Foundations of Viticulture - Understanding How Wine is Grown

Trace wine’s origins from the vine to civilization, noting 8000 b.c. Georgia and 4100 b.c. Armenia, and define viticulture as the art and science of cultivating grape vines.

Explore how location, climate, and regulatory frameworks shape vineyard economics and decision making in viticulture, from land costs to regional laws and production goals.

Explore how geography and climate shape viticulture, covering temperate zones, diurnal temperature shifts, and continental, maritime, and Mediterranean climates to influence vine growth, frost and hail risks, and wine balance.

Understand how topography shapes wine growing by linking altitude, aspect, slope, sun exposure, temperature, nutrients, drainage, frost risk, and rain shadow to ripening and overall wine quality.

Explore how sand, silt, clay, and loam shape water retention and sun exposure to produce distinct wine aromas and colors, with examples from cabernet and Bordeaux.

Crosses of vigdis vinifera vines create new varieties, with pinot noir and other grapes producing notable clones. Clones are genetically identical yet show variations, guiding soil, location, and climate choices.

Explore how rootstock shapes grape vine resilience against pests like phylloxera and nematodes. Learn why old-world vines are grafted onto American rootstock under strict quarantine.

Explore how grape skin and pulp shape wine color, aroma, tannins, and flavor, and how sunlight and temperature influence ripening, sugar, and acid balance.

Explore vineyard planning, from layout and density decisions to yield measures and pruning, including cordon and cane training, trellising, and canopy management for airflow and sunlight.

Trace the Vitis vinifera life cycle from winter pruning and bud break to veraison and harvest, noting self-pollination, sugar-acid balance, color changes, and the impact of timing on wine quality.

Grapes are harvested by hand or machine; hand picking offers precision and selectivity for high-quality lots, guided by Brix levels measured with a refractometer.

Build a solid viticulture foundation to understand how wine is grown and how winemakers intervene in bottles. Appreciate how yearly weather shapes the wine and vintage.