Drought-Inspired Economic Use of Water in Wine Production

Abstract The increase in wine consumption has resulted in an increase in the number of vineyards and wineries in California over the past two to three decades. This increased grape and wine production coupled with the current severe drought in the Southwest United States have pushed the wine and agricultural industries to practice efficiency, technology substitution, and water reuse. A number of water-conservation measures are now in common practice including the use of drought-tolerant grape rootstock, drip and microsprinkler irrigation, soil-moisture monitoring, and pest control (including fungicides and herbicides). Water is an essential component in wineries as well, mainly used for cleaning and purification. The effects of these measures, and prospects for future water conservation methods, are discussed. Efficient use of water is clearly a key part of sustainability in the wine industry, along with energy efficiency, emission and waste reduction, and other factors.