Renowned viticulturalist Dr. G. Stanley Howell will receive the American Society for Enology and Viticulture’s most prestigious award, the Merit Award, on June 20 at the Annual Meeting in Reno, Nevada.

Howell’s research shaped the winemaking and grapegrowing techniques used in Michigan that have become elemental industrywide. The impact of his research efforts can be seen in the dramatic shift in the types of grapes used in Michigan four decades ago compared to today. In 1969, 90 percent of all Michigan wines were made from Concord, Niagara and Delaware American grape varieties. In 2006, more than 50 percent of the medal-winning wines at the Michigan State Fair were made from vinifera grapes. Howell’s work opened the door to a new understanding of climate, grapegrowing and maximizing the production of high-quality grapes.

“Dr. Howell exemplifies the Society’s standards for the Merit Award,” said Lyndie Boulton, ASEV executive director. “His significant contributions span several facets of the grape and wine industry, and have made an indelible impact on both enology and viticulture.”

Howell has not only proven to be an exemplary researcher but an influential leader statewide. He was instrumental in bringing together three major industry components: juice grapegrowers, winegrape growers and winemakers for the first time, leading to the creation of the Michigan Grape and Wine Council. He has authored or co-authored more than 100 research papers and 180 other printed works, and is looked to as a leader in viticulture. Most recently, he received the 2003 Integrity Award given by the Lodi-Woodbridge Wine Grape Commission and the 1999 Honorary Research Lecturer from ASEV.
The Annual Meeting will take place from June 19 to 22 at the Grand Sierra Resort (previously Reno Hilton) in Reno, Nevada.  For more information, please visit www.asev.org.