What does the term "vinification" refer to?

The term "vinification" encompasses the entire process of wine production, beginning with the harvesting of grapes and continuing through to the bottling of the finished wine. This comprehensive term includes various stages such as crushing, fermentation, clarification, aging, and stabilization. Understanding vinification is critical for a sommelier as it directly impacts the characteristics of the final wine, including its flavor, aroma, and mouthfeel.

While blending wines is an important aspect of creating certain styles, it does not alone define the vinification process. Similarly, aging in barrels and the art of wine tasting are specific practices within the broader vinification scope but do not encompass the entirety of the production journey from grape to bottle. Thus, recognizing vinification as a holistic term is essential for grasping the intricacies of winemaking.