Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/766392
January 2017 WINES&VINES 153 PRACTICAL WINERY & VINEYARD BUSINESS " We are going with high vigor and deeper rootstocks to get away from a bigger need for irrigation; that has proven beneficial. From the standard of an acre-foot per acre, which is a pretty good standard for loam soil in a relatively warm region, we are going to higher vine density and using half of that requirement—or even much less. When we put a lease together, our standard requirement is to have an acre- foot of water per acre of property." " It is much more about different rootstocks, clonal selections and va- rieties that do well in different soils and climates. We grow 32 differ- ent grape varieties and always experiment to see what does well. When climate change comes, we will at least have some experience with these different selections and varieties." " We are installing misters so that when we get those 100°-plus (F) days, we can increase the humidity. Instead of having really dry heat, increase humidity to offset that so we do not get so much scorch and put the vines under stress. We have looked into row orientation to minimize heat stress and biochar incorporation as well." " Absolutely, it is especially a concern because we operate 100% off of groundwater. For years we have been using a pressure chamber to measure how much water is actually needed by a vine as op- posed to how much water is in the soil. Some people use soil- moisture sensors, but we use a pressure chamber. It requires a little more labor but means we do not deliver any more water than is necessary for the vine." " We are working with the University of California, Davis, on the sur- face-renewal program, which takes a holistic look at the environment and how much the entire environment needs." " We should do as much water sequestration as possible. When it rains, to protect it and really store it as best they can. Most people have some water-recovery system, but the other thing is the amount of water they use in their operations. I see breweries and distillers becoming really conscious of how much water they use in the pro- cess of making their product. Do we have that in the wine industry? I am not as close to it, but I do not hear as much about it." " We are installing a Lyve treatment system, and it should be in place by the end of 2016. We generate about 2 million gallons of Your lender of choice for agricultural capital • Agricultural real estate since 1917 • Long-term fixed or adjustable rate mortgage financing • Real estate secured revolving line of credit • Competitive interest rates • Flexible terms and structuring Rates are attractive —contact us today. www.metlife.com/ag 559.435.0206 Agricultural Finance © 2016 METLIFE, INC. | (707) 775-7065 | Quercusconcepts@gmail.com www.OakAlternatives.com P E P E | (707) 775-7065 | Quercusconcepts@gmail.com www.OakAlternatives.com S U P E R I O R O A K A L T E R N A T I V E S A C U T A B O V E SUMMARY Wine grape farmers are investing in vineyards and land with good access to water, which usually implies moving away from the lower San Joaquin Valley and California's Central Coast. Choosing rootstocks that can maximize vigor with as little water as possible is becoming more important. Maximizing water-use efficiency reduces demand for water in the winery and vineyard. An increased number of survey respondents use rainwater catchment and storage. Investing in on-site wastewater-treatment systems that can treat winery wastewater provides a way to re-use water for vineyard irrigation. Staying ahead of climate change Vineyard Tools Battery Powered Pruning Shears • 1.25-inch and 1.5-inch cutting capacity models • 15,000 pruning cuts per battery charge • Includes lithium battery, harness, holster and carrying case www.zenportindustries.com | 503-524-7289 Gra ing Tools w zenportindustri Tying Tools & Supplies Harvest Shears ineyard T ols Pruning | Gra ing | Tying | Harvest