What Is the Origin of Grapevines?

Cultivator Species

• Domestication began with the Eurasian vines in the Neolithic period. Today, hundreds of varieties grow across the globe. Old world grapevines are botanically known as "vitis vinifera," new world grapes as "vitis rotundafolia."

Ancient History (3500 BC to 4th century)

• Grape residues from the Copper Age were discovered in Iran. The Phoenicians transported grapevines from Asia to Greece. Even though the Greeks had a god of the vine, known as Dionysus, it was the Romans who refined viticulture.

Medieval Times (4th to 16th century)

• During the middle ages, vineyards thrived in England, Spain and France. According to Ohio University, the planting of vines reached a high point in the 15th century.

Modern Era (17th to 20th century)

• The Dutch exported grapevines to South Africa, while the Spanish and Portuguese propagated them in the Americas. Victorians, who lived in Britain during the reign of Queen Victoria, grew grapevines in hot houses. Grape Spas, or uvariums, became popular in France.

Biblical Ties

• Grapevines frequent biblical literature from "Noah ... planted a vineyard" (Genesis 9:20) to "...you shall plant vineyards" Jeremiah 31:5 and "... went out into the field to gather herbs, and found a wild vine ..." (2 Kings 4:39).