Are grapevines pollinated by bees?
Hello there! I'm Dr. Vinifera, but you can call me Vinny. Ask me your toughest wine questions, from the fine points of etiquette to the science of winemaking. And don't worry, I'm no wine snob—you can also ask me those "dumb questions" you're too embarrased to ask your wine geek friends! I hope you find my answers educational, empowering and even amusing. And don't forget to check out my most asked questions and my full archives for all my Q&A classics.
Dear Dr. Vinny,
Are wine grapes pollinated by bees? I’ve often thought that notes of fruits and berries besides grapes might be transferred, via bees, from other flora in the area of a vineyard.
—David, Charlestown, R.I.
Dear David,
It’s a lovely thought, but no, grapevines do not need bees for pollination. Their flowers have both male and female reproductive parts and can self-pollinate with the help of wind and gravity. Beyond that, you should talk to your parents for the birds and bees (and grapevines) chat.
But bees are very welcome in vineyards, since they pollinate the rest of the plants and the cover crops, such as mustard and clover. Those cover crops prevent erosion and promote healthy soils and biodiversity, which are important for healthy grapes. Increasingly, winemakers are embracing the idea of a vineyard as a complex ecosystem, whether because they practice biodynamics or simply out of the desire to move away from a strict monoculture in which grapevines are the only plants around. Bees are also helpful because they attract bee predators, which often also feed on vineyard pests.
Some studies have pointed out that bees remove what’s called the calyptra, a protective cap that covers the flowers of the grapevine until they bloom. By removing the caps, bees may help grapes and bunches develop a bit more uniformly. (This effect appears to be especially important for Pinot Noir grapes.) Bees may also spread beneficial microorganisms that help the grapevine resist certain types of rot.
As far as your theory about bees being responsible for non-grape fruit flavors, there’s a longer explanation for how those flavors get into wine. Read all about it!
—Dr. Vinny
