What Wine Taught Me About Systemic Hierarchies

You may know that as well as loving a systemic approach to the world, I also appreciate the art of wine.

I’m not sure if you’ve ever thought about wine as more than just a drink?

I think it’s a perfect metaphor for understanding systemic hierarchies.

From vineyard to shelf, each layer in the winemaking process plays a critical role in creating that final bottle you savour. If any part of the system fails, the entire experience is compromised.

Let me take you through the systemic journey of wine—and how it mirrors the interconnectedness of organisations.

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It Starts in the Vineyard?

Viticulture (the growing of grapes) is where it all begins.? But the vineyard is just the foundation.

The soil, climate, and biodiversity must be in perfect balance to ensure healthy grapes. The vineyard is a living system, and every element within it contributes to the health of the whole.

Considering the environment, the terroir, the weather, as well as the dramatic shifts in temperature over the growing cycle to protect the grapes.

Even the day that’s chosen to harvest the grapes comes with careful selection, because even one day late, if the rain comes, can dilute the grapes and leave weak wines.

Once the grapes are harvested, we move to the next subsystem.

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The Art of Viniculture

Viniculture is the transformation of grapes into wine. This step involves fermentation, aging, and careful crafting of flavours.

Here’s where winemakers bring some magic to the grapes which have been grown and picked with such great care.

Winemakers must understand both the science of winemaking and the art of bringing out the best characteristics of the grapes. It’s all about elevating what the vineyard has produced.

For example, if it was a warm year, the sugars in the grape will produce a high alcohol, so picking the right fermentation temperature, the right yeast, the right length of fermentation all impact the grapes. Balance in wine production is critical.

Acidity, alcohol, tannins and the intensity and the balance between each is essential in a great wine.

But wait—wine isn’t complete yet.

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Blending: A Masterclass in Balance

Blending is about creating a cohesive story.

Winemakers bring together wines from different barrels, vineyards, or varietals to achieve the perfect balance. It’s not just about chemistry; it’s about understanding how each part contributes to the whole.

Sound familiar?

Blending is just like managing a team or leading an organization. Success comes from balancing strengths and ensuring that every part of the system works toward a common purpose.? Alignment.

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The Final Step: Distribution

Wine still needs to reach the consumer.

This is where logistics, storage, and retail come in. If something goes wrong in distribution—be it a delay, mishandling or storage of the wine — the entire process falls apart.

Each layer of the hierarchy must serve the one below it, while at the same time being interconnected to the others.

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A Lesson from Systems Thinking

Donella Meadows, a systems thinking expert, said:

In hierarchical systems relationships within each subsystem are denser and stronger than relationships between subsystems. Everything is still connected to everything else, but not equally strongly.

In winemaking:

- The grape grower’s work is the foundation.

- The winemaker builds on that foundation.

- The distributor ensures the wine reaches your table.

Each layer exists to support the ones below it, while keeping an eye on the one above it.

But there’s a warning here.

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When Systems Fail: Suboptimisation

Problems arise when any part of the system priorities its own success over the whole.

If a winemaker ignores vineyard conditions or a distributor mishandles the product, the end result is compromised. Meadows calls this suboptimisation.

In organisations, this happens when departments or leaders focus solely on their own success over that of their teams or colleagues, ignoring the bigger picture.

“If a team member is more interested in personal glory than in the team winning, he or she can cause the team to lose”.

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The Final Takeaway: Mutual Support Wins

A great wine is a product of interconnected subsystems working in harmony.

The same goes for organisations.

When every layer of a hierarchy works toward the collective good, success follows. It’s a reminder that interconnectedness and mutual support are essential—for both winemakers and leaders, and every single person who has a role in the success.

Next time you pour yourself a glass of wine, think about the systems behind it.

And a final self-reflection, ask yourself - how can I ensure the systems I’m part of are balanced and serving the whole?

I'd love to hear your perspective on systemic thinking, and maybe your favourite wine!

Richard Galbraith is a certified ICF Leadership Coach and Systemic Team Coach.

You can work with Richard directly through Clandestine Coaching Limited , or via his associate partners with Leading Figures or Coaching With Chemistry .

To work with me as an individual coach, or to support your Team using a Systemic approach, please write to me on [email protected] or message me directly.