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GRAPEGROWING Michigan and Washington state to discuss how rootstocks affect vine performance, breeding and how rootstock can resist pest and disease pressure. This year's ASEV National Conference takes place June 24-28 in Monterey, Calif., at the Portola Hotel and Monterey Conference Center. In addition to Highlights • fter 30 years with the University of A California, Davis (including a decade as the viticulture and enology department chair), Jim Wolpert has retired. • olpert was part of a UC Davis task W force that reexamined the AxR1 rootstock and ultimately had to rescind the university's recommendation of it. • olpert established the Zinfandel Heritage W Vineyard and began a project studying the performance of grapes from hot regions of Europe in California's Central Valley. the rootstock symposium, described by ASEV as a tribute to Wolpert, the Davis researcher will also receive the group's annual Merit Award. Wolpert is expected to discuss the role of the university extension service in the modern wine grape industry during his acceptance speech at 9 a.m. on June 27. A reception in Wolpert's honor is planned for later that day. "He has basically done so much of what we do as SOP in the world of viticulture and the wine industry. I don't think a lot of people realize that," said Lise Asimont, an ASEV vice president and the director of grower relations for Francis Ford Coppola Winery in Geyserville, Calif. Wolpert has been undergoing ongoing medical treatment but is expected to attend the conference in June. In 2012, Wolpert received the outstanding achievement award from the ASEV-Eastern Section. Stan Howell, a professor emeritus of viticulture and enology at Michigan State University, said the places Wolpert has been invited to speak underscore the breadth and impact of his research. Wolpert has lectured at major industry events in every significant grape-producing state in the United States as well as at conferences in Canada, Germany, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand and Spain. Wolpert studied under Howell as a master's and doctoral candidate researching cold hardiness in Concord grapes. Howell said Wolpert contributed a great deal to the department and the state's industry with his work. He had the tact to listen to different opinions but politely counter with research or facts that backed up his side of the debate. "No one would ever be upset when he called them," Howell said. "As his professor, I was thankful he made me avoid being embarrassed." Howell said that deft ability to handle conflicting viewpoints and personalities helped Wolpert during his 10-year tenure as chair of the UC Davis Viticulture and Enology Department. "You can't work with someone like Jim for a long time without him having a personal and professional impact," he said. During his time in Michigan, Wolpert helped improve the quality of Niagara juice grapes, studied frost damage protection and helped begin research into what at the time were new varieties such as Vignoles and Vidal Blanc. Rootstock research In California, Wolpert helped lead the team of UC Davis researchers who in the QUALITY STAINLESS TANKS QST offers its clients……. Professionally fabricated stainless tanks 35 years of tank fabrication experience Performance & reliability guarantees Custom designs & modern features Quick & competitive tank project pricing On site tank repairs & modifications Special application tanks of all sizes "In stock tanks" from 500 to 10,000 gallons 510 Caletti Ave. Windsor, Ca. 95492 Phone 707-837-2721 or Toll-Free 877-598-0672 www.qualitystainless.com Company Website winetanks@aol.com email contact/sales info Custom Fabricated Tanks for the perfect size & fit… or Ready to Ship "Stock Tanks" Either way QST is ready to assist our clients! Call QST today for information or pricing! Win es & V i n es JU NE 20 13 47