“Irrigation is processed through a drop-by-drop system harnessing the pure Andean mountain run-off” -Domaine Bousquet 

Key takeaways:

• Organic farms and wineries are working hard to make water conservation an important part of their operations.
• Grape growers have responded to water shortages with multiple initiatives to control water usage. 
• Vineyard practices such as dry farming and irrigation scheduling are successfully sustainable.
• Many organic wineries strive to sustainably source and process water. 
• Organic vineyards have taken a proactive approach to water conservation and drought prevention that builds long-term resiliency and gains accolades from consumers. 

Over the past half-century, wineries have been looking for ways to make smart decisions about their water use. The amount of water used to produce wine and other agricultural products can be concerning. Organic wineries, in particular, are very conscious of water conservation and consistently try to be as environmentally friendly and socially aware as possible. Their proactive approach to water conservation is in line with their beliefs about increasing sustainability and biodiversity.

Water conservation is very important and farming and organic wineries are leading the way. Here are just a few ways that they are conserving water:

• Drip irrigation
  This system delivers water directly to a plant’s roots and reduces the evaporation that happens with spray watering systems. Farmers will utilize timers to schedule watering which further reduces water waste. Domaine Bousquet uses a drop-by-drop irrigation system that harnesses pure mountain run-off from the Andes. This special water creates a lower pH in the grapes that results in higher acidity and more color in the wine.
• Capturing and storing water
  Many organic grape-growing farms build their own ponds to capture and store rainfall for use throughout the year. These ponds can also provide a habitat for local wildlife.
• Irrigation scheduling
  Smart water management monitors how water is delivered but it also tracks how often and how much. This method prevents under or overwatering crops.
• Dry farming
  Dry farmers rely on soil moisture to produce crops during the dry season.  Special tilling practices are essential. Dry farming often enhances flavors but produces lower yields than irrigated crops.
• Compost and mulch
  Compost, which is decomposed organic matter used as fertilizer, improves soil structure and increases its water-holding capacity. Mulch, an organic material spread on top of the soil, conserves moisture and retains water.

Organic vineyards understand that our world water supplies are threatened. The combination of diminishing amounts of available freshwater with population growth has brought a supply and demand problem that could have significant repercussions on the wine industry. Many organic wineries have taken a proactive stance on water conservation and introduced specific actions to combat water shortages. Here are a few ways that organic wineries have addressed water conservation:

Specific actions organic wineries are taking to conserve water:

1. Replacing lawns with a water-efficient landscape

When it comes to wineries, people usually expect a beautiful, inviting, outdoor space. Landscaping, therefore, must match this. Organic wineries place a great emphasis on the environment so many are putting away water-intensive lawns and replacing them with native perennials, grasses, and shrubs. This new makeover is colorful, artistic, and full of lovely textures and scents. What’s more, it is highly sustainable. 

Water-efficient landscapes use a mere fraction of the amount of water that a lawn uses and create a dynamic atmosphere for patrons. With a natural setting of native grasses and florals, groups of wine lovers can relax and enjoy delicious drinks and organic farm-to-table food offerings. 

2. Rainwater catchment

Wine cellars and buildings are the perfect structures to collect rainwater. Their large roof areas make collection cost-effective and easy to implement. The catchment system is a simple but often-overlooked solution for water conservation. It allows rainwater to be captured in above-ground holding tanks, underground cisterns, or even directly into landscaping terrain by creating a passive catchment system. 

Metal or wood-sided tanks add visual appeal to many organic vineyards. They are attractive and impressive while most importantly being environmentally friendly. Collected rainwater is used to water vineyards, reduce strain on well use, landscape, and clean outdoor spaces. Even a little rainwater collection can add up to large savings and limitless uses.  

3. Understanding the climate and its surroundings

Organic vineyards have a deep understanding and appreciation for the idyllic wine-growing conditions. They know how to utilize their grape-growing environment to obtain optimum results. 

Domaine Bousquet, for example, is located in Gualtallary, Tupungato, Uco Valley, Mendoza in Argentina, which is an ideal place for grape-growing. The vineyard’s location at the foothills of the Andes, 4,000 feet above sea level, benefits from a cool climate, continual fresh air, and pure Andean mountain run-off, as mentioned earlier. 

4. Greywater systems

Implementing a Greywater system allows vineyards to use water recycled from the winery. Water taken from processing and rinsing barrels is automatically collected and used for irrigation throughout the vineyard. The Greywater system is a terrific way to reduce water waste and increase sustainability. 

5. Education and drought planning

Many organic vineyards are hiring water managers to develop and update comprehensive conservation and drought plans. These vineyards are leading the way by implementing water projects and building long-term resiliency to drought. 

Domaine Bousquet and its focus on water conservation 

Water conservation has multiple benefits for an organic vineyard, the Earth, its plants and animals, and its people. Organic vineyards that put a premium on water conservation prove that they are socially and environmentally conscious. 

Domaine Bousquet is an organic winery that produces pure, high-quality wine focusing on preserving the grapes’ natural characteristics with gentle handling of the fruit. We are focused on water conservation efforts and are highly involved with the water shortage program and treatment facilities in Mendoza. Contact us for more information or to learn about our selection of vegan, organic wines.