Music can be very powerful. It can reflect our mood and change our emotions. But we’re not the only ones who sway to sultry tunes.
Here at Lunessence Winery in Summerland, B.C., the vines listen to classical music as they grow.
Although this musical approach isn’t too familiar in Canada, some vineyards in South Africa, Italy and Chile follow this method.
Lunessence winemaker, Michal Mosny, says the lifeline of grapes can be tricky. "By playing classical music to the vines, our wines are exposed to positive emotion. This makes their growth smoother and happier," adds Mosny.
Lunessence wines are also soothed in the cellar by the classical sounds of Mozart, Verdi, and Bach.
Mosny was in the wine business back home in Slovakia. But the music to vines technique didn’t start until he and his wife came to Summerland, B.C. and started Lunessence.
"There are many studies about how music and different frequencies are influencing the growth of plants. Combining biodynamic philosophy with classical music in the vineyard results in faster growth and faster ripening of the grapes. It promotes good energy in the vineyard that has a positive influence both on the plants and those working in the vineyard," says Mosny.
Staff at the vineyard love the music so much, they’ve asked to download it to continue listening at home.
"Some say it’s the elevation and soil properties that’s creating the beautiful vines. It does play a part, but it’s the music that’s making the biggest impact." adds Mosny.
Although playing music to vines is a fairly new approach in Canada, some vineyards are already embracing this approach.
In Penticton, Ruby Blues Winery plays 60s and 70s rock music to their syrah vines. Staff say the vines enjoy the sounds of the Beatles, Rolling Stones and other bands of that era. But they do have to be careful, because next to the syrah is cabernet sauvignon, which do not appreciate this style of music. Apparently, they’re more country music fans.
At Seven Stones Winery in the Okanagan Valley, winemaker George Hanson plays Baroque style classical music, 24 hours a day, to his wine in the barrel room.
"About 30 years ago, I learned about some studies that said that plants and animals produce or grow differently when played music. There is supposedly a vibrational match between the way wines age and classical music. I think music speeds up the aging process," says Hanson.
At Frequency Wine and Sound in Kelowna, it’s all about the right frequency. They infuse different sound vibrations into their wine. The team has produced more than 100 audio and video recordings. You can even book a tasting party with a frequency demo in the sound infusion studio.
So what are the benefits of sound vibrations in your wine? You’ll have to taste them for yourselves.
As for Mosny, he’s more traditional and plans to increase the number of speakers to cover all areas of the vineyard with classical sounds.
"We are making wine specially crafted and enhanced by our philosophy. Wine is our life," says Mosny.
