Pergola is a training system where the vine grows high above ground and the canopy and fruit hang horizontally, creating natural shade that keeps the ground cool while allowing for excellent air flow to prevent fungus. Its use by the Egyptians, Phoenicians and Greeks has been recorded extensively in ancient literature, architecture, and art since it was one of the first systems employed when vines were first domesticated. It is extensively used in coastal regions like Rias Baixas, Spain where it is called parra, and the island of Madeira in Portugal, where it is known as “latada”, as well as Alto Adige and Valpolicelle in Italy, and Mendoza, Argentina. With the increasing extreme weather patterns, the pergola is rising as a solution to combat heat and sun explosion of the grapes, with growers developing several versions to adapt to different growing conditions and grape types.
Author: Maytte Rivera
