Viticulture

From ArticleWorld

A branch of the science of agriculture, Viticulture refers to the science, study, and production of grapes, usually for use in making wine. Viticulturists are people who grow grapes and Vintners are people in the wine trade, in general. Viticulturists do not actually make wine, and may not always be grape growers themselves, but study the process from start to finish. The growing process, pruning, trimming, weeding and transportation of grapes are all concerns for the viticulturist.

Agoston Haraszthy

Known as the Father of Modern Viticulture, Agoston Haraszthy was born in Hungary, in 1812. After immigrating to the United States in 1840, he purchased land in California’s Sonoma Valley and began planting vineyards. Originally a chemist and metallurgist, Agoston Haraszthy went on to become president of the California State Agricultural Society. At one point, he was commissioned, by state legislature, to go to Europe and purchase samples of every type of grape vine he could find. He also authored the book ‘’Grape Culture, Wines, and Wine Making’’. Although there is much evidence to the contrary, he is sometimes credited with introducing the Zinfandel variety to California.

Enology

Enolgoy, or Oenology, is the study of wines, and wine making, in general. Many of the United States universities group this together, with viticulture, in their research and education programs.