NAPA VALLEY, Calif., October 6, 2026 — Winegrowers and wineries have pledged $2.5 million for Phase One of the Grapevine Red Blotch Virus Research Initiative, an industry-led public-private collaboration.

According to the announcement, supporters include Dominus Estate, Darioush Winery, Joseph Phelps Vineyards, Opus One Winery, and other industry leaders.

Grapevine Red Blotch Virus can delay ripening, affect grape composition, and reduce wine quality. The initiative aims to address gaps in detection and vineyard management.

The three-year first phase will fund research through competitive calls. Priorities include earlier diagnosis, virus transmission, vineyard mitigation, nursery testing, and clean planting material.

A proposed 10-member governance committee would bring equal representation from wine and research communities. An independent technical panel will assess proposals.

The initiative is working with the American Vineyard Foundation on administration arrangements, which remain pending.

The first calls for proposals are expected in January 2027, with initial funding decisions planned for spring. Further fundraising will support additional research and future phases.

Source: Initiative announcement distributed by PR Newswire, October 6, 2026.

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