vinifera

[ vahy-nif-er-uh, vi- ]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of vinifera¹

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

Centuries later, Spanish missionaries and conquistadors introduced European vinifera vines to the Americas, Dutch traders planted vineyards in South Africa, and British colonists brought vines to Australia and New Zealand.

From Washington Post

There are many species of grapevines, but only one, Vitis vinifera, supplies the wine that is recommended by a sommelier.

From Washington Post

Most of the famous European wine grapes — cultivars of Vitis vinifera like Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot — are too tender to be grown in Chicago-area gardens, as well as large swaths of the United States.

From Salon

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