RAINFALL

Rainfall average in the Santa Maria Valley is 12-15 inches per year. The 30 year average stands at at approximately 14 inches per year.

In 2006/2007 Sierra Madre recieved 6.43 inches at the vineyard. The 2007/2008 season is at 10.57 inches, as of February;  the rainfall year ends July 1.

Supplemental irrigation is used every year, despite rainfall totals, to control the timing and amount of water applied, thus limiting stress and optimizing growth for better quality.