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Quick Question: What’s the Difference Between a Vineyard and a Winery?

vineyard versus winery hero

When it comes to adult beverages, we’re firmly on Team Wine. That doesn’t mean, though, that we know everything there is to know about this nectar of the gods. Notably, one question has always eluded us: What’s the difference between a vineyard and a winery? Let’s find out.

OK, what’s the deal? A vineyard is a plantation—of any size—that grows grapes meant to produce wine. A winery is a licensed property that makes wine. So, a vineyard can have a winery that produces wine from the grapes it grows, but it can also sell its grapes to outside wineries and purely act as a grape-grower. Conversely, a winery can operate without having a vineyard, by making its wine with grapes brought in from outside vineyards.

Most importantly, can you drink at both? Not necessarily. Wineries: yes. Vineyards: maybe. If a vineyard has a winery on its premises, you can drink there. If it doesn’t, and it just operates to grow and sell grapes, you’re (sadly) out of luck.

Cheers to learning new things. 


sarah stiefvater

Wellness Director

Sarah Stiefvater is PureWow's Wellness Director. She's been at PureWow for ten years, and in that time has written and edited stories across all categories, but currently focuses...