Viticulture
Definition - What does Viticulture mean?
Viticulture means the production of grapes. It can also refer to the branch of science, which involves the study of grapes. It is a subdivision of horticulture and is a course offered in many colleges and universities. Winemaking is closely connected to viticulture, however, viticulture is a broad representation of many aspects of grape production and not just wine.
WineFrog explains Viticulture
Viticulture should not be confused with viniculture. Viniculture deals with the use of grapes in winemaking while viticulture can include grape harvesting, commercial sales of grapes, making of raisins or other aspects of grape production.
Viticulture has a long and rich history, and it is believed that winemaking closely followed the cultivation of grapevines. A winery, believed to be from the 4100 B.C was discovered in Vayots Dzor, Armenia. Similarly, there are evidences of grape harvesting that dates back to 3200 B.C in the Near East. Domestication of grapes and winemaking is believed to have begun in eastern regions between 3000 B.C to 2000 B.C. Viticulture continued to flourish into the middle ages by catholic monks and it is still thriving.
The optimum condition for grapevines can be found in temperate zones with latitude 30° to 50° both north and south of the equator with temperatures of 10° to 20° celsius. However, viticulture is practiced throughout the world under various climates and conditions.
