vinifera

American  

[vahy-nif-er-uh, vi-] / vaɪˈnɪf ər ə, vɪ- /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or derived from a European grape, Vitis vinifera, widely cultivated for making wine and raisins and for table use.

---

noun

1. a vinifera grape.

Etymology

Origin of vinifera

1895–1900; < New Latin, feminine of Latin vīnifer wine-producing. See vini-, -fer

Example Sentences

But according to Jones, it may be a mistake to write muscadine wines off as inferior to their vinifera counterparts.

From Salon • Apr. 2, 2024

In 1980, there were fewer than 20 wineries in Washington and much of Stimson Lane’s inventory included wines from fruit other than the classic vinifera grapes that had transformed California into a rising power.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 12, 2022

"Anything but" the Vitis vinifera — Cabernet Sauvignon, Pais and Chardonnay — found on "classic" wine lists across the country.

From Salon • Oct. 30, 2022

But Frank introduced more than 60 vinifera varieties he had worked with in Ukraine, including saperavi and the white Georgian grape rkatsiteli.

From Washington Post • Apr. 28, 2022

There is but little doubt that the original home of V. vinifera is some place in western Asia.

From Manual of American Grape-Growing by Hedrick, U. P.