Viticulture and wine science

Abstract

The grape and wine industry is commercially attractive because it includes a significant value adding chain. Its structure, size and competitiveness however make it a complex industry. The skills required to produce wine usually distinguish between those associated with the production of the fruit and those associated with processing it. This chapter first looks at the history of wine as well as the global wine industry. The basic botany of grapevines is then reviewed and the more important aspects of viticulture and vineyard management are explored. The production of wine is presented before exploring the microbiological and chemical nature of this agro transformation.