AgTech Innovation Improves Grape Quality Through Enhanced Precision in Deficit Irrigation
“Being able to hold the vine at the right amount of stress at each growth stage really drives berry size and composition and therefore wine quality,” explains Jeff Jenkins, Sales Director, FloraPulse in the interview about FloraPulse’s WINnovation Award winning technology.
Effective irrigation is essential to producing high-quality wine grapes, but knowing exactly when vines need water can be a challenge. FloraPulse is replacing guesswork with actionable data. Their microtensiometer technology embeds a tiny sensor directly into a vine’s trunk to measure stem water potential (SWP) and transmit readings every 20 minutes. SWP provides a direct measure of vine water status to support more informed irrigation decisions. FloraPulse’s major 2026 advancement takes this innovation a step further with SWP forecasting. Combining continuous vineyard measurements with 10-day weather forecasts, the system predicts when vines may reach critical stress thresholds. This is especially valuable for regulated deficit irrigation, where maintaining specific water-stress levels can influence berry composition and wine quality. The result is a smarter, more proactive approach to irrigation that helps winegrowers manage water resources, protect grape quality and make decisions with greater confidence.
Meet FloraPulse at the North Coast Wine Industry Expo – WIN Expo at booth 331 on Dec. 3, 2026 in Santa Rosa.
About WINnovation Awards
WINnovation Awards recognize the technologies, products, and services transforming the way the wine industry grows, produces, and brings exceptional wine to market. Wine Industry Network’s have been celebrating excellence and recognizing wine industry innovators with WINnovation Awards since 2013.
