The Vineyard

A vineyard is an artificial plantation of vine-bearing trees, usually grown primarily for wine, but also other grapes, raisins and other fruit for the table or non-food applications. The science, art and practice of vineyard production known as viticulteurship are calling viticulture. The best growing conditions are optimal temperatures, moist weather, ample irrigation and adequate root support and drainage to facilitate the production of fine wine.

Susanna Ferguson

Wine making vineyards are located where there is plenty of sunlight, warm temperatures and a good growing season. Sometimes a vineyard is built next to a building or a road, and this arrangement is referred to as foreclosure. In some cases a building with the right conditions can provide the ideal conditions for grape plantation by offering shade and protected temperature for the growing grapes. During the wine production season the grapes are covered with netting to protect them from birds and wildlife damage. During transportation the wines are often covered to prevent spoilage.

Most modern vineyards are built on land with access to water and drainage. Some of the earliest evidence of vineyard construction dates back to the First Century AD. The first records of vines in Italy were found in Egyptian tombstones. Some of the earliest Roman roads were built around the coastal area of Tuscany. At that time there was already a grape plantation in Tuscany because that is where most of the land was accessible. The Romans knew that vines would be a great commercial crop.