Sep 3, 2026 · 36 min · 13 segments
Microbats are tiny natural predators with a big appetite for insects, but the uniform structure of a vineyard can keep them from venturing far into the block. Matt Fowles, Owner and CEO of Fowles…
Matt FowlesGuest
Craig McMillanHostMicro bats are tiny predators with a big appetite for insects, but the uniform structure of a vineyard can keep them from venturing far into the block.
Welcome to Sustainable Wine Growing with Vineyard Team, where we bring you the latest in science and research for the wine industry.
I'm Beth Lukmanek.
Today, Craig McMillan, critical resource manager at Niner Wine Estates, home to longtime SIP certified vineyard and the first ever SIP certified winery, speaks with Matt Fowles, owner and CEO of Fowles Wine.
Matt noticed that his vineyard blocks near trees had less moth pressure than those bordered by open grassland.
He shares how that observation inspired a system of vertical structures designed to give microbats echolocation points and encourage them to move deeper into the vineyard.
Early trials show increased bat activity and promising potential for natural pest control in vineyards.
Read the full transcript.
Create an account to read the whole episode, search across every transcript, and follow the shows you care about.
