Precision in Action Edition 4: Dialing in Volumes at Wente Vineyards

Precision in Action is a series where we share irrigation insights and grower wins from the field, fueled by Lumo’s block-level data. In this edition, we'll show you how Hannah Lindner, the Viticulture Manager at Wente Vineyards, is using flow data and volume-based scheduling to dial in her precision. 

If you have one gallon emitters, a 16 hour set should deliver 16 gallons of water per plant. 

But when Hannah Lindner reviewed the data, it was clear that her system was actually consistently putting out over 18 gallons per plant. A good 10-15% more than you’d expect.

For blocks 32243 V1 and 32250 North, the system was regularly delivering more than 18 gallons per plant over the course of a 16 hour irrigation set.

Catching that issue alone is going to save her considerable money on pumping costs this season.

"We really appreciate the partnership with Lumo and the visibility their system provides. Having block-level flow data has allowed us to uncover inefficiencies we wouldn’t have otherwise caught and move toward volume-based irrigation," said Hannah. "That shift is helping us fine-tune applications, reduce pumping costs, and improve overall water use efficiency across the vineyard."

That's the beauty of the Lumo system. You don’t just gain visibility into volumes. You also gain volume-based control. 

Now, instead of telling the system to run for 16 hours, Hannah can specify the exact volume of water she wants to put on each block, and the system will run until it hits precisely that volume.

Currently, she’s experimenting with dialing back to 14 gallons per plant, which takes the system a little over 12 hours. 

Here you can see the system delivering almost exactly 14 gallons per plant in a little over 12 hours.

The reduction in duration also makes it easier to avoid those pesky peak electricity rate hours, leading to further cost savings. 

If all goes to plan, Hannah will reduce her pumping costs and extend the life of her pump, while producing higher-quality grapes. With the automation Lumo provides, she’s also on track to save her irrigation team over 1,000 valve turns this season.

"Beyond the savings, the precision and automation are giving our team more time back in the field to focus on vineyard health and fruit quality. It’s exciting to see how this technology continues to support both operational efficiency and long-term vineyard sustainability.”

That’s what’s possible with block-level visibility and volume-based control.

Greater performance, precision, and profitability.