With a Rivulis subsurface drip irrigation system, the winemaker from Friuli has overcome the maintenance and fragmentation issues of his previous system, achieving uniform water distribution, simplified operations, and greater agronomic efficiency.
A fragmented and inefficient irrigation system that was difficult to manage: this was the situation faced by Daniele Avoledo, a winemaker in Friuli Venezia Giulia cultivating over 200 hectares of Pinot Grigio and Prosecco grapes. The need to simplify management and improve efficiency led him to choose Rivulis’ subsurface drip irrigation technology, with immediate results both operationally and agronomically.
“I’ve always believed in innovation, even when it meant throwing everything away and starting over. That’s how it was with irrigation. Before drip irrigation, we used surface irrigation, then small channels which we later buried. Then we switched to fixed sprinkler irrigation. It worked, but it wasn’t efficient and was hard to manage. Now everything is underground, subsurface, fully optimized,” says Avoledo.
A Technical Choice, but Also a Visionary One
At the heart of the new system is a Rivulis D5000 AS (anti-siphon) 27 mm diameter dripline with emitters every 60 cm — an unusual but strategic configuration for the winery’s long rows, which stretch up to 670 meters without interruptions. It’s a far-from-common choice: while most vineyards globally use above-ground drip systems, Avoledo consciously opted for a buried solution with a uniquely large diameter to achieve very long run lengths from the irrigation system. A rare approach that requires technical insight and trust in the technology.
“I didn’t want to split the system or have connectors in the middle. One single, clean, simple run that requires no maintenance.”
“It’s not common to see a subsurface drip irrigation system in vineyards,” says Mirco Vitali, Sales Manager Italy at Rivulis. “But it offers major agronomic advantages – such as uniform water distribution and complete freedom in field operations, keeping the vineyard free of obstructions. However, it requires specific expertise in both design and installation. That’s why we’re proud to have supported Avoledo in making such an innovative and forward-thinking decision.”
The system was designed in collaboration with Irrinova S.r.l., a local partner and Rivulis distributor, through a tailored technical consultancy process: from evaluating slopes to sizing the lines and gravel filtration systems.
The Results: Less Waste, Higher Quality
From an agronomic standpoint, the benefits have been clear:
- Uniform irrigation and fertigation
- Reduced water and heat stress
- More balanced vegetation
- Time savings and simplified daily management
“Fertigation is precise, water goes exactly where it’s needed, and the grapes are healthier,” he highlights. The subsurface system has also brought greater freedom in the field: “No more pipes underfoot. I can work, prune, and harvest without worries. And the vineyard looks better, too.”
Innovation Without Compromise
For Avoledo, investing in technology doesn’t just mean buying products – it means demanding uncompromising quality: “I had to replace some electrical boxes and components because they weren’t up to standard. The difference between spending little and spending wisely becomes clear when you start working. And I don’t make compromises on that.”
Looking to the Future
Despite the workload and the challenges of finding labor, Avoledo remains focused on the essence of his craft: “I’ve built a lot, and now I also want to enjoy it. Technology should serve that purpose – to free up time, not complicate life.”
His advice to those considering subsurface drip irrigation? “Do it. But do it right, with someone who knows what they’re doing. For me, Rivulis meant efficiency and peace of mind.”
