Future-Proofing Vineyards: Expert Perspectives on AI, Water Management and Climate Resilience

Navigating climate change in viticulture by water management automation, climate-friendly farming, and AI advancements

Note: This article summarizes key insights from industry experts and vineyard professionals who presented at the Growing Forward Virtual Event. To watch the broadcast, click here [or see it embedded, below].

The recent Growing Forward Vineyard & Grower Virtual Conference (July 19) explored vital topics related to vineyard water management, climate change effects and the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in viticulture. As climate variability intensifies due to global warming, grape growers are faced with the need to adopt innovative approaches for sustainable and adaptable vineyard practices. 

Optimizing Irrigation Practices in a Time of Change

Growing Forward began by shedding light on the challenges of climate change, including more frequent and prolonged droughts and, conversely, heavy rainfall. To address these issues, experts emphasized the importance of optimizing irrigation practices. Mark Greenspan, president of Advanced Viticulture, highlighted soil moisture sensors and tensiometers as promising technologies to help tackle climate variability. 

“Irrigation practices haven’t changed that drastically,” noted Steve Vierra, director of vineyard operations at Derby Wine Estates in Paso Robles, Calif. “The goal is always the same; the challenge is adapting to what’s thrown at you.”

JT Jaeger, from Jackson Family Wines, shared how to leverage historical soil moisture data to fine-tune irrigation practices, ensuring optimal soil moisture levels throughout different growth stages. The panel sees tensiometers, which provide real-time water potential measurements, as more accurate alternatives to conventional methods such as weekly pressure bombings. 

Mike Anderson, a viticulture consultant at Peake Ranch Winery in Buellton, Calif., advises growers to embrace technology but underscores the importance of having someone to interpret the data collected.

Climate-Friendly Farming: A New Frontier for the Wine Industry

The next session delved into what vineyard owners and growers can do to increase carbon sequestration and reduce carbon emissions. The California Land Stewardship Institute’s Fish Friendly Farming Environmental Certification program collaborates with farmers to evaluate the effectiveness of their vineyard practices in this regard.

Its executive director, Laurel Marcus, pointed out, “Soil types are the crux of how you sequester carbon. The soil must have a fairly large amount of clay and silt to be more effective at capturing carbon.”

Several vineyards, such as the one managed by Brad Petersen surrounding Silver Oak Cellars’ Alexander Valley Winery, have taken eco-friendly measures, including solar energy use, wastewater treatment with a membrane bioreactor and advanced steam systems for barrel cleaning. 

Peterson said the experience helped them “discover that tilling every other […]

Full article: wineindustryadvisor.com