Bees have been buzzing on Earth for over 25 million years, perfectly adapted to every local climate, geography, and yes, even to us humans, from north to south and east to west.
Most people don’t immediately connect bees with winemaking. In fact, many don’t realize how essential these tiny pollinators are to the process. If you’ve ever visited a winery or vineyard, you might have spotted beehives on the property. While some avoid vineyards because of allergies or fear of bees, these incredible insects play a vital role in supporting the ecosystems that help produce high-quality grapes, and ultimately, exceptional wines.
Let’s kick things off with a fun fact: bees aren’t just cute little buzzers, they have a huge impact on what we eat and drink because they’re the ultimate crop pollinators. But here’s the twist: they’re also like the vineyard’s tiny bodyguards. How? They help protect other helpful insects that keep pesky pests in check. Talk about multitasking!
In vineyards, seeing lots of bees buzzing around is actually a good sign. It means the vineyard is healthy and probably doesn’t rely on harsh chemicals to stay that way. Bees do their magic by cross-pollinating flowers and fruits, which invites other friendly insects to join the party. These insect buddies help keep unwanted pests at bay. When the whole ecosystem is humming along, the soil stays rich with nutrients and grapevines grow happy and strong, like a well-balanced rock band playing in perfect harmony.
''At the end of the day, you really can’t make a wrong choice.
As long as you pay attention to what it is that you don’t like about a wine
each bottle will get you closer to what you do like.
Take it one glass at a time!''