Wasps, members of the Vespidae family, are insects with slender bodies and a distinct waist, often feared for their sting. Yet, their presence in the viticultural ecosystem is far from anecdotal. There are thousands of wasp species worldwide, each playing a more or less defined role in nature. While some are attracted to nectar and sugary substances, others are formidable predators of insects, thus participating in the natural control of certain pest populations in our plots.

Wasps (most species belonging to the Vespula or Vespa genus) are distinguished by their segmented bodies, which are more slender than those of bees, and often bright yellow and black. Their size generally varies from 1 to 2.5 cm depending on the species. Their membranous wings are transparent and their antennae are short and bent. The queen is generally larger than the workers.

The annual life cycle of wasps begins in spring, when the fertilised queen emerges from hibernation to build a new nest and lay her first eggs. The larvae, fed by the queen, develop into workers who take over the building of the nest and food foraging. The colony grows throughout the summer, reaching its peak at the end of the season, a time when the highest activity is observed in the vineyards and the search for sugary food becomes a priority. In autumn, new queens and males are produced, mate, and the fertilised queens seek shelter for the winter, while the old colonies decline.

At Château Cazebonne, we observe wasps mainly on the edges of the plots, on flowering hedges, near water sources and, of course, at harvest time, directly on the grape bunches. Their nests can be underground or aerial, often hidden in cavities or dense shrubs. The presence of these insects is part of a diverse and balanced ecosystem, where many species coexist, from bees to birds, all actors of biodiversity. The biodynamic viticulture approach we practise encourages the presence of this beneficial fauna.

In the context of our Bordeaux vineyards, wasps can be a double-edged sword. As predators of insect larvae (such as caterpillars and aphids), they actively contribute to the natural regulation of these populations. This facet of their behaviour is invaluable for respectful viticulture, aligning with our approach where natural balance is prioritised. They are also secondary pollinators of the surrounding flora, contributing to the biodiversity of our plots, as Jean-Baptiste Duquesne highlights in "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages" by evoking the rich fauna of the vineyards of yesteryear. It is important to note that among wasps, certain species like the hornet, particularly the Asian hornet, can have a significant impact on bee colonies, an essential element of our viticultural ecosystem.

However, as the harvest approaches, when the grape berries ripen and fill with sugar, wasps can become a source of concern, particularly for grapes with thin, delicate skins. They can pierce the skin of the berries to drink their sweet juice, thus opening the door to undesirable microorganisms and diseases such as grey rot. The aim is not to eradicate them, but to understand their cycle and behaviour to minimise damage. At Château Cazebonne, we favour a gentle approach, promoting overall biodiversity to maintain a balance where everyone's roles are respected. For example, installing beehives, planting flowering hedges and keeping uncultivated areas in the plots offer alternative habitats and food sources that are less damaging to our harvest. This vision of coexistence, inspired by a long viticultural tradition and the rediscovery of ancestral practices, allows us to cultivate vines in harmony with their environment.

The work carried out at Château Cazebonne, consisting of rehabilitating and replanting forgotten grape varieties in Bordeaux, is made possible thanks to the unwavering support of the many wine enthusiasts who have embraced our wines and share our vision of a respectful, sustainable viticulture that is intrinsically linked to the richness of its ecosystem. To deepen your knowledge of our history and Bordeaux's viticultural wealth, we also invite you to receive the digital version of the book "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages". Test your knowledge of these grape varieties and other aspects of viticulture by taking part in our oenological quizzes, and discover the expression of our terroirs and our philosophy by exploring the Cazebonne shop. Other interesting pollinators, like the mason bee, also participate in the local biodiversity of our vineyards.