Irrigating a vineyard is a delicate balance between providing enough water to sustain healthy vine growth and stressing the vine just enough to encourage the vines to limit its production of fruit. We as growers intentionally apply a mild amount of water stress during the growing season, allowing the roots to reach deeper into the soil in search of moisture. This controlled stress helps regulate excessive growth in the canopy and directs the vine’s energy toward developing smaller, more concentrated clusters. The key is to create only a slight level of stress without pushing the vines to an unhealthy level. Overstressed vines can shut down, leading to poor fruit development, and diminished vine health. By carefully monitoring soil moisture and vine conditions, and looking at the tendrils at the end of each cane, growers can maintain a gentle water deficit that enhances grape quality, improves flavor concentration, and promotes balanced, wines while preserving the long-term health of the vineyard. This is our goal and thought process all throughout the summer as we are closely monitoring everything that goes on in the vineyard including irrigations.