singlevineyard

Single vineyard is a designation used on wine labels to indicate that all grapes used to produce the wine were grown in a single named vineyard. The term is intended to emphasize terroir—the unique combination of soil, climate, slope, and vine age—of that site and to suggest a concentrated expression of its character. In practice, single vineyard wines may come from a single block within a vineyard or from the entire vineyard owned by the producer.

Regulatory status varies by country. In the United States, “single vineyard” is not federally defined, but can be used when a wine is made from grapes grown in a single vineyard and labeled truthfully; some states have guidelines. In Europe, labeling standards differ by country and appellation; “single vineyard” is often a marketing designation and may align with terms such as climat or lieu-dit, but it lacks a uniform legal definition. In Australia and New Zealand, the term is common and generally subject to local labeling rules; producers may source fruit from multiple blocks but declare the wine as from a specified vineyard.

Single vineyard wines often command a higher price and are valued for site-specific character, but a vineyard designation does not guarantee quality or consistency across vintages. Multivineyard blends can offer greater balance and aging potential. The usefulness of the term depends on transparent disclosure of sourcing and winemaking choices; some producers release estate-bottled wines that come entirely from their own vineyards.

In summary, single vineyard is a designation used to signal terroir-focused wines sourced from a single named vineyard; its meaning varies by region and producer, and readers are advised to check sourcing disclosures for a full understanding of what the designation covers.