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Each month, we’ll bring you the latest news, issues and stories straight from the vineyard, so you can take a “behind the label” look at the California wines you love.
08/01/2010
Water-Wise Wines
Residents throughout California are being asked to save more water, and the state’s wine-grape growers are no different. The good news for wine drinkers is that while California growers do their part to conserve water, the techniques they use can lead to more flavorful grapes and better tasting wines!
Ever mindful of their role as stewards of the land, California’s wine-grape growers are careful with the natural resources they use, making sure that by fulfilling their own needs they don’t limit the availability of resources for future generations. Part of the growers’ commitment to sustainable wine-grape growing means conserving California’s precious H2O.
One of the most popular practices used by growers is drip irrigation. This type of irrigation, which is also commonly used in home gardens, allows growers to control exactly how much and when water is applied to the vineyards. Small nozzles set along long hoses slowly drip water directly onto a specific area of soil or, in some cases, are buried under the soil’s surface to apply water directly to the roots. Throughout the season, growers closely monitor the level of soil and plant moisture to determine when and how much water their vineyards need. This calculated water management system allows growers to use less water in more accurate amounts and helps reduce evaporation, soil erosion and nutrient loss.
Water conservation is not only good for the land and its natural resources, but it also plays a crucial role in producing excellent wine grapes. By fine-tuning the amount of water grapevines receive throughout the growing season, growers can greatly influence the flavor development of the grapes. And the more intense the flavors in the grapes, the more flavorful and complex the resulting wine.
See more details on how California wine-grape growers are true stewards of the land.
California winegrape growers are careful with all resources – especially water. Many growers use drip irrigation to slowly drip water onto a specific area.
