Winegrower and winemaker: do you know the difference?

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A WINEGROWER AND A WINEMAKER?

So, how can you be sure not to confuse one with the other? We explain everything about the difference between a winegrower and a winemaker.

1) Winegrower: the vineyard’s gardener

WHAT DOES HE DO?

Considered the "gardener of the vineyard," the winegrower takes care of planting, growth, and the well-being of the vines. His main role is to produce the best grapes possible in order to make a quality wine. Owner of his plantations, the winegrower also takes part in the harvest. Once the grapes are picked, he entrusts the fruit of his labor to a neighboring estate, a cooperative cellar, or a wine merchant. They then take over and handle the winemaking process.

WHERE DOES HE WORK?

As you will have understood, the winegrower works exclusively in the vineyards. This is precisely where the difference between a winegrower and a winemaker lies. Because, as we will see, the winemaker’s task is not limited to the vineyards alone.

2) Winemaker: from wine to bottle

WHAT DOES HE DO?

Unlike the winegrower, the winemaker is involved in the entire process of making a wine, from vineyard care to bottling. But the winemaker’s task doesn’t stop there. Once the nectar is captured, he must manage a crucial step: marketing his wines, which includes negotiations with distributors (wine shops, restaurants, private buyers) and, if he works independently, the communication and promotion of his wines online (e-commerce sites, social media) as well as at wine fairs. When the estate has a tasting room, it is usually the winemaker who welcomes customers for tastings.

WHERE DOES HE WORK?

Given his many roles, the winemaker doesn’t have just one, but several workplaces. Indeed, while the winegrower works exclusively in the vineyards, the winemaker is familiar not only with the outdoors but also with cellars, tasting rooms, and wine fairs.

FAQ - Grape grower and winemaker

What is the difference between a winegrower and a winemaker?

A winegrower cultivates the vines and produces the grapes, then hands them over to a cooperative cellar, a neighbouring estate or a wine merchant. A winemaker follows the whole cycle, from the vineyard to bottling, and markets his own wines.

Does a winemaker actually make his own wine?

Yes. Unlike the winegrower, the winemaker is involved in the entire process, from tending the vines to vinification and bottling. He also handles the sale of his wines to wine shops, restaurants and private customers.

What do you call someone who only grows grapes?

That person is a winegrower, often called the gardener of the vineyard. He focuses on planting, growth and the health of the vines to obtain the best possible grapes, then leaves the winemaking to a third party.

Can you buy wine directly from the winemaker?

Yes, and that is the whole point of the short supply chain. Buying directly from the estate gets you the cuvée at the grower's own price, with no middleman, better traceability and optimal freshness.

What is an independent winemaker?

It is a winemaker who handles the entire chain alone, from growing the vines to selling the bottles, without going through a merchant. He takes care of promoting and marketing his own wines, often through direct sales.