Viticulture

Viticulture (from the Latin word for vine) or winegrowing (wine growing) is the cultivation and harvesting of grapes. It is a branch of the science of horticulture. While the native territory of Vitis vinifera, the common grape vine, ranges from Western Europe to the Persian shores of the Caspian Sea, the vine has demonstrated high levels of adaptability to new environments, hence viticulture can be found on every continent except Antarctica.

History

Domestication of Vitis vinifera grapevines occurred in the south Caucasus between 6000 and 5000 BC. The earliest archaeological evidence for a dominant position of wine-making in human culture dates from 8,000 years ago in Georgia.

Climate and terroir

Viticulture has a rich history of development in tandem with various environments. The suitability of a particular region for viticulture is determined by its climate, soil type, topography, the availability of water, and the risk of pests and diseases.

Vineyard establishment

Once a site has been selected, the vineyard manager must then consider the orientation of the rows of vines, the density of the vines, the trellis system, and the type of vine that will be grown.

Vineyard management

Vineyard management involves many practices including pruning, canopy management, irrigation, fertilization, and pest control.

Harvest

The time of harvest depends on the variety of grape being grown, the specifics of the weather during the growing season, and the type of wine that is being produced. The weather during harvest can also have a significant impact on the resulting wines.

See also

• Viticultural zones in Canada
• Viticultural areas in the United States
• Viticultural areas in Australia
• Viticultural areas in New Zealand

References

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