Hello Vioneer,
Good wines are produced in healthy nature. Some winemakers have recognized this and pay attention to biodiversity in their vineyards. Instead of monoculture and chemical sprays, animal helpers are used. Sheep, chickens, bees and the like not only look beautiful in the vineyard - they also contribute to the natural cycle. Birds of prey hunt mice and ladybirds eat lice. The motto is "beneficial insects against pests". If nature is in balance, there is no need for toxic aids. For responsible winemakers, biodiversity should be a matter of course. For us at Vioneers, it is one of the prerequisites for including a winery in our range.
Sheep mow the meadows
Sheep are used in winemaking all over the world. In the winter months they stand in the vineyards and "mow" the meadows between the vines. At the same time they fertilize the soil with their excrement. More nutrients in the soil are good for the vines and attract other animals such as earthworms, which loosen the soil. Compared to a tractor, the sheep are real flyweights. The soil is not compacted as much by them and rainwater can be distributed better in the soil. As soon as the first shoots appear, however, the fluffy employees have to move again, otherwise they would also be responsible for an involuntary reduction in yield.
Chickens as pest killers
Chickens in the vineyard take care of the under-vine work. No other plants should grow on the vines, as these steal water and nutrients from the vines. Chickens prevent this. They peck at grains and seeds and also eat pests. As if that wasn't enough, they loosen the soil with their claws and fertilize it with their droppings.
Protecting and pollinating bees
Where there are bees, the flora and fauna are intact. Bees do not like pesticides at all. As a natural enemy of many pests, they protect the vineyard and keep the harmful grape berry moth away, for example.
The flowers around the vineyard are pollinated by bees. Since more trees, bushes and shrubs also attract more animals, the natural cycle is also strengthened.
At the Pfitscher winery in South Tyrol, the vineyard is teeming with useful animals. Above all, the help of sheep and chickens in combination with the craftsmanship of the two young winemakers Daniel and Hannes Pfitscher make the wines something very special.
