When we think about the relationship between wine and music, we often picture wine enthusiasts enjoying a glass while listening to their favorite tunes. In fact, at one of WAYANA’s tasting events, we asked our guests to pair each wine with two musical pieces and observed how their preferences varied.
However, the question of whether music plays a role in wine production, starting from the vineyard, and if so, how, is an intriguing topic. Even more fascinating are the real-world examples that fall under this subject. Before diving into these examples, let’s take a brief technical pause.
The Standard Frequency of Sound and the Alternative Perspective
The universally accepted standard frequency for sound propagation has been set at 440 Hz. All industrial audio equipment has adopted 440 Hz as the reference frequency, and hardware has been optimized accordingly. Similarly, all broadcasting industry equipment has been developed using this standard. Over time, a consensus has formed that this frequency provides the most accurate and reliable sound quality.
However, as we will see in the approach of some winemakers, there is another school of thought that believes the true frequency should be 432 Hz. Advocates of this idea argue that 432 Hz aligns more harmoniously with the natural rhythm of the universe and resonates better with the vibrational frequencies of the human body. Musicians and listeners who support this perspective often prefer 432 Hz for meditation, yoga, and sleep, believing it has a calming and balancing effect on the mind and body.
How Winemakers Incorporate Music into Wine Production
In her article for Wine Enthusiast, Kate Dingwall explores how winemakers integrate music into the winemaking process. Her piece is filled with insights that encourage us to look at the wine-music relationship from a broader perspective. Let’s take a brief look at some of the producers she highlights.
Brenda Canada, owner of Canada Family Vineyards in Texas, nourishes her vines not only with careful viticulture but also with the arias she sings to them. Brenda believes that the flow of sap within the vines is influenced and regulated by these musical vibrations.
Music in Winemaking: From Bagpipes to Baroque
Greg La Follette, co-founder of Marchelle Wines in Sonoma, takes a rather unconventional approach—once the grapes have been pressed, he picks up his bagpipes and starts playing. He has no doubt that bagpipe music benefits the fermenting must in a unique way.
Meanwhile, in Santenay AOC, located in France’s Burgundy region, the Jessiaume family fills their winery with Mozart and Bach after transferring their white wines into oak barrels. They believe that the music helps the wines reveal their secrets. Their favorite piece? Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (A Little Night Music).
Can Music Truly Influence Wine?
In the Sancerre region, the vineyards of Domaine du Nozay are equipped with small speakers broadcasting music at 432 Hz. This frequency, according to the winery, stimulates the vines at a molecular level and enhances sap circulation.
Winery owner Benoit believes that music encourages both alcoholic and malolactic fermentation. However, he adds a crucial detail: “Once fermentation is complete, I stop the music. Otherwise, it starts causing other problems.”
Science or Myth?
Is there a scientific explanation for this approach? To be completely honest, there is no confirmed scientific evidence to support the claim that music directly affects winemaking on a molecular level. However, Greg La Follette, the bagpipe-playing winemaker, offers a perspective that goes beyond chemistry:
“Throughout my career, I’ve noticed that happy, dedicated workers with meaningful rituals make better wines,” he says. “People buying wines in my price range aren’t just purchasing a drink—they’re investing in my story.”
Wine and Music: A Harmony of Emotion and Craft
Wine is more than just a beverage—it speaks to our emotions and has secured its place in every civilization throughout history. Those who draw connections between wine and music emphasize this unique, almost poetic, aspect of wine. With its artisanal identity, positioned right at the intersection of science and tradition, wine invites us to be open to such interpretations. So, what do you think? Should we embrace this perspective with a glass in hand and music in the air? 🍷🎶
