Sacramento, Calif.—The National Grape & Wine Initiative, NGWI, has changed its name to the National Grape Research Alliance, NGRA, effective immediately. According to the press release announcing the name change, the group changed its name to raise awareness of its role in supporting and promoting research. Tom Smith, vice president of winegrowing at E. & J. Gallo Winery, a founding member of the organization, led the effort to develop the new name. "As we worked on the rebranding, we sought to find a new name that would clearly communicate our research focus,” he said in the NGRA’s statement. “We also felt it was important to be inclusive of all grape industry sectors, rather than calling out wine in particular."

The NGWI was organized in 2003 to drive research to strengthen the productivity, sustainability and competitiveness of America's grape industries. The group brings together all grape sectors including raisins, juice, table grapes and wine plus non-profits, academic institutions and government agencies in a unique collaborative effort that seeks to organize and advance research. Now in its 15th year, NGRA unites the industry with researchers and grant funders on game-changing, national-level research. graperesearch.org.