Wolff Vineyards: Climate Change Adaptation Through Sustainability -- Jean-Pierre Wolff

Tuesday, September 19, 2023 10am - 12:30pm

Wolff Winery, SLO

$5 for LLCC Members $10 for Others

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The 125 acres of Wolff Vineyards in San Luis Obispo has been described by the wine press as “a living laboratory.” Vintner Jean-Pierre Wolff Ph.D. is committed to sustainability and sees himself as a “climate resilient farmer.” His focus is on water conservation, e.g., storm water capturing, and a novel sub-surface precision drip irrigation system installed on 35,000 vines to eliminate evaporation.

To leverage state of the industry technology, Jean-Pierre developed an experimental weather station in collaboration with UC Extension to provide real time internet access to key data like temperature, rainfall, solar radiation, humidity and more. Soil moisture sensors embedded in the ground at different depths and locations have cloud-based real time data access as well.

On the ecological side, the vineyard has a natural pond that hosts many bird species, including barn owl and kestrel boxes. Surrounded by creeks, the property is host to a steelhead trout riparian corridor restoration program. The vineyard is a Climate Adaptation California Department of Food and Agriculture Demonstration Project and host to research projects.

Jean-Pierre will present a sit-down discussion inside the winery where your questions will be answered. Following the lecture will be a one-hour field hands-on tour. Please dress accordingly and wear appropriate shoes, etc..

Jean-Pierre Wolff is the vintner at Wolff Vineyards. In addition to viticulture, Jean-Pierre Wolff’s background includes electrical power, nuclear engineering and a Ph.D. in science and technology, He is a board member of several local and State agencies including Cal EPA Regional Water Board. A frequent public speaker, Jean-Pierre enjoys participatory style presentations sprinkled with a little bit of humor.