{"id":1922,"date":"2022-04-21T17:53:16","date_gmt":"2022-04-21T17:53:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.frankfamilyvineyards.com\/blog\/?p=1922"},"modified":"2022-04-21T17:53:19","modified_gmt":"2022-04-21T17:53:19","slug":"california-drought-and-water-conservation-at-frank-family-vineyards","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.frankfamilyvineyards.com\/blog\/california-drought-and-water-conservation-at-frank-family-vineyards\/","title":{"rendered":"California Drought and Water Conservation at Frank Family Vineyards"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Napa Valley grape growers are no strangers to drought. In fact, California has experienced a drought between 2012 and 2016 and since 2020 finds itself in a drought once again. With dry years seemingly growing in frequency and intensity, winemakers are facing new challenges with water regulations and competition, leading us to find creative and sustainable ways to adapt and continue producing high quality wines. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Deficit Irrigation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the more effective strategies Frank Family uses to conserve water is through a practice called deficit irrigation. \u201cThrough this farming strategy, we measure vine stress in various forms from soil moisture to leaf water potential, and irrigate only when the vines start to show stress,\u201d says Brittany Pederson, the Director of Viticulture at Renteria, Frank Family\u2019s contracted vineyard management company. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Utilizing the latest surface renewal systems and technological sensors, Frank Family closely monitors the needs of the vines to determine precisely if, when, and how much water to feed them. We use a drip irrigation system to deliver water directly to the plants that need it, while minimizing evaporative loss and maximizing grape quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Vines that are deficit irrigated will have less vegetative growth, smaller berries, and lower yields which are known to create extremely complex and concentrated wines. While its benefits abound, deficit irrigation requires serious commitment. \u201cIt\u2019s certainly not a beginner\u2019s tool,\u201d says Pederson. \u201cIt demands a higher level of management and investment, but makes a huge difference in conserving water usage, improving labor efficiency, and optimizing grape quality.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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