GRANDVIEW, Wash. — When Michelle Moyer unexpectedly bumped into her husband at the annual Washington State Grape Society (WSGS) conference, she suspected a surprise recognition was imminent. Winning the Walter Clore Award confirmed that suspicion.
“Being selected for the award completely caught me off guard, but it was a very nice surprise,” said Moyer, a viticulture professor and Extension specialist at Washington State University. “Past recipients have dedicated their whole careers to grapes. They’ve helped the wine and grape industry through good and challenging times, and it’s exceptionally humbling to now be part of that.”
Open to all Washington grape growers and wine industry members, the award recognizes individuals who are actively involved in WSGS and have consistently provided service to their community and the state’s grape industry.
Moyer, who is based at the WSU Prosser Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center, has served as an elected WSGS board member for more than a decade, helping with meeting planning and other educational opportunities. She also leads viticulture field days, which are run jointly between WSU and WSGS.
“Dr. Moyer has made a lasting impact through her leadership in organizing viticulture field days and shaping the WSGS Annual Meeting program — efforts that have significantly strengthened education and collaboration across the grape industry,” said WSGS Executive Director Kim Brunson. “Her commitment to the grape industry and service to her community are an embodiment of the Walter Clore Award.”
WSU Viticulture and Enology Department Chair Jean Dodson Peterson echoed that sentiment, noting Moyer’s down-to-earth approach and consistent desire to see students and growers succeed.
“Michelle is incredibly deserving of the Walter Clore Award,” she said. “She has had a profound impact on Washington viticulture through her commitment to applied, industry-driven research and her genuine dedication to growers. Michelle has a rare ability to translate complex science into practical solutions, and she does so with humility, curiosity, and deep respect for the industry. She also cares deeply about mentoring students and early-career professionals, ensuring that the legacy of viticulture in Washington continues well into the future.”
Moyer’s research includes studying ways to sustainably manage powdery mildew disease in the vineyard and investigating how rootstocks might combat soil-borne pests and diseases. Alongside partners at Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, she and other researchers are currently wrapping up a long-term study that looks at how rootstocks influence grapevines’ nutrition uptake and whether rootstocks can help control northern root-knot nematode, a vineyard pest.
Moyer said the award is especially meaningful because it comes from local growers, many of whom she regularly interacts with via WSU Extension.
“It’s such a thoughtful recognition,” she said. “I was a bit overwhelmed and emotional while receiving the award.”
Moyer regularly engages with the grape grower community through her Extension work, running workshops, attending grower meetings, and contributing to publications on a variety of subjects including grape pest management and crop protection. Her Extension work in the coming year will include workshops and resources on fungicide resistance.
Moyer has served as board member and president of the American Society for Enology and Viticulture. In 2023, she was promoted to full professor and received the CAHNRS Faculty Excellence in Extension Award. The following year, the American Phytopathological Society honored her with the Excellence in Extension Award.
Like those previous recognitions, Moyer said the latest award encourages her to continue making as much impact as possible through her research and Extension outreach.
“I’ll work even harder because I want to prove that I’m deserving of it,” Moyer said. “This award validates the work we’ve done, especially in Extension, and it helps reinforce that I have been successful. It also lights a fire and inspires me to ensure we continue to be useful to the communities we serve.”
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