Alexander Levin

Alexander Levin serves as SOREC Director and Viticulturist at the Southern Oregon Research and Extension Center (SOREC) while holding the position of associate professor in the Department of Horticulture at Oregon State University. He is a core faculty member of the Oregon Wine Research Institute (OWRI) and chairs the Grape Genetics, Physiology and Management working group in the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS). Since 2016, he has led the Southern Oregon viticulture research and extension program at SOREC, located in the Rogue Valley near Medford, OR.

Levin's research focuses on understanding grapevine physiology with particular emphasis on plant water relations, carbohydrate metabolism, and fruit ripening biochemistry. His work applies this understanding to improve vineyard management practices while enhancing sustainable wine grape production. Current projects include understanding negative impacts of wildfire smoke to grapevines, optimization of irrigation initiation timing using fruit and wine quality thresholds, development of best management practices to mitigate Grapevine Red Blotch Disease, refinement of wine grape crop coefficients for improved irrigation scheduling, and development of low-cost, automated plant-based water stress sensors for grapevines.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on practical viticulture solutions, particularly addressing Grapevine Red Blotch Disease and wildfire smoke impacts on wine grapes. His work spans physiological studies, irrigation management, disease mitigation strategies, and technological innovations for vineyard monitoring. The research consistently bridges fundamental plant science with practical vineyard applications.

Scientific awards include:

• Water Research with CAS BES, Oregon State University (March 6, 2024)
• Industry Partner Award, Oregon Wine Board (February 22, 2021)
• Stay at Home Hero Award, Oregon State University College of Agricultural Sciences (October 2020)

Levin accepts graduate students for Horticulture and serves on graduate committees. His research has been supported by significant funding including a $7.65 million USDA grant to study wildfire smoke impacts on grapes and wine, as well as multiple Oregon Wine Board-funded projects focused on Grapevine Red Blotch Disease mitigation and irrigation management. His extension work includes practical publications addressing current challenges facing Oregon grape growers.

Levin leads the Levin Lab at SOREC, which includes researchers Suraj Kar, Joseph DeShields, and Ricky Clark. The lab maintains research and demonstration vineyards at SOREC and collaborates extensively with industry partners through the Oregon Wine Research Institute to address pressing viticultural challenges in Southern Oregon and beyond.