Vine Forms in Portugal Throughout most of Europe wine production has evolved into specialized agriculture and cultural landscapes. In contrast, grapes are still grown in many different forms for commercial and home use. Vine forms are classified by height: high tree-vines, vines of medium height trained on wires between posts or on arbors, and low-trimmed vines that stand independently or are supported by low stakes. A photo is linked to some of the vine forms. Also look at a slide show of vineyards.
Tree-vines: several (4 or 5) vines are planted around the foot of each tree. The vines ascend the trunk of the trees and along the branches. The Romans knew this form of grape cultivation.	Festoon: the lower branches of the vines are joined together along horizontal wires while the main stems of the vines grow up trees.
Arjoado: vines are planted between the main vines of the festoon type.	Cruzeta: granite posts are crossed at about two feet from the top by steel bars that reach 2-3 feet out on either side of the posts.
Barbo (meaning fence in Portuguese): vines are planted between granite posts and runners clink to 3 or 4 wires between the posts in large fields. Bardos are also found on the edge of fields of cash crops, fodder, and vegetables. Bardos come in different heights; a low one is shown here.	Independent: the vines grow close to the ground or supported by short stakes. The illustrations come from Dan Stanislawski, Landscapes of Bacchus.