I found this fun fact when I was searching for information about keeping hens in the vineyard to minimize weeds and pests. It was a different type of hens and chicks I learned about.
I thought hens and chicks (large and small grapes on the same cluster) were problematic but apparently with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and perhaps some other varieties, they are actually a benefit. Pisoni Vineyards says the higher ratio of skin to juice adds to the flavour. You learn something every day.
But back to hens, it's all about sustainability. Some sustainable winegrowers employ chickens to graze on cover crops, insects and worms while helping to fertilize the soil. It's interesting that one farmer keeps them out of the vineyard in the Autumn so they don't eat all the grapes. It's even more interesting that chickens in the vineyard will take care of vine weevils. That's sustainability.
So it's either Dexter cattle and hens or Alpacas and hens. I'm leaning toward the Alpacas.
I've just found a wheely henhouse that can be rolled around the vineyard. Cool. And it's on sale. You can just lift it up and roll it to a new spot every few days. I think that would be the beez nees.
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