Sheep in the Vineyard: An Old Friend in a New Role - Sopho Khutidze

In many successful wine-growing regions, grazing sheep among the vines is more than just a picturesque marketing image - it is a practical, natural ally in the vineyard. Numerous empirical studies back the method. It is already well-researched and widely adopted in Australia and New Zealand, while in Europe, it is considered a promising innovation that attracts growing interest each year.

In some regions, sheep are now an integral part of sustainable viticulture; elsewhere, the practice is still viewed as unusual - sometimes even romanticized.

So, what is happening in Georgia?

Despite Georgia’s long history of sheep farming, flocks are mostly found in mountain and steppe pastures. It is rare to see sheep grazing between vineyard rows - and when we do, it is often spontaneous, unplanned, and poorly understood.

We can say that for Georgian viticulture, vineyard grazing is a promising practice that still needs research - a potential bridge between tradition and modern, sustainable winegrowing.

Let’s look more closely: ask the right questions and offer a few simple explanations.

What does “sheep grazing in vineyards” actually mean?

Sheep grazing in vineyards is a sustainable agricultural practice that uses sheep to manage unwanted vegetation or cover crops. It replaces herbicides and heavy mechanical work with a process that relies on nature itself.

Most often, grazing is carried out during vine dormancy - after harvest and before budbreak -  when the plant is fully lignified, and green shoots are not at risk. Some growers experiment with sheep in spring or summer as well, but this requires specially adapted trellising and small, calm breeds.

What happens when sheep enter the vineyard?

At first glance, it seems simple - sheep eat grass. But in reality, the vineyard agro-ecosystem activates complex biochemical and ecological processes.

1. Nutrient cycling and microbial activity

Sheep convert plant biomass into manure and urine, returning nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and micronutrients to the soil in forms that microbes quickly transform into nutrients vines can absorb. This stimulates nutrient cycling and improves soil fertility.

2. Subtle changes to soil structure

Light pressure from hooves mixes surface organic matter with the topsoil, improving aeration and stimulating microbial activity.

3. Reactions in biodiversity

Sheep encourage both micro and macro-organisms in the soil, triggering chain reactions that attract other beneficial species - such as wild pollinators. Over time, the system becomes richer, more diverse, and ecologically resilient.

In other words, sheep act as both nutrient recyclers and disturbance agents - capable of being either beneficial or problematic, depending on how well the process is planned.

Key Advantages

• Vegetation control - effective management of grasses and cover crops.

• Reduced herbicides and machinery use - less soil compaction, lower emissions, and lower labor costs.

• Improved soil fertility - nutrients return to the soil in plant-available form.

• Enhanced biodiversity - a healthier, more complex ecosystem with valuable ecological services.

Limitations and Possible Risks

Grazing is not automatically beneficial. Poorly planned grazing can lead to serious problems.

• Vine damage - particularly if grazing occurs during active growth; sheep may eat young shoots and leaves.

• Soil compaction or erosion - especially after heavy rain or in clay-rich soils common in many Georgian terroirs.

• Chemical exposure - grazing must be coordinated with spraying schedules to avoid animal intoxication, especially with copper products.

Questions to Ask Before Bringing Sheep into the Vineyard

• When?

Preferably during dormancy - from autumn until bud break.

• Where?

Choose moderate slopes with good drainage. Avoid overly wet or erosion-prone parcels. Divide the vineyard into blocks and rotate grazing.

• How many - and which type?

Determine flock size per hectare according to vegetation and soil conditions. Favor small, calm breeds. There is no universal formula - design a rotation plan tailored to your vineyard.

• How does this fit with spraying schedules?

Map all fungicide, insecticide, and herbicide treatments and define safe entry intervals - with special attention to copper.

• Infrastructure and labor

Organize fencing, water points, and clearly define responsibility - vineyard crew or shepherd.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Without monitoring, it is impossible to judge effectiveness. Track measurable indicators such as:

• Reduced costs for herbicides and mechanical work

• Soil health markers (organic matter, infiltration)

• Yield and quality

• Number of damaged vines

• Animal health

In conclusion:

Sheep grazing in vineyards is not simply a charming pastoral scene - it is a complex management tool. It requires observation, adaptation to terroir, and thoughtful planning before it becomes a true asset.