More than 500 wine and grape industry leaders, researchers and other academic representatives from around the world attended the American Society for Enology and Viticulture’s (ASEV) 62nd National Conference. Hosted this week in Monterey, California, the conference serves as the national platform for the wine and grape industry to disseminate current research reports and seminars on technology and other themed topics of importance to the industry.

According to ASEV Executive Director Lyndie Boulton, attendance at the conference held strong, exceeding the 2010 National Conference in Seattle.

The conference showcased an extensive agenda including presentations by esteemed speakers. Jerry Lohr of J. Lohr Vineyard and Winery was presented with the Society’s prestigious Merit Award for his contributions to the industry. The Innovation Session featured keynote speaker, Tim Bucher of Tastingroom.com.

In recent years, ASEV has chosen venues near wine regions to connect the session experience with fundamental practices and opportunities to visit local vineyards and wineries.

“The ability to host our conference in a major wine producing region has enabled ASEV to partner with and benefit from the support of local members and associations to provide a richer, professional yet personal experience for our conference attendees,” said Boulton. “This year, we’ve received tremendous support from the Central Coast, and with continued success, we look forward to next year’s conference in Portland.” Similar to Monterey, ASEV will have the benefit of hosting the National Conference entirely at one conference hotel.

Audio recordings of individual sessions or as an entire conference package will be available for purchase at www.asev.org.