Napa Valley commits $2.5m to Red Blotch research

By Oliver Catchpole

Published: 15 October, 2026

Winegrowers and wineries from the Napa Valley have committed $2.5 million to launch Phase One of the Grapevine Red Blotch Virus (GRBV) Research Initiative, a public-private collaboration which is designed to push forward research into the disease.

Those involved – which includes Joseph Phelps Vineyards and Opus One Winery – have described GRBV as “one of the most serious unresolved threats facing wine production”.

The virus can impair vine performance, delay ripening, alter grape composition and diminish wine quality – issues worsened by the fact that winegrowers lack early detection methods or proven strategies to limit spread.

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While originating in the USA, and initially thought to be confined to North America, it has since been found in small amounts in countries across the world, including South Korea, India, Argentina, and, most recently, Australia.

The research will prioritise earlier, more reliable detection and diagnostic methods; virus and vector biology, including transmission and patterns of spread; practical mitigation and vineyard-management strategies; and nursery testing, clean plant material and validation of diagnostic tools.

Phase One will entail a three-year effort supporting multiple projects on these areas at leading research institutions, aiming to have a clear path from scientific discovery to vineyard use.

Dr. Ben Monpetit, the chair of the Department of Viticulture and Enology at UC Davis, said: “Researchers and industry leaders have come together to identify the most urgent Red Blotch research needs and coordinate the work ahead.

“The wine community deserves tremendous credit for stepping up with the resources to put that plan into motion. We are excited to join this effort to help deliver practical tools that growers can use.”

Comitted wineries and industry leaders include Dominus Estate, Darioush Winery, Joe Wender and Ann Colgin, Laelius Winegrowing, Vine Hill Ranch, Gamble Estates, and the Araujo Family.

The effort began in 2025 as a series of discussions between the wine industry and researchers, initiated by the Moët Hennessy Robert-Jean de Vogüe Research Centre and culminating in a July 2026 meeting aimed at refining research priorities.

Research awards will be made through open, competitive calls available to qualified institutions.

A proposed 10-member Governance Committee with equal representation from both wine and research communities will establish priorities and budgets, approve proposals and make final funding decisions.

Meanwhile, an independent Technical Review Panel of qualified reviewers will evaluate proposals for scientific merit, feasibility, team capability, measurable milestones and practical vineyard impact.

The GRBV initiative expects to issue its first call for proposals in January 2027, and to make initial funding decisions in spring that year.

Image Credit: Ousa Chea on Unsplash

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