From inspiring myth to galvanizing a labor movement, grapes have been involved in much of human history — including, of course, the history of alcohol. The wine we drink today is essentially the same beverage enjoyed by the ancient Persians, Romans, Greeks and Egyptians.
Perhaps the best-known grape species is Vitis vinifera, native to Eurasia, which is standard in winemaking and encompasses cultivars such as chardonnay, pinot noir and cabernet sauvignon, as well as many of the table grapes available in U.S. grocery stores. But other species (and hybrids) are also eaten fresh or made into wines, preserves or raisins. The North American species Vitis labrusca is the source of “slip-skin” grapes like Concord and Catawba. Muscadine wine is made from Vitis rotundifolia, native to the southern U.S.
Fun facts about grapes:
- The earliest evidence of winemaking with grapes can be seen in 8,000-year-old clay vessels unearthed in the Republic of Georgia in 2017.
- In the 19th century, grape varieties from the U.S. saved the vineyards of Europe. After an aphid-like insect, phylloxera, decimated European vineyards, growers figured out that grafting European grape varieties onto phylloxera-resistant North American root stock could prevent further destruction.
How Can There Be Seedless Grapes?
Where do grapes come from?
Most domesticated grapes come from cultivars of Vitis vinifera, a grapevine native to the Mediterranean and Central Asia. Minor amounts of fruit and wine come from American and Asian species such as:
Are grapes healthy?
Yes, grapes are healthy. Grapes are a great source of fiber which helps to diversify your gut microbiome and lower or maintain your blood sugar levels, blood pressure and cholesterol. In addition, grapes are also a great source of vitamin C which plays an essential role in maintaining your immune system, protecting the body as a dietary antioxidant and reduce inflammation.
Are grapes sweet?
Some are best for eating, while others get processed into wine or juice. Most grapes are sweet, but there are varieties that have a thick, tannic skin protecting the sugary flesh, which can change how the grape is used. All grapes grow on vining plants and botanically speaking, grapes are berries.
Why are grapes so popular?
Grapes have spread across the world, and they are highly adaptable, able to be grown in many different soils and climates. According to the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center, Spanish missionaries are credited with bringing European varieties of grapes to the United States in the 1700s.