Ancient Peaks goes solar
Total investment for new facilities will exceed $1 million
–Ancient Peaks Winery’s estate Margarita Vineyard will soon be generating more electricity than it consumes with the installation of two new solar plants at the historic Santa Margarita Ranch.
“The new solar plants are the next chapter in our ongoing sustainability progression at Margarita Vineyard,” said Ancient Peaks Winery co-owner Rob Rossi.
Solar power generated at the vineyard will be fed into the Pacific Gas & Electric grid to help the utility serve customers during periods of peak consumption. Meanwhile, the vineyard’s irrigation facilities and other electrical demand will continue to be run largely during off-peak hours. “When the solar installations are fully operational this spring, we will be generating more electric than we use,” Rossi said.
Additionally, the winery is converting its pumps from propane to electric power, further minimizing the vineyard’s carbon footprint. All pumps are also being outfitted with new variable frequency drives for enhanced energy efficiency. Other recent vineyard additions include wind machines for frost protection.
The total investment in the ranch’s solar plants and new high-voltage facilities will exceed $1 million.
Margarita Vineyard was originally planted by the Robert Mondavi family starting in 2000. The local ranch ownership acquired the vineyard lease in 2005 prior to launching Ancient Peaks Winery and continued to build upon sustainable farming practices. In 2010, Margarita Vineyard earned Sustainability in Practice, or SIP certification.
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