Davis, Calif.—Consulting enologist and retired Jackson Family Wines senior vice president E.B. “Pete” Downs will receive the American Society for Enology and Viticulture’s (ASEV) Merit Award for outstanding contribution to the society and the industry. Downs will receive the award following his presentation, “Politics and Wine – Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!” on Thursday, June 18, at the 66th ASEV National Conference in Portland, Ore.

According to a press release by the ASEV, Downs worked with legislators, regulators and other members of the industry at the local, state, national and international levels for a decade in his position as the external affairs senior vice president for Kendall-Jackson Winery. Before taking that role, Downs was the vice president and winemaker for sparkling wines at Chateau St. Jean Vineyards & Winery from 1979 to 1992.

Downs served as ASEV president from 1991 to 1992 and has been an active member since 1973, holding several positions, including secretary/treasurer (1985-87 and 1995-99), membership committee chair and public relations committee chair, and he was a member of the Unified Symposium organizing committee.