Trellises and Pergolas

Two related structures are the pergola and the simple trellis. Any structure designed specifically to support vines is often called a trellis now, although the trellis traditionally was a latticework structure. Trellises can be very simple, nearly two-dimensional structures and are often either driven into the ground (freestanding) or laid against a house or outbuilding.

"Pergola" is more difficult to define. Oversimplifying for the sake of brevity, it may help to focus on the fact that the word, pergola is Italian. Renaissance Italy loved its pergolas, which were essentially grape arbors with masonry columns, rather than wooden posts.

But this distinction, based on whether the supports are wooden or masonry, is breaking down now, as people use the term "pergola" more loosely. If there's any distinction at all that is still maintained, perhaps it is that pergolas are structures of somewhat more substantial architecture. And if you're invited to a party at a house with a pergola, you're more likely to be served sherry than plain old wine, as you engage in a genteel chat.