The red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) is a regular and cherished guest in the landscapes of Château Cazebonne. Recognisable by its bright red fur, which is sometimes darker depending on the season and the individual, it sports a white belly and long tufts of hair on its ears in winter, which disappear in summer. Its bushy tail, as long as its body (around 20 to 25 cm for the body and 15 to 20 cm for the tail), serves as a counterbalance for its aerial movements and as a blanket in cold weather. Weighing between 250 and 350 grams, its small size and agility make it easily identifiable among the wildlife in the vineyards.

Its life cycle is closely linked to the seasons. Active all year round, it is particularly visible in spring and autumn. In spring, after the breeding season, young squirrels begin to explore their environment. In autumn, it busies itself hoarding reserves, an essential activity before winter, even though it does not hibernate. The harvest period often coincides with its peak foraging activity, when it can be spotted with its cheeks full of provisions.

At Château Cazebonne, these small mammals make their home in the woods and the plots of fruit trees that border our vines. These habitats offer them not only shelter, but also a diverse source of food. Oaks, hazelnut trees and pines are particularly appreciated for their fruits and seeds. Their presence is an encouraging sign of the good health of our biodiversity and our agroecological approach to viticulture.

The squirrel plays a significant ecological role. By burying seeds and nuts to build up reserves, it inadvertently participates in the germination and dispersion of plant species, thus contributing to the renewal of the forest and diversifying the flora of our estate. It is therefore a true gardener of nature, playing a part in the balance of the vineyard's ecosystem.

The squirrel's interaction with the vines is largely neutral, if not occasionally beneficial. Unlike other animals, damage to the grapes is rare and generally limited to a few bunches. Squirrels vastly prefer the nuts and seeds they find in the surrounding trees. Their presence is above all an indicator of the richness of our environment, demonstrating that our viticultural practices do not alter the habitat of this wild species but rather contribute to it positively. We regularly observe these animals with respect, much like in this photo taken by Francis, one of Cazebonne's winegrowers, which illustrates our harmonious coexistence with the local wildlife.

Observing squirrels at Château Cazebonne, like so many other species, bears witness to our commitment to environmentally friendly viticulture. This long-term endeavour, combining tradition and innovation, such as the replanting of historical grape varieties, is made possible thanks to the invaluable support of the wine lovers who have embraced our wines. Their loyalty allows us to bring this genetic heritage back to life and build the future of a unique Bordeaux viticulture. To delve deeper into the history of our vineyard, you can consult the digital version of the book "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages" or test your oenological knowledge with our wine quizzes. Finally, to discover the fruits of this labour and the unique character of our cuvées, we invite you to find them directly on our online boutique.