Geography
Definition - What does Geography mean?
Geography is the study of the atmosphere and the physical features of the earth. It also includes how human activity affects geography and how humans are affected by it. It is a further study of nature and how it interacts according to the relative arrangement of physical features and places.
In winemaking regions around the world, vineyard sites are selected for their geography; how they are situated according to the sunrise and sunset, by the direction of prevailing winds and the content of the soil. The surrounding geography where a vineyard is placed also has an impact on the climate, weather conditions and will decide what varietal is best to grow.
WineFrog explains Geography
Humans have been making wine around the world for many centuries. The earliest archaeological sites where wine was present were found in China dating back to 7000 BC. The oldest evidence of winemaking was found in Armenia dating back to 4100 BC.
Romans traveled miles across the entire European continent, bringing with them vines and wine. Their food crops were planted in fertile valleys, while their vines were planted on hillsides and mountain ridges. During the time, this might have been common sense practice so that food was readily available and accessible.
However, the geographical location where vines were planted by them had an impact on future vineyards and where they stand today. Today we know that grape vines do best on hillsides and on mountain ridges. Soils are less fertile, and in these locations, there is better drainage.
