Napa shows sustainable tools
A Napa Valley event this week showcased sustainable winemaking tools ranging from grazing sheep to smartphone‑controlled irrigation systems. (napavalleyregister.com) Coverage presented those demonstrations as growers blending traditional practices with precision tech ahead of the 2026 growing season. (napavalleyregister.com)
Napa Valley growers spent the weekend showing how they plan to farm the 2026 season with both grazing sheep and phone-based irrigation controls. (napavalleyregister.com) The demonstrations were part of “Afternoon in the Vineyards,” a Napa Valley Grapegrowers and Napa Valley Vintners event held April 11, 2026, for Napa County residents. Organizers said the program covered sustainable vineyard practices, wildfire preparedness and pest management. (napavintners.com) The basic problem is water, labor and soil: vineyards need enough moisture to keep vines alive, but too much irrigation can waste water and change grape quality. The Register reported that growers showed systems that let them monitor and adjust irrigation from a smartphone instead of relying only on fixed schedules. (napavalleyregister.com) Sheep solve a different job. Growers use them to eat cover crops and weeds between rows, which can cut tractor passes and mowing while returning manure to the soil, according to the Register’s report on the event. (napavalleyregister.com) Napa Green, the region’s sustainability nonprofit, says it now counts 53 certified vineyards, 100 certified wineries and 5,500 certified acres in Napa Valley. The group describes its program as a certification system for vineyards and wineries focused on climate action, regenerative farming and social justice. (napagreen.org) That push has moved beyond field demos. Tom Gamble of Gamble Estates was recognized in September 2025 by Hydro20 for using soil sensors, remote monitoring, autonomous tractors and water recycling systems to track vine health and reduce irrigation demand in real time. (hydro20.org) California’s wine industry has built a wider training network around the same ideas. Wine Institute’s events page says the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance runs workshops on sustainable winegrowing practices and certification throughout the year. (wineinstitute.org) In Napa, that means the old image of vineyard workhorse equipment now sits next to sensors, apps and data dashboards. The April 11 event showed growers trying to carry both into the next growing season at the same time. (napavalleyregister.com)
