In recent years, viticulture has seen phenomenal growth, particularly in such countries as Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Argentina, Chile, and South Africa. The surge in production of quality wines in these countries has been built largely on the practice of good oenology and investment in high technology in the winery, enabling vintners to produce consistently good, even fine, wines. Yet relatively little attention has been paid to the influence of vineyard conditions on wines and their distinctiveness. This book provides basic information on soil properties and behaviour in the context of site selection for new vineyards, and on the demands placed on soils for grape growth and production of wines.