What Are the Different Types of Wine Grapes? A Guide to the Various Types of Red and White Wine Grapes in the World

Humans have been cultivating grape vines (vitis vinifera, a different species than the table or concord grape) for wine since the neolithic era. There are now more than 10,000 wine grape varieties in the world, but only a few dozen have achieved widespread popularity and acclaim. Some grapes, like primitivo/zinfandel and syrah/shiraz, have different names depending on where they are grown. The most popular grapes, including cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay, are easy to grow in various climates, and can be made in a variety of styles to fit a broad range of consumer tastes. Here’s what you need to know about some of the most important wine grapes of the world.