Grapes have grown wild since at least prehistoric times. In the bible there are several references to grapes being referred to as “fruit of the vine”.In Roman times the common grape vine was known as “vitis vinifera” and botanists today still use this terminology.

The vine is a small and twisty tree whose roots can reach 20 metres long.

The most famous table grapes are :

• Chasselas : small, round and golden berries, thin skin, melting, juicy and sweet flesh.
• Muscat de Hamburg : black bluish berries, slightly elongated; thin skin, very musky and sweet flesh.
• Alphonse Lavallée : big, crisp and black berries with thick skin.
• Italia : big ovoid berries, yellow, crisp and juicy.
  

The development of production in the Southern Hemisphere has allowed for a 52-week supply of grapes, both seeded and seedless varieties as below :

• Thompson seedless : white seedless grapes, firm with soft and fine musky taste;
• Dauphine : white grapes with big berries. Late variety.
• Waltham Cross : golden and ovoid berries. Soft and juicy.
• Flame seedless ; early red grapes with small round berries. Very attractive red coloured.
• Red Globe : big red berries; this is one of the most popular grapes.
• Barlinka : black grapes with big, round and crisp berries. Thick skin.
• Crimson seedless : red and seedless fruit, late variety; good tasting quality.
• Dan Ben Hannah : black grapes with medium and round berries.
• La Rochelle : big black berries and compact bunches.