From glorious beginnings in the discovery of immunity by phagocytosis over a hundred years ago, Metschnikowia species are now studied as agents of nectar transformation, open‐air fermentations, and biocontrol of fruit and wine spoilage. They share a conserved mating system and form intriguing pairs of needle‐shaped ascospores. Many species have a strong biogeography, are good models of speciation, and some may even hold the key to the evolution of obligate parasitism in yeasts.