294: How Pigs, Sheep and Bats Help in the Vineyard with Wine Writer Sophie Menin

Why are pigs roaming up and down the rows of more and more vineyards? Do biodynamic preparations really help vineyards by treating them more holistically or is this junk science? How does fog help vineyards, especially in Napa and Sonoma? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author Sophie Menin. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Giveaway Three of you will win a copy of Sophie Menin and Bob Chaplin's terrific new book A Year In The Vineyard. To qualify, all you have to do is email me at [email protected] and let me know that you've posted a review of the podcast. I'll choose three people randomly from those who contact me.  Good luck!   Highlights What does "fixing nitrogen" mean, and why is it important for vines? Do biodynamic preparations help vineyards by treating them more holistically? How does the moon's gravitational pull influence the ideal time for pruning vines? Why are shoot thinning and winter pruning necessary for improving vine architecture? How have bats, pigs, and sheep become essential additions to many vineyards? Why did one winery decide to plant vines in concentric circles rather than the traditional rows? How does light influence wine production? What are "crystalline cathedrals," and how do they help to protect buds in sub-zero weather? What methods are vineyards using to warm the air and combat potential damage from frost? How does fog help vineyards, especially in Napa and Sonoma? In the Museum of Sophie Menin, what three objects would be in the central display? Which wine would Sophie pair with her favourite childhood food, carrot cake? What are Sophie's favourite wine gadgets? Which bottle of wine would Sophie Menin want to share with Alice Waters?   About Sophie Menin Sophie Menin is an author and journalist who has contributed to several top publications such as The New York Times, Wine Spectator, and more. Her wine writing focuses on the myriad ways that wine connects us with our senses and the rhythms of the natural world.   Bonus Interview - Ottawa Independent Writers | Writer's Workshop: Highlights The five steps to tasting wine What makes a good wine versus a mediocre wine? Memoir mistake #1: Assuming that your story is the focus of the book. This is especially important if you're planning to write your own story someday, whether it's for broad publication or just for friends and family as a legacy.   About Ottawa Independent Writers Ottawa Independent Writers (OIW) was formed in 1986 as a venue for people with a passion for creating fiction and non-fiction, for writing poetry and plays, and for stringing words together in a variety of other formats. OIW's members are involved in every aspect of the printed and electronic word.         To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/294.