Vineyard Basics

Vineyards are among the oldest forms of cultivation, dating back centuries and existing in almost every region of the world. They do not work to produce only fine wines, but also to provide the world with raisins, table grapes and the ever-popular grape juice. They also produce commercial grapes used in the production of jams, jellies and preserves as well.

Where commercial wine production is concerned, most vineyards grow a variety of grapes meant to produce both white and red wines. Additionally, many vineyards produce grapes intended to create only sweet or dessert wines, “ice” wines, private vintages, or sparkling wines and champagnes. True connoisseurs understand the many variations within the flavors of a vintage simply by the growing season enjoyed by their favorite vintners. For example, a dry summer or early frosts can have an effect upon the wines produced by a particular vineyard.

The names of the many types of wine are generally derived from the region of origin or the variety of grapes used in their making. Grapes can, generally, be grown in any region, but most “regional” wines will be composed, primarily, of a single variety. The most well-known grapes are called “varietals” and they are:

• Chardonnay, which produces a white wine. California vineyards, as well as those in the Burgundy region of France are currently the most popular producers of Chardonnay grapes and wines.
• Sauvignon Blanc, another white grape, is associated with the Bordeaux region of France and is employed in creating a wine called “Fume Blanc”.
• Cabernet Sauvignon is a red wine noted for its “heaviness” and deep color, and California growers as well as wine makers in the Bordeaux region of France are currently the two top producers of the rich, red vintages.
• Zinfandel grapes create both White Zinfandel wines as well as standard Zinfandels, which are red wines. California is particularly strong in the production of Zinfandels of both varieties.
• Merlot grapes are used to make a lighter, red wine that almost any wine drinkers tend to enjoy. Chilean vineyards are currently turning out some of the most commercially successful merlots.
• Syrah is not as well-known as many other varietals, but it is becoming more well-known each year. It is referred to as “Shiraz” when manufactured in Australia, but the two are exactly the same varietal grape. This is a fuller red wine, but not as strong as several of the other popular reds.
• Pinot Noir is most commonly associated with the production of champagne, but it is also a popular red wine as well. The Burgundy region of France produces some of the finest Pinot Noir wines currently available.

As stated earlier, most grapes can be successfully grown in any vineyard, in any location. Soil preparation, seasonal weather, and overall growing practices have the final “say” in the success of the grapes in the wine production process.

Not all vineyards sell their products on a large commercial scale, with some working through distributors and others made available only through local outlets and wine clubs that use professional buyers who locate the best of the smaller vineyards for their members. For example, there are “boutique” wine clubs that deliver a few bottles of wine to their member’s doorsteps each month, and all will be produced by small, select vineyards from around the globe.

Currently, many vineyards will host wine tastings that allow visitors to enjoy several vintages along with specially prepared foods meant to emphasize each wine’s strengths and potential. This is one of the most enjoyable ways to begin enjoying or discovering local, or nearby vineyards, and learning a bit about the wine making process.