Winery

A winery is a facility, estate, or business that produces wine from grapes. Wineries may grow their own vineyards or source fruit from contracted growers and can produce still, sparkling, fortified, or dessert wines.

The production process typically includes harvest, crushing or pressing, fermentation, and often aging. After fermentation, wines may be clarified, stabilized, and filtered before blending and bottling. Some wines undergo malolactic fermentation or aging in oak, stainless steel, or neutral vessels, affecting flavor and texture. The scale and style of a winery influence equipment and methods used.

Wineries vary in structure. Estate wineries grow their own grapes and make wine on the same property, while negociant houses buy fruit or must and vinify it elsewhere. Cooperative wineries pool grapes from multiple growers. Production scales range from small artisanal producers to large commercial operations.

Geography and regulation shape wine identity. Regions and appellations define allowed grapes, methods, and labeling. Legal systems such as France's Appellation d'origine contrôlée, Italy's Denominazione di Origine Controllata, Spain's Denominación de Origen, and others govern quality, labeling, and geographic claims. Wineries may also emphasize terroir, vintage, and varietal labeling.

Beyond production, many wineries operate as tourist destinations, offering tours, tastings, and events. The industry supports local economies and can emphasize sustainability, with practices like water conservation, energy efficiency, and organic or biodynamic farming.