RCD staff can evaluate and improve the precision of your irrigation protocols in the vineyard.
The best irrigation schedule has a triple bottom line: efficient use of water, sensible use of labor and maximum quality of fruit.
- Charles Schembre, Vineyard Conservation Coordinator, Napa County Resource Conservation District
Efficient, targeted irrigation benefits both your bottom line and the quality of your fruit, ensuring vines get the right amount of water at the right time. Here are the benefits of irrigation efficiency:
The Napa County Resource Conservation District (RCD) received grant funding to assist growers with low- to no-cost services that improve vineyard irrigation efficiency and scheduling. These include a comprehensive “Irrigation Toolbox” and the “Mobile Irrigation Lab” (a core component of the Toolbox).
This is for growers who want to upgrade their overall irrigation system. We’re seeking vineyards with irrigation issues and growers who want assistance with scheduling and haven’t yet pursued precision irrigation. This could be soil analysis, implementing both mainstream and cutting-edge technologies and/or addressing water quality issues.
Any grower can request the Mobile Irrigation Lab. The Lab provides rapid evaluation of irrigation efficiency and uniformity throughout the vineyard. It identifies ways to improve water use and irrigation system performance, which improves vine health. The evaluations focus on Distribution Uniformity (DU) – how evenly the irrigation system is delivering water throughout the vineyard block.
The assessments require the grower to run a normal irrigation set on a standard irrigation area where the grower has some concern or wants to gain additional information for that vineyard. Each grower will commit to participating in the evaluation (2-4 hours), which is considered the “cost share” component.
The grower always gets something out of the evaluation. DU evaluations often aren’t on the top of the vineyard manager’s to do list, and can be overlooked. But if the DU rating is low, the field isn’t being irrigated uniformly, usually due to low-pressure or clogged emitters. We often identify quick adjustments like filter cleaning or injecting a drip cleaner a few times a year to break down and dissolve blockages.
Working closely with the Napa RCD and developing custom drip uniformity protocols has enabled Renteria Vineyard Management to accurately and efficiently irrigate specifically designed precision farming zones with confidence. With these capabilities, we’ve increased yields and quality.
- Rob Whyte, Director of Operations, Renteria Vineyard Management
Save Water, Save Money, Maximize Quality | Efficient, targeted irrigation benefits the bottom line and fruit quality, ensuring vines get the right amount of water at the right time.
Reaping the Benefits of Cutting-Edge Irrigation Technologies | Two companies offer precision irrigation technologies to Napa Valley vineyard managers.
Napa Green is about producing wine responsibly and being proud of our respect for the environment and for future generations.
- Elizabeth Vianna, Chimney Rock Winery
Book your exquisite food & wine experience at @bcellars this August and support the wonderful work being done in climate smart winemaking!
#winery #winetasting #wineandfood #chef #napa #napavalley #climatesmart #sustainability #winereels #cheers
Thank you to all who came out to @complinewineshop for Vino & Vinyl featuring Napa Green winemakers!
We love getting out into the community and talking all things green!
📸: @tisharoundtown
Book your visit to @sterlingvineyards this August and receive 50% off your tasting while supporting Napa Green! 🍷🚠
#cheers #climatesmartagriculture #winery #napa #napavalley #visitnapavalley #winetrip #winwin
Join these rockstars of winemaking this week at @complinewineshop for Vino & Vinyl night featuring all Napa Green Certified Wineries!
🗓️: Thursday, July 18th
📍: Compline Wine Shop
⏰: 7:00pm
Get your tickets now at the link in our bio! 💃🍷
@tressabores, @ashesxdiamonds, @spottswoodewinery, @closduval, @larkmeadvineyards, @complinewineshop, @tisharoundtown
Plan your tasting at @phiferpavittwine in August! 🍷
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Mead
We are thrilled to officially kick off our ‘Cheers to Climate Smart Wines!’ campaign with the first press release going out and the announcement of the involvement of 21 of our Napa Green Certified members!
Join us in the month of August at a participating winery to celebrate the beautiful harmony & synergy between sustainability and luxury while supporting a great cause!
Full details at the link in our profile. Cheers to Climate Smart Wines!!
You’re invited..
Join us for a fun night featuring some awesome Napa Green wineries! Link in profile for tickets. 🎵🍷
📍: @complinewineshop
🗓️: Thursday 6/18/24 7:00-9:00pm
🎟️: Linked in profile
Plan your tasting at the beautiful new Garden Pavilion at Napa Green Champion winery @whitehalllane!
Help support Napa Green while sipping on delicious Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot amongst the scenic views. Cheers to Climate Smart Wines! 🍷
#napavalley #winereels #sustainability #winetasting #winetrip #visitnapavalley #cheers #vineyardviews #winelovers
Plan your trip to @cliffamily this August for our ‘Cheers to Climate Smart Wines’ campaign!
Clif Family Winery & Farm will be creating a beautiful food and wine tasting menu for the month of August with a percentage going straight to support Napa Green!
Plan your visit to the tasting room, food truck or gorgeous Enoteca Private Tasting Salon in August to enjoy great food & wine while helping to support this important initiative!
#napavalley #sustainability #napa #cheers #winereels #winetasting #visitnapavalley #winebusiness #wineindustry #winetrip
We’re thrilled to announce our ‘Cheers to Climate Smart Wines’ campaign starting in August!
Several of our champion members will be curating special offerings to support Napa Green and highlight the brilliant work being done in Climate Action here in Napa Valley.
Join us this August and visit @spottswoodewinery & @mkshepp!
Economics of Organics on June 25th at @grgichhills. Register at the link in our bio.
🎙️: @soilrainandhope
🎞️: @mvino1
Team Green outing today at the stunning @boeschenvineyards as we celebrate big things that we can’t wait to share with you! 🌿
One of the main resistances to phasing out glyphosate is increased labor and equipment costs. However, the costs of herbicides and fertilizers have risen dramatically, so increased labor demands can be offset by reduced supply chain purchases.
In addition, leaders like Grgich Hills Estate have shown that regenerative organic farming can be cost-effective. According to an analysis by Brotemarkle Davis & Co. LLP accounting firm, the average annual per acre cost of vineyard management in the Napa Valley is $14,800, with $3,800 in depreciation. At Grgich, they spend $11,000 per acre, with only $1,300 in depreciation due to the longer life of their vineyards.
Learn from regional leaders about the practical costs, benefits, and ROI of herbicide-free, organic, and regenerative vineyard management.
Confirmed Speakers:
• Ivo Jeramaz, Grgich Hills
• Phil Coturri, Enterprise Vineyard Management & Winery Sixteen 600
• Brad Kurtz, Gloria Ferrer
• Brenae Royal, St. Supery
• Rebekah Wineburg, Quintessa
Register at the link in our bio.
“Storytelling is key… and sustainability is the most important topic in wine.”
Thank you @elinmccoy for an incredible and insightful conversation with @napagreen members about the stories most likely to capture journalists attention.