, biocontrol efforts and scouting strategies—whether SLF is in your area or not.

Hansen: Slowing the Spread

November 4, 2025 | Good Fruit Grower

Building on the recent discovery of the grape mealybug sex pheromone, researchers at Washington State University recently concluded research to develop a new mating disruption tool to control grape mealybug in Washington vineyards. Studies show it works. Better control of grape mealybug is key to slowing the spread of grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3 (GLRaV-3), the predominant—and growing—virus in Washington vineyards. The pheromone is moving through the federal registration process.

The Grape Health Index: Validation of a Chemometric Model for Quantifying the Wine Grape Infection Status

November 3, 2025 | Beverages

A research team led by Stephan Sommer (University of Missouri-Columbia) has created the Grape Health Index, a chemometric model that can assess the microbial infection status of grape material using a common spectroscopy instrument many larger wineries already have. It was designed to quantify microbial spoilage on wine grapes in machine-harvested fruit that is no longer intact as a cluster when it arrives at the winery. “When visual inspection is not an option, this can help to make data-based quality and blending decisions at a very early stage,” the researchers write.

Genome Editing in Grapes: Promises, Challenges and Partnerships

November 1, 2025 | Practical Winery and Vineyard Journal in Wine Business Monthly

Gene editing makes it possible to precisely change DNA and thereby modify the function of a gene or the trait(s) it controls. Edits can mimic mutations that could occur in nature, though they could take centuries to arise. “In grapevines, the potential advantages are considerable, foremost the ability to enhance important traits while preserving the genetic identity of major wine cultivars,” writes UC Davis’ Dario Cantù. But the path from gene discovery to commercial variety delivery takes time…and collaboration. “The process is complex,” Dario adds. “No single laboratory or company can achieve it in isolation.”

Sign of the Vines: University Vineyard Adapts to Changing Climate and Evolving Industry

October 29, 2025 | WineTitles Media

A research vineyard at the University of Adelaide will be redeveloped over the next five years to adapt to the changing climate and prepare students for the evolving industry. The project will enable educators to select more climate-suited varieties and plant them in groups with similar ripening patterns and spray requirements, making management easier. “We needed to rework some of it because of Eutypa,” said Paul Grbin, head winemaker at the university, “but why not take the opportunity to think about what’s happening in the future in terms of grape varieties?”

Fast Drying Method Boosts Potential Uses for Concord Grape Waste

October 27, 2025 | Cornell CALS

Researchers at Cornell AgriTech have developed a microwave-vacuum drying method that transforms Concord grape pomace into a stable, nutrient-rich ingredient in just 20 minutes, compared with the more than six hours it would take using traditional heat-based dehydration. The dried pomace is rich in antioxidants like anthocyanins and phenolic compounds, so it could be used in health foods and supplements. It also could potentially be a replacement for petroleum-based synthetic food dyes being phased out by the end of 2026.

Iowans Urged To Be on the Lookout for Spotted Lanternflies

October 24, 2025 | Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

In September, a resident of Des Moines County, IA, found an adult spotted lanternfly in an industrial area with significant truck traffic from outside the state. Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship entomologists confirmed the find with USDA-APHIS. Surveys of the area show no signs of an ongoing infestation, but the public is urged to be on the lookout for SLF.

Dry Farming Vineyards: Where It Works and How to Begin

October 16, 2025 | Sustainable Winegrowing with Vineyard Team

Dry farming is more than just not applying water, explains Lauryn Leeds Pesch of Chavez & Leeds Family Vineyards and Leeds & Pesch Vineyard Consulting, in this podcast. It’s a deliberate practice that starts with soil stewardship and relies solely on stored winter and spring rainfall to meet vineyard irrigation needs. She also delves into water conservation research in coastal California vineyards and a new mapping tool that can help you find and learn from neighboring dry-farmed vineyards.

Rapid Identification of Boron-Tolerant Grapevine Rootstocks Via Leaf Spectroscopy

October 6, 2025 | Oeno One

Boron is an essential micronutrient for plant nutrition, but for grapevines, too much boron in the soil can be toxic. Led by grape breeder Luis Diaz-Garcia, scientists at UC Davis are exploring boron tolerance as a desirable trait for rootstock development and have hit on a method—leaf spectroscopy combined with machine learning—to fast-track identification of boron-tolerant rootstocks. This new high-throughput phenotyping method allows grape rootstock breeders to rapidly and cost-effectively find rootstocks that can withstand high-boron soils and leverage that trait for breeding.

Roots of Disaster: The Phylloxera Story

September 22, 2025 | The Wine Lab Podcast

Got 10 minutes? Travel back to the late 1800s with Texas A&M AgriLife Enology Extension Specialist Andreea Botezatu to the phylloxera crisis. Explore the first mysterious vine deaths in France to the desperate experiments, scientific breakthroughs and global collaboration that saved wine from extinction. And learn how a Texan, horticulturist T.V. Munson, applied his knowledge of American rootstocks to rescue French viticulture.

New Genomic Techniques in Viticulture

September 2025 | OIV

In the 10 years since the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) first weighed in on what it then termed “new breeding technologies,” much has changed. In a new “collective expertise document” on what it now calls “new genomic techniques,” the OIV offers guidance on the importance of internationally harmonized approaches to ensure responsible research, cultivation and marketing of NGT-derived varieties. The document addresses the scientific foundations and evolution of grapevine breeding, the potential and limitations of NGTs, and the need for cooperation between research, industry and policymakers.

Vineyard Idling – Part 1 – Winter Activities

Fall 2025 | WSU Viticulture and Enology News

In this seasonal guide, WSU viticulturists Michelle Moyer and Markus Keller offer insights on idling vineyards. They also distinguish between two common terms for vineyards on pause: “Mothballing,” they write, tends to describe vineyards that aren’t under contract. “We chose to use the term ‘idling’ with the distinction that the period of minimal management is short—1 to 3 years. Mothballing can describe a similar timeframe but can also include longer periods of time.” Management can look different in short- versus long-term vineyard shelving.

Find these stories and more, published every weekday, on our Facebook and X (Twitter) feeds. You can also find us on LinkedIn. Use #graperesearch to join and grow the conversation!