▻ A Zoo in the Vineyard

Let's Talk About

15 Sept

▴ Vergenoegd Winery Indian Runner Ducks (photo credits Vergenoegd Winery) — *▴ Vergenoegd Winery Indian Runner Ducks (photo credits Vergenoegd Winery)*

Episode Summary:-

Elin McCoy talks to Sarah Kemp about the increasing number of animals being used in various (and often ingenious) ways in vineyards around the world. As more people are seeking more methods of improving organic and biodynamic viticulture, animals – and perhaps not the usual suspects – are proving effective.

Some of the animals used are well known, as Elin notes. Sheep and horses are a good example, but others are being introduced, as vintners look to nature for alternatives to pesticides and herbicides. Elin elaborates the role each animal perform – chickens, for example, are a big deal in biodynamic farming, as they peck away at bad insects, each eating 20 to 30 vine weevils a day, and of course leaving their good rich manure behind, enriching the soil with nitrogen.

Other animals are used to fight predators. In some vineyards, falcons are used to scare away birds, which eat grapes and can bore holes in them, which lets in spoiling bacteria. Over at Château Coutet in Saint Emilion, they have introduced three types of non-poisonous snakes to deal with the rodent population. Several estates in France are experimenting with bats, which eat grapevine pests. Then, there is Elin’s least favourite experiment, the introduction of killer wasps in Alsace to combat the grape moth.

A much more attractive animal is working in a vineyard in South Africa: the Indian Runner Duck, whose long neck is perfect for reaching white dune snails, which cling to the higher part of the vine. Another attractive animal is the Kunekune pig, who acts as a voracious weed mower.

The most unusual animal Elin has found is the armadillo, currently being put to work at Bodega Chacra in Patagonia, which farms organically and biodynamically. Elin explains, “If they couldn’t use armadillos, they’d have to use pesticides.”

“Animals are really changing what a vineyard looks like, they’re changing how we think about the ways we can control predators, insects, pests, vine-eaters like rabbits, and they are changing the way we even think about a vineyard, not where there is bare land, vines and grapes, but being in an environment that fits into its locality.”

““Animals have become the new winery employees, but not paid…””

— Elin McCoy

Running Order:-

0.00 – 10.13

“They rent these mules, and the person who handles those mules doesn’t even have a website because he is in such hot demand that you have to know someone who will refer you.”

Elin McCoy explores the different animals that are being used in vineyards around the world, as producers look to nature for alternatives to pesticides and herbicides. The most common animals are sheep, which are used to replace tractors. They nibble cover crop, put nitrogen back into the soil through their manure, and save on greenhouse emissions and fuel. Elin looks at the different breeds which are used, Black-Faced Dorpers at Tablas Creek in Paso Robles, California, Babydoll Sheep at Yealands in New Zealand, and Barbados Blackbelly Sheep at Laetitia Winery, Central Coast, California.

Horses are used for tilling between the rows of vines, replacing tractors. In Bordeaux Elin finds a company that rents out the horses, Cheval des Vignes, and is amused to find one is called Cash. At Domaine de Chevalier they use mules, which they believe work harder and are less nervous.
10.14 – 17.19

“Birds are a serious problem in nearly every vineyard.”

Using predators to drive away birds is a method in several vineyards. At Bouchaine Winery in California, they have a peregrine falcon called Rambo who divides up the flights of birds and scares them off. In New Zealand, native falcons are used to control the rabbit population, which eats the vines. Another benefit, Elin points out: it is cheaper than buying and hanging nets.
17.20 – 22.25

“They are releasing these killer wasps before there are grapes on the vine.”

There are currently several experiments going on in vineyards with less well-known creatures, Elin reports. At Château Coutet in Saint Emilion, they have introduced three types of non-poisonous snakes to take care of the rodent population, which eats the vine roots. There are several estates experimenting with bats, and in Alsace one grape grower has introduced killer wasps at the beginning of the season to eat the grape moths and therefore protect the young vine buds. Elin isn’t keen to visit, she reports.
22.26 – 26.29

“Eventually when the season is done, you can keep it as a pet or roast it, in the best sense of regenerative farming.”

Elin looks at the cuter, more unusual animals being used, including Indian Runner Ducks in Stellenbosch, South Africa, (see YouTube video). They are used to eat the white dune snail, which clings to the higher part of the vine trunk – the duck’s long neck is perfect in helping them reach their prey. Kunekune pigs are excellent weed mowers, during the growing season, and can either become pets afterwards or be eaten (the perfect regenerative programme).
26.30 – 31.44

“Animals are really changing the what a vineyard looks like, and they are changing how we think about the ways we can control predators, insects, pests, vine eaters.”

The most unusual animal Elin has found in a vineyard is the armadillo. At Bodega Chacra in Patagonia, they use the local armadillos to eat the ants that eat the leaves in the vineyard. It is the perfect solution, using a local animal to control a pest, and means that they don’t have to use pesticides, the perfect solution for an organic and biodynamic vineyard.

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