I am sharing notes that I’ve made during my Diploma on these pages for anyone studying a formal WSET course or just interested in learning. 

These notes are absolutely not a substitute for the course books provided by WSET or indeed any other reference books. However I have found it helpful to condense information and present it visually in a way that tries to draw out the what, how and why that links things together or the similarities and contrasts that can help to make sense of everything.  These note are very much prompts to the memory rather than full or detailed explanations.

I am revisiting these notes over time to improve them and iron out the no doubt many inaccuracies and inconsistencies that they contain. However in the meantime please beware there may be errors and if you spot any do let me know.

The notes are free to down load are intended for personal use only all you need to do is sign up to our newsletter.

Vine Morphology

Vine morphology refers to the form and structure of the vine and vine physiology is the science of how the vine functions. Understanding how the vine works is key to viticulturists and wine professionals, as these characteristics determine vine growth, grape quality, and ultimately, the wine’s expression. The grapevine (Vitis vinifera) is a perennial, deciduous plant that has proved to be highly adaptable evolving to thrive in a wide variety of climates. As natural tree climbers, vines rely on tendrils to support their upward growth, using their fruit to attract animals that help spread their seeds.

Vine Morphology: Structure and Form

A grapevine consists of several key anatomical components: the roots, trunk, canes, shoots, leaves, flowers, and fruit.

Roots: The root system anchors the vine and absorbs water and nutrients. Depending on soil type and cultivation practices, roots can extend several meters deep, allowing the vine to access essential minerals and moisture.

Trunk: The permanent woody structure of the vine, the trunk supports the upper growth and serves as a conduit for nutrient and water transport.

Canes and Shoots: Canes are mature, lignified shoots from the previous growing season, while current-season shoots emerge from buds and contain the leaves, flowers, and tendrils.

Leaves: Vital for photosynthesis, leaves convert sunlight into energy, producing sugars that fuel vine growth and grape ripening. Leaf shape and size vary by variety and impact transpiration and canopy management.

Tendrils: These curling structures help the vine climb and support itself, essential for its natural growth habit.

Flowers and Fruit: The vine’s inflorescence develops into clusters of grapes after fertilization. The number, size, and composition of the fruit are influenced by vine balance, climate, and vineyard management.

Vascular System: The vine’s vascular system, composed of xylem and phloem, is responsible for transporting water, nutrients, and sugars throughout the plant. The xylem carries water from the roots to the leaves, while the phloem distributes sugars produced during photosynthesis to support growth and fruit development.