Phylloxera is a microscopic, aphid-like insect that attacks grapevine roots. The tiny insect infestation nearly wiped out Europe’s vineyards in the late 19th century. The crisis was solved by grafting ...

How a microscopic pest destroyed millions of vines — and how wine survived.

When it comes to wine history, phylloxera is public enemy number one. In the late 19th century, it devastated an estimated 40% of France’s vineyards before spreading across Spain, Italy, Germany, ...