Tablas Creek Wetland Area

At the end of January, we finally completed our new wetlands project.  The project, in response to a new California law requiring wineries to treat their waste water before releasing it into the environment, consistes of a series of ponds designed to filter runoff water from the winery while breaking down any impurities the water may contain. 

Runoff water (for example, water we use to clean barrels and other equipment during harvest) is channeled down to the upper pond.  There it is naturally cleaned by plants such as cattails and reeds.  The cleaned water is then channeled to the lower pond, where it returns to the atmosphere through evaporation.  Because wineries use so much water in the course of their business, it is only logical that we should have to ensure that this water becomes a healthy part of the environment it reenters. The wetlands project at Tablas Creek is the most natural and organic way of doing so that we could find.

Comments

[michael russom]

Neil--Are you the one who gave me and my wife Mary Beth and our kids, Dylan and Kelsey a place to stay after Peppino D'Agostino's concert a few years ago? Your boys trophies for dirt bike racing were all over the place and you gave me a nice tour of the winery not long before an earthquake hit (you were reinforcing the foudres at the time and did all right I believe.) Lost your contact info and wanted to thank you again for your hospitality and insiders look at the Rhone style wines I love. We looked at you at two of Peppino's last gigs up there but couldnt find you. Enjoyed your coverage in the SF Chronicle. k
Best yo your charming wife and kids, and keep up the good work! Michael Russom michaelrussom@sbcglobal.net