🌿 Vitis rupestris

Vitis rupestris is a wild American grape. It grows on rocky riverbanks and cliffs, hence the name: rupestris means rock-dwelling. It comes from the central and southern United States.

For winemaking this species matters not for its berries but for its roots. American vine roots resist phylloxera, a tiny insect that nearly destroyed the vineyards of Europe in the 19th century. Rootstocks are made from Vitis rupestris and other American species: the usual European vine is grafted onto them. The roots give protection, and the upper part gives the familiar grape variety.

It is one species in the large vine family. Close to it are Vitis riparia and Vitis berlandieri, used in the same way. Rupestris itself is valued for coping with dry, stony soils.

Its berries are not used for wine, but without it many vineyards around the world would look different.