Viticulture is the science and practice of growing grapevines, specifically for wine production. It's a branch of horticulture that covers everything from vineyard establishment to grape harvesting.

Key aspects include:

• Vine cultivation- selecting grape varieties (called cultivars), planting, training, and pruning vines to optimise growth and fruit quality.

• Terroir - the combination of soil, climate, topography, and geography that gives grapes (and the wines made from them) their distinctive character.

• Canopy management - controlling how the vine's leaves and shoots grow to balance sun exposure and airflow.

• Pest & disease control - managing threats like phylloxera, mildew, and botrytis.

• Harvest decisions - determining the optimal time to pick grapes based on sugar levels (Brix), acidity, and flavour development.