Oenology

Oenology (enology in American English; pronounced /iːˈnɒlədʒi/ee-NOL-o-jee) is the science and study of all aspects of wine and winemaking except vine-growing and grape-harvesting, which form a subfield called viticulture. "Viticulture and oenology" is a common designation for training programmes and research centres that include both the "outdoors" and "indoors" aspects of wine production. An expert in the field of oenology is known as an oenologist. The word oenology is derived from the Ancient Greek word οἶνος (oinos, "wine") and the suffix -λογία (-logia, "study of").

Education and training

An increasing number of schools offer degree-granting programs in Oenology and Viticulture. Most of these offer it as a major concentration for a Bachelor of Science (B.S, B.Sc., Sc.B) degree or offer it as a terminal master's degree—either in scientific or research oriented program culminating in a Master of Science (M.S., Sc.M.) degree, or a professional degree, like Cornell University's Master of Professional Services. Oenologists and viticulturalists who hold doctoral degrees often have earned them in related fields, including Horticulture, plant physiology or microbiology. Related non-academic titles including sommelier and Master of Wine certifications are more oriented toward commercial occupations in the restaurant or hospitality management industry.