Unlike wasps, bees are friends to winemakers. This is not surprising, given the crucial role they play in vineyards. That's why we suggest you discover the connection between bees and vineyards.
What is the role of bees in vineyards?
For winemakers, the presence of bees in their vineyards often represents an extraordinary resource.
Bees do not damage grapevines, unlike wasps, which puncture grapes. The fruit, which produces little nectar, is not very appealing to bees.
As pollinating insects, bees are responsible for 80% of the pollination process in nature. They therefore play a fundamental role in the reproduction of grapevine flowers and preserve the biodiversity of vineyards.
In vineyards, to fulfill this function, they do not need to travel long distances, which makes them particularly efficient.
Indeed, the presence of bees in vineyards seems to allow winemakers to increase grape production by 10%.
However, to enjoy the benefits of bees in their vineyards, winemakers must ensure that their vines offer them a healthy environment. This means drastically reducing the use of insecticides and other chemicals harmful to bees. Finally, it's worth noting that the action of bees in vineyards does not alter the aromas of the wine in any way.
What are the benefits of honey?
In addition to the benefits that bees bring to grapevines and the environment in general, these insects produce honey. Honey, also known as the nectar of the gods, comes from the nectar that bees collect from flowers.
Honey can be used as a natural sweetener and also possesses therapeutic properties due to the many benefits it offers:
- antioxidant function;
- healing action;
- anti-inflammatory properties.
It is usually used in preparations intended to combat sore throats due to its soothing action.
Thanks to its virtues, it is also used as a dressing to treat wounds and burns.
In addition, some hospitals use honey for oncology patients undergoing treatments such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy, which damage the skin and dry out the mucous membranes of the oral cavity.
Bees offer benefits to vineyards and the environment in general, but also to humans, thanks to the honey they produce. For this reason, bees and grapevines have a relationship of total and absolute harmony. Indeed, it is a perfect match. More and more winemakers are installing beehives near their vineyards to protect this endangered species and to enjoy the virtues they offer to the vines.
