Besides producing grapes, a particular vineyard in Sacramento County is playing an important role, said Omuchumme-Hartnell Water District General Manager Mike Wackman, in preparing the greater area for times of drought.

“This field here represents a recharge area,” Wackman said. “So, with the vines being grown out here, we’re able to take water off the Consumer’s River and recharge, and actually flood these fields while the vines go dormant.”