Without viticulture and winegrowers, there would be no wine. This discipline encompasses a series of techniques and processes that the cultivation of vines goes through. And it is thanks to this profession that we can enjoy a great variety of wines. So, if you want to know more about this professional field, keep reading this post.
What is viticulture?
Viticulture is the discipline dedicated to the cultivation of grapevines, either for the production of wine or for consumption in a natural way (table grapes). This term includes all the studies carried out on agriculture in this field, cultivation techniques, and harvesting, among other aspects. In addition, there are countless methods with which to put viticulture into practice, so the winegrower must have a series of specific knowledge and experience.
On the other hand, it should be noted that viticulture is an activity with centuries of history, although it was only relatively recently that wine production began to grow to the point of being industrialized and produced on a large scale. It should be remembered that wine is obtained from the vine, a bush that contains grapes. Wine is obtained from the fermentation of grapes.
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And who is the winegrower?
Winegrowers are people who have the necessary training to work with grapes. Therefore, the work of this professional is very important for the winemaking process, since this product is one of the most consumed in Spain due to its good quality. This worker is the one who is in charge of carrying out the cultivation tasks throughout the year so that the quality of the wine is the best.
Naturally, the profession of winegrower has evolved considerably over the years. This is due to the introduction of technology in the sector, reducing the hard work of this professional. For example, the construction of tractors represented a great advance in the processes of tilling or milling.
What are the duties of a winegrower?
As we have mentioned, this wine production professional must take care of the crops throughout the year. The winegrower, together with his team, carries out a series of essentials to ensure that the crops are in perfect development. The most important tasks are:
Carry out the harvest, selecting the best fruits and leaving aside the damaged or rotten bunches.
Around October, after the grape harvest, the harvested grapes are vinified. It is also important to provide the soil with sufficient minerals and nutrients for the next harvest.
The following month, the juice from the already fermented grapes is mixed. In the field, the preparation of the land for pruning continues.
As December and January approaches, the leaves have fallen from the crops, so pruning can begin.
In February it is necessary to get rid of all the branches left over from pruning.
Moving on to the next month, the winegrowers restore what has been damaged, beginning a new cycle of vegetation.
In April, the main trunks begin to grow, producing branches and leaves. This is the time to level the ground.
Flowering occurs around May, which is the right time for the winegrower to select the best branches.
Flowering continues in June and the vine begins its reproductive cycle.
By July, flowering stops and the flowers turn into berries. The winegrower has everything he needs to know the approximate date of the harvest. He must also ensure the crop with phytosanitary protection.
The grapes change color in August, as they begin to ripen. At this time, everything is prepared for the harvest.
In September, the long-awaited grape harvest takes place, where the results of the entire cultivation process are discovered.
Professional profile
This profession is perfect for all those people who enjoy working in the fields and who love growing vines. However, to carry out their work, the winegrower must have a series of specific skills and competencies, such as:
Training in agriculture.
Ability to observe, analyze, and solve problems.
Passion for fieldwork.
Knowledge of phytosanitary techniques.
Know how to operate agricultural machinery.
Study viticulture
If you are passionate about wine and would like to acquire the knowledge of a winemaker, at Escuela Des Arts we have the ideal training for you. This is the online master’s degree in winemaking, through which you will acquire knowledge in:
Raw materials are used in the production of wines and ciders.
Sampling of grapes.
Physical-chemical and sensory analysis.
The facilities and materials of the wineries.
The fermentation processes.
Harvest treatment operations, among other very important concepts in the sector.
So, do not hesitate to begin your training experience at Escuela Des Arts and grow as a professional.
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