Enology
Definition - What does Enology mean?
Enology is the study of wines and winemaking. It does not include the study of vine-growing or grape-harvesting, which is called viticulture. Those in the study of enology often become winemakers or work in commercial laboratories where research is carried out regarding finer aspects of winemaking. Specialized laboratory workers, like lab enologists, work closely with vineyard managers, as they provide test results from field work ordered to diagnose vine diseases and from samples tested from the winery.
WineFrog explains Enology
The study of enology is a broad subject. Studying enology can include base courses such as microbiology, with core course studies in chemistry and organic chemistry. To understand enology further, many prefer to have an introduction to viticulture or botany.
One of the first universities in the world of enology began in France at the University of Bordeaux. Other famed universities are:
- University of Adelaide (Australia)
- UC Davis (California)
- Sonoma State (California)
- University of Stellenbosch (South Africa)
With a degree in enology and viticulture, many can work as enologists (winemakers), but other careers include:
- Lab technicians
- Production managers
- Viticulturists
- Administration & operations executives
- Sales & marketing associates
Course study for enology encompasses many processes and stages in the winemaking sector, like understanding how yeasts and certain bacteria work, sanitation policies to ensure the winery does not produce tainted wines, enzymes and compound relationships, biotechnology and much more.
