Protection from pests in the vineyard and the soul

It's that time of year again – the grapevines are blossoming, the air is heavy with pollen, it smells and glows white, and even on long summer nights, the vineyards shimmer in their splendor under the moonlight. This is our favorite month at the winery, despite pollen allergies and a lot of hard work.

Because now things are really happening! The countdown has begun, as from the start of flowering, there are exactly 100 days until the harvest. This year, 2026, we were spared the nail-biting suspense – due to the cold spring, the buds did not unfurl too early and came through the late frosts and the "Kalte Sophie" (cold Sophie) at the beginning of May unharmed, which truly caught us off guard again this year. But the buds still had their wool coats on and were thus able to defy the weather with their chins held high.

Now it's warm & bright, wonderful! We're working with people & machines in the vineyard, raising the foliage walls and yes, we are also already starting selectively and carefully with the first pest control measures, especially against powdery mildew, our archenemy. Here's some background information on that:

The media often claims that we farmers spray fields with poison without regard for losses to achieve maximum yields. We have to admit, that gets our backs up. Because we are also perfectly capable of thinking beyond tomorrow; more than that, as winemakers, we plan far beyond the time horizons that companies typically consider – twenty years is normal, thirty to forty is absolutely appropriate.

And how short-sighted must one be if one doesn't understand that the cycle of nature cannot be destroyed without consequences? It is in our interest to work as sensitively and sustainably as possible. That's why, among other things, we were one of the first three companies worldwide to cultivate Cabernet Blanc, a fungus-resistant wine that thrills us anew every year. Furthermore, for over 20 years, we have been certified for controlled environmentally friendly practices (KUW Pfalz e.V.).

Nevertheless, we also apply plant protection products, adhering to strict German laws, which represent the highest international standard. In fact, German crop protection products are absolutely pioneering for the rest of the world, as they represent a minimal burden.

The following conditions apply:

• The products must be officially approved. This list changes constantly, so we no longer stock up. Because even remnants must be used up within strictly defined periods.

• Only precisely defined quantities per hectare may be distributed. Here's an example: If the specification is: only 2.1kg of active ingredient per hectare, this translates (for those who don't regularly think in hectares ;-)): 0.21 grams per square meter. Depending on the density of the material, a heaped tablespoon holds approximately 15 to 20 grams, meaning we are looking at just under 100 sqm per tablespoon.

Sometimes, not the hectare area but the so-called "foliage wall areas" serve as the basis of reference, i.e., the vertical area from the foot of the vine to its crown. Additionally, it is prescribed how much water must be applied together with the agent. So it's a real research and calculation effort!

• There are waiting periods. For each product, it is precisely determined how many days before harvest we are allowed to apply this plant protection product at the latest. The details for this are listed in an online database from the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety. This database is one of our most important bookmarks in the browser because we constantly have to cross-check what is allowed when.

• The application of the agents must be meticulously documented immediately.

This includes:

- the date

- the area

- geo-referencing (area identification number or GPS point)

- the crop (i.e., which plant/grape variety)

- the developmental stage

- the agent itself

- the agent's approval number

- the quantity applied

- the amount of water

- the name of the person applying it

- the application equipment (i.e., which machine was used)

- the reason for the application

- the weather conditions (e.g., drizzle, 13 degrees, wind force 3).

From 2027, this may no longer be done manually but must be done electronically. The data must be made available for inspections for the last three years.

• In the vicinity of protected areas, no plant protection may be applied. That, at least, is easy to understand and implement.

So you see, the bureaucratic effort alone (quite apart from the costs) ensures that we too would prefer to do without plant protection products.

We much prefer to take care of the tasks close to our hearts! This, of course, also includes bottling the wines from the large barrels into bottles. Currently, several wines are on the list because the Schoppen-Riesling, the Pinot Grigio and the Merlot are almost gone again and we quickly need to replenish our stock.

And just as we protect the vineyards from pests, we also need to protect our souls from exhaustion. Because it's not just bureaucracy that drains our energy – everyone currently feels that we are living in socially tense times (or do you not feel that way?).

Our answer to soul pests (we have two):

1. Come to our winery tavern. Sit in the garden with its unique panoramic view, enjoy a good glass of wine, savor the lovingly prepared Filipino-Palatinate-Canadian dishes from Kristine's Lamesa Catering, chat with the people around you, soak up the sun's rays, observe the lizard basking on the stones next to you, and smile at the busy bumblebee buzzing past you. Be slow. Be completely here. Enjoyment helps!

2. Come to the Palatinate Forest. The SchweizerHaus is just a short hike away. Additionally, we have a new tip for you: Three people have developed a program designed to relax your soul with wellness: Sabrina (forest bathing), Judith (psychotherapist), Joachim (shaman).

You can find more information here.

Take a deep breath. Enjoy the scent of the blossoms with a good glass of wine. And take care of yourselves!

Your Counts, balancing plant protection & soul protection