In addition to the ideal climate, the lack of abundant rainfall allows Monterey County grape growers to control the amount of water the vines receive. By utilizing some form of water distribution system, i.e., drip or sprinkler, growers are able to give the grapevines water when they need it and to withhold water in order to concentrate the flavors of the grapes.

The very first irrigation system to be implemented in a valley vineyard took place in Monterey County in the early part of the 1960's. The lack of annual rainfall made it necessary to have a predictable supply of water to the grapevines to ensure that they would thrive and produce a harvest with not only great quality but also higher yields per acre. The early irrigation systems relied on sprinklers, however many of the vineyards have converted to a drip irrigation system which is a more efficient method of distributing water.