Precision Irrigation of Grapevines: Methods, Tools, and Strategies to Maximize Harvest Quality and Yield While Saving Water

This paper reviews the principles and applications of precision irrigation in grapevine cultivation. It highlights the recent adoption in French Mediterranean vineyards as an adaptive response to climate change and increasing drought. The authors describe methods for characterizing vine water status—using hydric indices, soil and plant measurements—and outline plant responses to water deficits at different phenological stages. They discuss irrigation modes, from traditional gravity systems to localized drip techniques, and consider regional water management initiatives such as the Aqua Domitia project. The article emphasizes the use of decision support tools to develop tailored irrigation strategies aimed at optimizing grape quality, yield, and resource conservation under varying environmental conditions.