Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/137110
GRAPEGROWING an economic downturn. Nevertheless, future plans are in place. Chehalem is tackling "low-hanging fruit" that will have minimal financial impact. More glycol lines and other equipment will be insulated. Consideration is being given to switching to gas water heaters and installing solar panels. Oak barrels are used for four years instead of three for economic, carbon reduction and stylistic reasons. Lemelson wants to change out the chiller, noting that it is the No. 1 user of power in the winery, but it will be very expensive to do. He also would like to install more solar panels and look into the potential to harness the wind at the Chestnut Hill Vineyard. He will have sales personnel travel less and work to increase retail sales locally. Sokol-Blosser's new 5,000-squarefoot tasting room will be housed in an energy-efficient building, which is scheduled for completion during summer 2013, and the management also wants to install solar panels. In his continuing efforts to get entirely off the grid, Somers would like to install a small windmill at the top of a hill and is looking into lower cost models. Soter would like to go to LED lighting, but so far it has been prohibitively expensive. J. Christopher Wines is looking into reducing "vampire" energy by unplugging equipment. of wineries are participating in the CRC. Nevertheless, it is in the industry's best interest to highlight the impact of GHG emission on climate change. The growing season average temperature bounds in Willamette Valley during the past 30 years has, on average, been between 58° and 61°F, centered within the ideal climate for Pinot Noir quality and production. However, conservative projected warming rates of 1°–3°F could push the region's growing season climate outside what we know today as being suitable to high-quality Pinot Noir (crchallenge. org/about/climate-change-and-wine/ climate-change-and-wine-full/). Despite the challenges, financial burdens and uncertain success, there is a single-minded dedication to the cause. As Peterson-Nedry asserts: "Philosophically, this is vitally important. We cannot be passive for, if we are, we are part of the problem." PWV Neal Hulkower is an oenophile living in McMinnville, Ore., for two years and taught mathematics in college for nine years. His writing has appeared in a wide range of academic and popular publications. 2 BARREL STEAMING MACHINE AUTOMATED STEAMING! Winery CRC successes Brown reports that Sokol Blosser achieved a 5% reduction in 2010-11 energy use, but he does not have figures for 2011-12. Martin notes that, "Every member is working toward the program goals and is a leader in energy efficiency for wineries, industry supply-chain companies, other agricultural industries and consumers." The biggest barrier to attracting participants, she admits, is finding time to do the paperwork. Martin cites the benefits of joining the CRC: the structure resulting from the use of spreadsheets, peer contact and reinforcement, plus the potential for striking a resonant chord in the marketplace. Peterson-Nedry notes that the latter occurs differently from region-to-region, with the West Coast being particularly sensitive, with other parts of the country not particularly caring. Oteiza reports sharing among members at quarterly seminars as an advantage. Summary The impact of the entire wine industry in Oregon on GHG emissions is comparatively minor and only a small percentage ! W NE 2 & 4 Barrel Washing • 2 & 4 Barrel Steaming Barrel Processing Lines • 1/2 Ton Bin Washing Systems 35 lb. Picking Lug Washers • Custom Cellar Equipment 1650 Almar Parkway, Santa Rosa, CA 95403 P. 707-573-3150 F. 707-573-3140 www.tombeard.com E. jmendoza@tombeard.com pr actica l win ery & vin e ya rd JU LY 20 13 63