Presqu’ile Winery: Sustainable Wastewater Success

Presqu’ile Winery: Sustainable Wastewater Success

Presqu’ile Winery, located in California’s Santa Maria Valley, required a permanent wastewater treatment solution for its wine-making operations. Managing process water from every stage—from crush and fermentation to bottling—demanded
a system capable of accommodating a production of up to 25,000 cases of wine per year. Integrated Water Services (IWS)
implemented a specialized treatment train designed to maintain the estate’s commitment to sustainable farming while
integrating seamlessly into the 200-acre site.

HIGHLIGHTS

• IWS was able to complete construction within 60 days of contract execution.

• By treating process water at the source and using native plants, the project protects the natural ecosystem.

• System successfully supports the production of the winery’s Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, and Sauvignon Blanc.

CHALLENGES FACED

• Critical Path Requirements: IWS had to mobilize and install the infrastructure first so other trades could begin their work, putting the scope in the project’s critical path.
• Small Footprint Design: The system was required to have a small footprint to accommodate various landscaping and parking lot features.
• Deep Excavation Needs: Setting the tanks at the correct elevation required fairly deep excavation and extensive earth moving.

SOLUTIONS IMPLEMENTED

• Advanced Treatment Train: The installation included three settling tanks, a recirculation tank, a 25,000-gallon effluent tank, and six Advantex AX-100 units.
• Strategic Layout: To save space, the Advantex pods were placed on bedded gravel directly on top of the fiberglass tanks.
• Remote Dispersal: A 1.25-acre spray field was established approximately 300 feet from the treatment system for effective water dispersal. The spray field is covered with native plants and grasses to maintain the natural setting of the area.

OUTCOME AND IMPACT

• Exceptional Communication: The project engineer and general contractor praised the IWS team for their responsiveness and professional cooperation.
• Operational Readiness: The system successfully supports the production of the winery’s Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, and Sauvignon Blanc.
• Environmental Protection: By treating process water at the source and using native plants in the dispersal field, the project protects the valley’s natural ecosystem.

By delivering a specialized wastewater solution under a tight deadline, Integrated Water Services enabled Presqu’ile Winery to move forward with its permanent facility. The project successfully navigated significant logistical and space constraints to implement a sustainable, “first-of-its-kind” system for the region. This collaboration ensured that high-capacity wine production could coexist with the estate’s rigorous environmental standards.

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