winegrowing

Winegrowing, also called viticulture in its broader sense, is the cultivation of grapevines for wine production. It encompasses all stages from planting and vineyard layout to grape maturation and harvest, and it is closely linked to enology, which handles winemaking after harvest.

Site selection and environmental factors strongly influence grape characteristics. Key components include grape varieties suited to climate, soil type and drainage, microclimate, and vineyard design. Growers manage vine vigor through trellising, row orientation, pruning, canopy management, and irrigation, with decisions that affect sugar, acidity, and aroma precursors.

Viticultural practices aim to balance yield and quality. Pruning types (spurred cordon, cane pruning), harvest timing, shoot thinning, and canopy management affect fruit exposure and aroma compound development. Pest and disease control, soil fertility, cover crops, and water management are integrated in sustainable approaches such as integrated pest management, organic, or biodynamic systems.

Harvest and vintage variability, influenced by climate and weather, largely determine wine profile. Regional traditions and terroir—combinations of climate, soil, and topography—shape grape ripening and style. Winegrowing is labor-intensive and capital-intensive, and it connects with marketing and distribution in the wine industry.