Grower-led research program earns global recognition and reflects collaboration with leading university and international scientists
March 17, 2026 (Lodi, CA) — Dr. Stephanie Bolton, Research and Education Director for the Lodi Winegrape Commission, will deliver a keynote presentation at the 21st Conference of the International Council for the Study of Virus and Virus-Like Diseases of the Grapevine (ICVG2026), taking place March 23–27, 2026, in Napier, New Zealand. Her presentation will highlight nearly a decade of grower-led research and outreach developed collaboratively by the Commission to address the grapevine virus crisis in California and beyond.
Grapevine viruses, spread by vectors including the vine mealybug, have cost California winegrowers millions of dollars in economic losses and continue to expand across the state, reducing wine quality and vineyard longevity. In response, in 2017, the Lodi Winegrape Commission established Mealybug Biocontrol and Grapevine Virus Research Focus Groups, bringing together growers, scientists, pest control advisors, nursery representatives, and university experts to develop practical management and prevention strategies.
The program has included collaboration with leading researchers from major institutions including Cornell University and the University of California, as well as international grapevine virus experts from South Africa. Together, participants developed educational workshops, field trainings, virus testing initiatives, and creative technical resources distributed locally, statewide, nationally, and internationally, including a comprehensive book in grower language authored by Dr. Bolton and published by the Commission in 2020.
“A key to success is that the Lodi growers have a financially vested interest in finding mealybug and virus management solutions, and that they are willing to work towards a greater good for everyone,” said Dr. Bolton. “We’ve worked so hard to study the virus crisis holistically, and I’m honored to share our huge collective body of work at this important conference.”
ICVG is held every three years and is the premier global gathering of scientists, researchers, and industry professionals focused on grapevine virus diseases. Lodi’s presentation falls within the conference’s new Communication and Extension program theme, reflecting the project’s emphasis on translating science into practical, real-world solutions for growers.
About the Lodi Winegrape Commission
Established in 1991, the Lodi Winegrape Commission represents the common interests of Lodi winegrowers with programs in marketing, education, research, and sustainable viticulture. The Commission collectively and effectively promotes Lodi’s vibrant, multi-generational farming community and California’s most dynamic wine region. Comprised of nine commissioners and nine alternates, the board of directors provides direction and input on behalf of the region’s 750 winegrowers. For more information about the Lodi Winegrape Commission, visit lodigrowers.com.
About the Lodi American Viticultural Area (AVA)
A historic winegrowing region since the 1850s, Lodi is perfectly situated 40 miles south of Sacramento and 90 miles east of San Francisco. Lodi’s Mediterranean climate and distinct soils allow its growers to cultivate more than 130 winegrape varieties, making Lodi the most diverse winegrowing region in the United States. The region also serves as home to more than 85 wineries – from boutique producers to legacy brands – specializing in small-lot, handmade wines that have garnered major awards at domestic and international wine competitions.
Lodi is naturally a leader in sustainable viticulture. Created by California farmers and accredited by world-renowned scientists, LODI RULES is America’s original sustainable winegrowing program. Held to a high standard of scientific rigor and excellence, the program emphasizes environmentally and socially responsible practices, while keeping economic feasibility in mind for long-term business success. Today, there are more than 68,500 acres certified throughout California, in Washington, and Israel. For more information about the Lodi AVA or LODI RULES, visit lodiwine.com and lodirules.org.
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