Viticulture
/vɪtɪˈkʌltʃər/
Agriculture, Winemaking, Sustainability, Vineyard, Grape•Last updated March 29, 2025
Viticulture is the science and practice of grape cultivation, focusing on the production of grapes primarily for winemaking. It includes all stages from vineyard site selection to the management and cultivation of grapevines.
Examples
- The use of trellising in viticulture to enhance vine growth and sunlight exposure.
- Organic viticulture methods that avoid synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
- Precision viticulture using technology like drones for better vineyard management.
Etymology
Derived from Latin 'vitis' meaning 'vine' and 'cultura' meaning 'cultivation,' viticulture has been used since the 19th century to denote grapevine-specific agricultural practices.
Usage Notes
Viticulture is specifically used within the wine industry to describe the entire process of growing grapes for winemaking, often discussed alongside vineyard management and grape varieties.