 |
Barbera The Barbera grape is the most successful grape variety in Italy's Piedmont region, and Italy's second most common red wine grape. On a global scale, it is one of the world's most widely planted grapes. Successfully transplanted to California, there are some 11,000 acres in production in the Central Valley, the coast, and the Sierra Foothills. The grape is used primarily for blending with other red wine grapes.

|
 |
 |
Bluebell The Bluebell grape was created by the University of Minnesota to withstand cold northern climates. It is one of the native and French-American crosses that some humorously identify as "The Polar Bear Gang." It produces small, blue-skinned grapes that are used for cooking, eating, and jam. You will also find Bluebell in some of the gourmet juices and specialty wines. It has a delightful, fruity, concord-like flavor and its juice is a delicate light red color.

|
 |
 |
Cabernet Franc Cabernet Franc is a red wine grape variety similar to and a parent of Cabernet Sauvignon. A cross of it with Sauvignon Blanc resulted in Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Franc is often used in blends to add acidity and aroma.

|
 |
 |
Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are a long-time favorite that trace their historical roots to the Bordeaux region of France. They are rich dark blue in color and produce a full-bodied fruit that matures in late September.

|
 |
 |
Catawba The Catawba grape is a member of the vitis labrusca family, native to North America. Its siblings include Concord and Delaware grapes. They are found primarily in the northeastern United States and Canada. Catawba grapes are widely planted for their sweet, rich taste and are prized for juice, jams, and jellies. The fruit matures in large well-formed clusters that mature late in the season.

|
 |
 |
Concord The Concord grape traces its history to 1849 and the Massachusetts village of its namesake. Developed by Ephraim Wales Bull, this grape's ancestors were wild native species found in New England. Today's Concord grapes are used extensively for juice and jelly.
We have more information on the heart-health benefits of Concord grape juice.

|
 |
 |
Isabella Modern folklore attributes the Isabella grape to a famous Southern Belle, who allegedly discovered the plant in North Carolina. Small acreages are still found in New York and Pennsylvania. However, Isabella is a superstar in Eastern Europe, particularly in the former Soviet Union where it is used for juice and wine. You will also find the vine in the South Pacific and South America.

|
 |
 |
Lambrusco Italy's Emilia-Romagna region is home to the Lambrusco grape. It is believed to have been domesticated from a wild vine growing in central Italy. The Latins called the original vine Labrusca. It was also known to the Etruscans and the Romans. Today the cultivated vine produces medium-sized bunches of oval berries of a blue-black color. Lambrusco grapes are vigorous, very productive, and resistant to disease. There are more than 60 subvarieties throughout Italy. Labrusco was not well known outside Italy until it found commercial success in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s.

|
 |
 |
Mars The fruit of the Mars grape is blue, round, and seedless. Berries are medium to large in size, and grow in tight clusters that ripen in August. They are delicious for table eating, juice, or making into colorful preserves. Versatile and fast growing, a grapevine can bear in just two years. One vine requires about 8 feet of fence or trellis, with each plant producing on average about 15 pounds of fruit each seaspn.

|
 |
 |
Merlot Merlot are the principal grapes grown in the Bordeaux region of France. It is usually a bright purple in color, likes hot, bright, sunny days with cool, damp nights. Merlot's popularity has soared along with its acreage, including vineyards in California.

|
 |
 |
Muscadine The Muscadine grape is a species of native North American vines first discovered by European explorers of the Southeastern United States. The earliest named variety was Scuppernong, discovered in 1554. Muscadines are well-adapted to the warm, humid conditions of the Southeast where other grape varieties do not prosper. Today "the grape of the South" has been cultivated into more than 24 distinct varieties grown in traditional vineyard style.
We have more information on the heart-health benefits of Muscadine grape juice.

|
 |
 |
Pinot Noir Pinot Noir are the red grapes of France's Burgundy region. They are thought to have been grown in France for more than 2,000 years. This famous grape reacts strongly to environmental changes, such as heat and cold spells. It prefers a long, cool growing season. The Pinot grape family comes in three colors: black (noir), white (blanc), and gray (gris).

|
 |
 |
Reliance The Reliance grape is pink and seedless in nature. Its hardy vines are vigorous and very productive, creating medium to large clusters of berries that are medium in size. They are great for juicing and jelly.

|
 |
 |
Rougeon The Rougeon grape is a French-American hybrid with hardy vines that produce black grapes in medium-sized, compact clusters. It is used in blending to provide a rich red color. The grape is rather eratic in nature as it sometimes does not produce fruit every season!

|
 |
 |
Syrah or Shiraz The Syrah grape of France and the United States is the same variety as Australia's, Canada's and South Africa's Shiraz grape. According to a 1998 DNA study, the grape originated in the vicinity of the Northern Rhone valley of France. Its genetic decendents are a cross of the Dureza and Mondeuse Blanche grape varieties. The grape enjoys a fabled reputation that some believed included a link to the city of Shiraz, Iran. One historical account includes the assertion that a returning crusader brought the grape to the Rhone Valley. No matter which historian is correct, the Syrah grape continues its important role in today's global grape growing culture.

|
 |
 |
Steuben The Steuben grape has been called "the very best" for juice. Its reputation also includes good table eating. The vines produce medium to large berries that are sweet, spicy, and full of flavor. A beautiful pink color is the result!

|
 |
 |
Valdepena The Valdepena has always had a faithful following, prized for the smooth, ripe wines it produces and for the mellowing effect it has when used in blends. Somewhat thick skinned and deep red in color with generous amounts of natural acid, these grapes produce juice which tends to be medium to deep red in color. This grape is native to Spain where it is widely grown and known as Tempranillo.

|
 |
 |
Vincent The Vincent grape (not to be confused with the St. Vincent grape) was released in 1967 by the Horticultural Research Institute of Ontario (HRIO) at Vineland, Canada. This French-American variety was bred specifically to be winter-hardy in areas like New York's Finger Lakes region. The Vincent grape is a dark blue with dark juice. It is used in blends and has also received high ratings when produced as a single-variety wine.

|
 |
 |
Zinfandel The origins of this tremendously versatile and popular grape are still not known for certain, althouth it is thought to have come from Southern Italy. Zinfandel is the most widely planted red grape in California.

|
 |