From Vineyard to Winery: People, Care, and Quality
At Aretousa Wines, winemaking doesn't begin in the winery — it begins in the vineyard. And the vineyard, with all its natural and geographical complexity, holds no value without the person who tends to it every day. The viticulturist stands at the center of this process. They are the first to read the signs of the vineyard, understand its needs, and intervene with precision and experience. Their care is constant and covers every stage of the vineyard's cycle — from winter pruning and monitoring vegetative growth, to choosing the perfect moment for harvest.
Our partner viticulturists bring years of experience and deep knowledge of the unique characteristics of their regions.Their work goes far beyond technical tasks. They are responsible for the health of the vineyard, the balance of production, and ultimately for the quality that will define the potential of the winemaking process. A core requirement of every partnership we build is the adoption of practices that respect the natural environment end ensure the sustainability of the vineyard. Proper soil management, the rational use of plant protection products, and continuous monitoring of the vines are fundamental aspects of the viticultural philosophy we uphold.
Our collaboration with each grower is active and multi-faceted. There is regular exchange of information, joint monitoring of critical phases (such as grape ripening), and technical support from our winemaking team to ensure the desired level of maturity, phenolic balance, and accurate timing of the harvest. These decisions are made based on a combination of empirical knowledge and quality analyses, aiming for the precise expression of both the grape variety and the terroir.
Moreover, harvesting is always done by hand. This personal care during the harvest ensures that every grape reaches the winery in excellent condition. Mechanical damage is avoided, oxidation is minimized, and the freshness and aromatic potential of the fruit are preserved.
Our commitment to quality begins with choosing the right people.For us, the viticulturist is not just a supplier of raw material — they are a partner, a companion, and a key contributor to the character of every bottle.
The care given to the grapes doesn’t end in the vineyard. Their transport to the winery is a critical stage, where speed and handling conditions play a decisive role. Grapes are delivered in small batches, using specially designed plastic crates that protect the fruit from pressure, temperature stress, and oxidation. The entire process takes place on the same day, without delays, ensuring that the raw material reaches the winery as fresh and intact as possible.
Our goal is to preserve every quality characteristic of the grape, so that fermentation begins from the best possible starting point.The transformation of grape into wine is not merely a technical procedure; it is a chain of choices, checks, and interventions that demands consistency and respect.