Anita Oberholster, associate specialist in enology for the University of California, Davis, Cooperative Extension has received the American Society for Enology and Viticulture’s 2021 ASEV Extension Distinction Award, according to a news release. Oberholster will present “The Challenges of Modern Extension Programs” at the 72nd ASEV National Conference, to be held virtually June 21–24.
Oberholster completed her doctorate in wine sciences at the University of Adelaide, Australia, in 2008 and worked at the Department of Viticulture and Oenology at Stellenbosch University until 2011, when she joined the department of viticulture and enology at UC Davis.
Oberholster’s research program concentrates on current issues in the grape and wine industry, including the impact of climate on grape ripening and phenolic development, grapevine red blotch disease and smoke exposure in the vineyard. She also studies the impact of different winemaking techniques on wine composition and quality.
“I love science, agriculture and wine. My job is the perfect blend,” Oberholster said in the release. “Working with the grape and wine industry has been extremely rewarding, and I am especially grateful to the ASEV for this high honor and recognition.”
Oberholster has been a member of ASEV since 2011 and served as board director from 2014–2020. The ASEV Extension Distinction Award is given to a current ASEV member and extension educator based either on the contribution of information in enology or viticulture through an extension program, or the translation of novel research findings into commercially applicable tools for enologists or viticulturists.
The ASEV National Conference is a forum for sharing and disseminating the latest scientific information relevant to winemaking and grape growing. For more information about the upcoming ASEV National Conference, visit www.asev.org.
—by Jonelle Mejica
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