Sonoma County Winegrape Commission

Water conservation is a critical issue to all residents of Sonoma County. As a service to the agricultural community during this time of drought, the Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA), in conjunction with the Sonoma County Wine Grape Commission, Sonoma County Farm Bureau and the United Winegrowers of Sonoma County is hosting Vineyard Water Conservation Field Days in the Alexander Valley. The field day will feature a demonstration project funded by SCWA that has been installed at Hoot Owl Creek Vineyards / Alexander Valley Vineyards, 8595 Highway 128, which is just north of Alexander Valley School near Healdsburg.

Alternative irrigation practices, soil and plant moisture measurement techniques, low-volume vineyard cooling, rooting and wetting patterns will be showcased in a manner to allow for open discussion. Demonstration manager and viticulture consultant, Mark Greenspan will be on-site to discuss the projects and address any specific questions you might have.

Following the field demonstration, Arturo Carvajal, NRCS Water Management Engineer, will discuss how to check a new drip system and keep it working efficiently. Valerie Sherron, Sotoyome RCD will discuss water conservation cost sharing programs available to growers. Presentations will be followed by lunch sponsored by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance with grant funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Service, and by Sotoyome RCD. Alexander Valley Vineyards will be the wine sponsor for the events.

Please attend this important event, not only to learn but to share and to demonstrate the winegrowing community’s support for water conservation to the general public.

Two dates are available. Come to either one or both. Thursday, July 9th and Thursday, August 13th at noon. Lunch will be provided!

RSVP Required for the July event by July 2nd and for the August event by August 6th to ipm@sonomawinegrape.org or by fax: 707-522-5866.

Flyer attached below