🌿 Viticulture

Viticulture is the science and craft of growing grapes. It is the first part of wine's journey: without good grapes there is no good wine, which is why viticulture comes before winemaking.

The grower works all year round. In winter the vine is pruned, leaving the needed number of shoots. In spring the soil is tended, young shoots are tied up and the vines are protected from frost. In summer the canopy is shaped, extra leaves and bunches are removed, and disease and pests are watched. In autumn the crop is picked, by hand or by machine. Every decision affects the taste of the future wine.

Much depends on place: climate, soil, slope, altitude, sun and rain. Wine people call these conditions by one word, "terroir". The variety and rootstock, the training of the vine and the planting density are chosen.

Viticulture is linked to winemaking as two parts of one task. Modern estates try to work with care, protecting the soil and the nature around the vineyard.