Oregon Viticulture

Book excerpt: Oregon Viticulture is a comprehensive, easy-to-use guide to successful strategies and methods for commercial vineyards in Oregon that will be extremely valuable both for current winegrape growers and for prospective growers. It is unique in its approach of combining the expertise and experience of university researchers with that of professional grape growers and winemakers -- most chapters were written by at least two authors with different perspectives. Oregon Viticulture is the successor to the popular Oregon Winegrape Growers Guide, with both broader coverage of more topics and greater depth of coverage than the earlier book. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the characteristics of a vineyard site, matching grape varieties to the site, and selecting and adjusting the most appropriate management practices for each unique site. The structure and physiology of grapevines is concisely summarized, and viticulture principles are introduced throughout the book. Standard production practices are described, and separate chapters discuss sustainable viticulture practices and organic grape growing. In addition, Oregon Viticulture addresses important business management topics not usually found in similar books, including economics, marketing and contracts, compliance with government regulations, and labor management. Commercial winegrape growers, students, researchers, serious home viticulturists, and individuals with a strong interest in Northwest wines and the wine industry will find Oregon Viticulture to be a valuable reference and easy-to-use textbook and guide.