Wine grape - Vitis vinifera (Care, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images, Edible)

Wine grape

Also known as: European grape

Wine grape (Vitis vinifera) is a woody, fruit-bearing vine with a very long and vivid history of cultivation for culinary, recreational, and ritualistic purposes - most notably in winemaking. The earliest known evidence of domesticated wine grapes has been identified in Georgia, and carbon dating traces its domestic origins all the way back to 6000 BC. In addition to wine, the fruit of the wine grape is eaten in the form of grapes, raisins, and currants.

Scientific classification

Species

Wine grape (Vitis vinifera)

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Perennial

Lifespan

Vine

Plant Type

Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer

Bloom Time

Early fall, Mid fall

Harvest Time

32 m

Plant Height

4 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Black, Green, Brown, Red, Burgundy, Yellow, Purple, Blue, Lavender

Fruit Color

Green, Yellow

Flower Color

Green

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring

Growth Season

Images of Wine grape

Distribution of Wine grape

Distribution Map

Wine grape has a sizeable native region, originating from Southern Europe and the Middle East, where it grows naturally in moist woodland and by the side of rivers. This beloved crop has been introduced globally, and has become established in parts of the Americas, Asia, and Africa.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Riversides, damp woods, banks

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Economic Value

Wine is the most widely sold product with wine grapes as the raw material; wine grapes are also processed into grape seeds, grape juice and other products.

Garden Use

While wine grape vines are not often grown outside of commercial production, the plant's vibrant leaves and plump fruit make it a highly valued perennial amongst those willing to take on the challenge. When grown in informal gardens, wine grape vines can form an overhead canopy with the proper support, making a lovely shaded patio area. Rose plants are typically planted near the vines, and oregano, basil, and clover also make excellent companions.

Symbolism

Tolerance, charity, wealth, abundance, the love of the divine

Interesting Facts

It takes three hours to build an oak barrel, four to five months for wine grapes to ripen, decades to brew a good bottle of wine, and only a second for wine to enter the esophagus from your lips and tongue. This very second represents years of history in the making.

Name Story

Wine grape: The word, grape is originated from the Old French, grappe or crape which means a cluster of fruit or flowers or a bunch of grapes. In 1996 after the discovery of 7,000-year-old wine storage in northern Iran, the vintage history of grapes dates back to the Neolithic Age. Hence, it is called the wine grape.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Wine grape, including the following common varieties :

Wine grape 'Regent'Wine grape 'Brant'Wine grape 'Fragola'Wine grape 'Purpurea'Wine grape 'Schiava Grossa'

Toxicity

The plant species wine grape poses a moderate toxicity risk to cats and dogs when they ingest its fruits. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Immediate veterinary care is essential after consumption to ensure the best possible outcome.

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Quickly Identify Wine grape

Heart-shaped leaves with serrated margins, 5-7 inches (12-18 cm) wide.

Clusters of tiny, green to purple berries with distinct tendrils for climbing.

Pendulous, non-showy flowers in dense thryses, emit a sweet fragrance.

Oval-shaped berries with a frosted appearance, varying in colors and flavors.

Woody stem, 0.5-1.5 inches (1.2-3.8 cm) thick, with a rough, gnarled texture.

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Care Guide for Wine grape

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Originating from Mediterranean climates, wine grape prefers moderate water, requiring consistent soil moisture without waterlogging. Ideal watering is weekly, and it benefits from drip irrigation systems in vineyards to optimize hydration and drainage during the growing season.

Fertilize: For wine grape, use balanced nutrition fertilizers in early spring, pre-bloom, and post-harvest, based on soil tests. Ensure appropriate dosage to avoid over-fertilization. Incorporate nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, adjusting applications according to growth stages and stress signs for optimal vigor and productivity.

Pruning: Pruning wine grape is essential for growth and disease prevention. Key techniques include bud picking to enhance ventilation, flower spike thinning before blooming, and winter pruning for strong trunks. Retain 2-3 buds on fruiting branches, applying protective agents on larger cuts to prevent infection.

Propagation: Wine grape is a perennial woody vine vital to the wine industry. Propagation via hardwood cuttings from healthy vines, treated with rooting hormone, enhances root development. Plant in well-draining medium, ensuring suitable soil and moisture conditions for optimal growth and higher propagation success.

Repotting: Repot wine grape every 2-3 years in early spring, using a large container and sturdy support for its climbing nature. After repotting, provide quality soil and regular watering. Consistent pruning is essential to control size, shape, and promote vigorous growth and fruiting.

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Images of Wine grape

Distribution of Wine grape

Culture

Cultivars

Toxicity

Quickly Identify Wine grape

Care Guide for Wine grape

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