What does winery mean?
A winery is an establishment where wine is made, usually from grapes grown on or near the premises, and where the wine may be stored, tasted, and sold. The term can also refer to the business itself, not merely a building. In everyday use, a winery is especially associated with visitor experiences such as guided tours, tasting rooms, and tastings led by winemakers. It is common in North American English and also understood in British English, where wine estate is often preferred. A winery differs from a vineyard: the vineyard grows the grapes, while the winery makes and bottles the wine. The word is useful because it identifies both a specific type of premises and, in commercial contexts, the enterprise operating it. Its associations with craftsmanship, local agriculture, hospitality, and wine tourism make it especially evocative in travel and lifestyle writing.
nounAn establishment where wine is made, often including facilities for storing, tasting, and selling the wine. The term may also refer to the business operating such an establishment.
- An establishment or business that makes wine, usually from grapes and often with facilities for storing, tasting, and selling it.
"We toured the winery and sampled several wines made from its own vineyard."
"We toured the winery and sampled several wines made from its own vineyard."
"The family opened a small winery in the hills and now welcomes visitors for tastings."
The standard plural of winery, used when referring to multiple establishments or businesses.
"Several wineries in the region offer tours and tastings."
A winery can mean both a place and the business behind it—just as “dairy” can mean a farm, a business, or its products.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does winery come from?
The word was formed in English in the 19th century by combining wine with the suffix -ery, which can indicate a place, establishment, or business associated with something. Wine ultimately derives from Latin vinum, through Germanic and Romance transmission. Words such as vintage, vintner, viniculture, and vinous also trace to Latin vinum and belong to the same broad etymological family.
How winery is actually used
The word has a neutral, commercial meaning but is often associated with tourism, hospitality, and the visual culture of wine production. It is especially frequent in North American English; British English commonly uses “wine estate” for the land and buildings associated with a wine-producing property.
Easily confused with winery
A vineyard is a place where grapevines are grown, whereas a winery is an establishment where grapes are turned into wine.