For actually being a grape grower and winemaker in the Sacramento Delta region, the amount of energy and chemicals that go into growing the grapes is quite minimal. In fact, this year we only irrigated once due to the heavy rain season. Since the water table is so high in the soil from the river, grape growers can actually almost get away with dry-farming, i.e. no outside water usage. The chemicals used are to prevent common diseases from getting onto the grapes or the vegetative areas surrounding the grapes, it's mostly for protection which is a common practice all over. The grape growers/farmers in the Delta perform crop rotation and promote previously used areas to regain their strength before being put back into production. And as for cutting down surrounding vegetation for extra room, heck no! The more predatory birds that are attracted to keep down the rodent population is a big plus for us!