Large family of hymenoptera with around 2,000 species. Due to its ability to pollinate, the insect is of central importance in the ecosystem. In the case of grapevines, the bee plays no role in pollination, which occurs almost exclusively through self-fertilisation during flowering. However, they do play an indirect role as beneficial insects by pollinating the flowers of wild plants and greenery, thereby promoting soil quality and natural pest control. In Europe, the most important species is the honey bee (Apis mellifera). Other species with pollination activities are the bumblebee (Bombus), the mason bee (Osmia) and the sand bee (Andrena).
![]()
The glossary is a monumental achievement and one of the most important contributions to wine knowledge. Of all the encyclopaedias I use on the subject of wine, it is by far the most important. That was the case ten years ago and it hasn't changed since.
Andreas Essl
Autor, Modena