Reducing Energy Consumption at North Carolina Wineries: A Case Study of Shadow Springs Vineyard and Windsor Run Cellars

Abstract

Wine making is an energy intensive process. Energy efficiency improvements and on-site renewable energy generation can significantly reduce a winery’s energy demand. This project provides a case study of energy reduction efforts at two small-scale wineries: Shadow Springs Vineyard and Winders Run Cellars in Hamptonville, North Carolina. The analysis includes: 1) an examination of historical electricity utility bills, 2) an energy assessment equivalent to the ASHRAE Level 2 audit specifications, and 3) an evaluation of on-site solar photovoltaic generation. Findings summarize current energy use, provide recommendations for reducing energy consumption, and discuss how the lessons learned in this case study might scale across the rapidly growing North Carolina wine industry.