CultureJuly 14, 2026

terroir

/tɛrˈwɑːr/

Definition

The complete natural environment, including soil, climate, and topography, that gives a specialty food or drink its unique local character.

Etymology

The word comes from the French 'terre', meaning land or earth. It evolved to describe the specific qualities that a local region imparts to agricultural products like wine and spirits.

In the news

The article mentions an agave spirits tasting that explores terroir to help participants understand how the specific desert landscape influences the flavor profile of the mezcal or tequila.

Agave Heritage Festival returns to Tucson with tastings, education, and cultural exchange

Read the full article ↗

Tucson Foodie

Related words

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.

Not for marketing. One email on launch day.