Turning Water to Wine: An Analysis of Texas Wine Industry Water Efficiency

Abstract

The Texas wine industry is expanding in both scale and reputation (Myles et al, 2022). In 2017, there were 4,600 acres of grapevines in Texas, which grew to 10,160 acres by 2022(USDA, 2022). Sustainability concerns are increasingly visible and valuable to grape growers and wine producers in the state (Collins et al., 2020). Most vineyard acreage in Texas is in the High Plains and Hill Country American Viticulture Areas (AVAs) which rely on regional aquifers for water. With climate change predictions projecting more frequent droughts, water level decline in the Ogallala Aquifer, and legal restrictions on the Edwards Aquifer (Su and Karthikeyan, 2023), understanding water usage in the wine industry is crucial to its ongoing success. This study examines Texas grape growers' water use and perceptions of water management, focusing on the adoption of water-efficient techniques such as drip irrigation, soil moisture monitoring, drought-tolerant grape cultivars, and cover crops. By gathering technology and management strategy data as well as data on the motivations, challenges, and perceived benefits of these techniques, this research employs survey and interview methodologies to provide needed insights into the state of water management in the Texas wine sector. Results demonstrate that drip irrigation was used by all respondents and that water efficiency technologies and strategies, such as deficit irrigation, are underutilized by growers in Texas. Results also reveal a lack of concern among most growers of both current and future water resource availability. Recommendations stemming from this research include increased promotion and awareness among growers of the benefits of water efficient technologies and strategies. Further research should examine the role of education in the implementation of water efficiency strategies.Geography and Environmental Studie