Vintner

A vintner is a person who is involved in the production and/or sale of wine. Historically, the term referred primarily to a wine merchant—someone who bought wine for sale in taverns and markets, and in some cases owned vineyards or wine cellars. In modern English, the sense has broadened: a vintner may be a winery owner or operator who oversees the production and business of making wine.

Etymology and scope: The word derives from Old French and medieval English usage that designated traders in wine. Over time, the label has come to describe not only those who sell wine, but also individuals who own or manage wine production facilities, including vineyards and cellars.

In practice, a vintner may be involved in viticulture, fermentation, aging, blending, bottling, quality control, and marketing. Some vintners own vineyards and production facilities; others source grapes for winemaking. In smaller operations, a vintner may perform both production and sales roles, while in larger operations, the term is often used for owners or managers rather than the winemaker or enologist.

Related terms include winemaker, who focuses on the production process, and wine merchant, who concentrates on distribution and sales. In many regions, individuals or firms serve as both vintner and winemaker, reflecting the overlap between cultivation, production, and commerce in the wine industry. See also: winery, viticulture, enology.