Viinirunkoköynnös

Viinirunkoköynnös is the Finnish term for a grapevine, specifically referring to the woody perennial plant that produces grapes. It is a member of the genus Vitis, with the most common species cultivated for wine and table grapes being Vitis vinifera. These plants are characterized by their climbing or trailing habit, requiring support structures such as trellises or pergolas to grow effectively.

The grapevine has a long history of cultivation, dating back thousands of years. Its origin is believed to be in the Mediterranean region, the Near East, and Central Asia. In Finland, viticulture is practiced in more favorable microclimates, often in southern regions or protected areas, although the extent of commercial grape cultivation is limited compared to traditional wine-producing countries.

The plant itself consists of roots, a trunk (runkko), branches, and leaves. The trunk is the main woody stem that supports the fruiting canes. These canes develop annually from buds on older wood and bear the leaves and grape clusters. Grapevines are typically deciduous, losing their leaves in the autumn before entering dormancy during the winter. Pruning is a crucial horticultural practice for managing vine growth, yield, and fruit quality.