Types of Grapes to Know

The careless afterthoughts in charcuterie boards, grapes are at best a mindless snack – their processed forms in old vintages are far more popular. Most people are only acquainted with a few supermarket grape varieties, unaware of the breadth of cultivars available. 

There are an estimated 10,000 types of grapes worldwide, though only about 1,000 are used in wine making. Most taste similar to one another, while others are an adventure in themselves. Those who are interested in growing their own grapes can do so in raised garden beds using trellises. 

Go beyond the basic grocery grapes with this list of varietals. 

1. Moon Drops   

This grape variety is very unusual in appearance, but that shouldn’t deter you from trying one. Moon Drops, also known as Sweet Sapphire™ grapes, are a type of seedless grapes with a unique, finger-like appearance and inky skin. Unlike the standard black grape varieties, Moon Drops are sweeter in flavor due to the presence of tannins. 

Flavor: Sweet, balanced, grape-jelly flavor similar to grape jam, but less intense; crisp and firm flesh 

Season: Late July to late September 

2.  Valiant     

Most grapes, weaned on the hot California sun, don’t last long in harsh winters, with the exception of Valiant – easily the most cold-hardy grape available. With a dusky blue color similar to Concord, it can weather below freezing temperature of -50°F and still produce a crop. 

Flavor: Taste like Concord; not the best choice for winemaking 

Season: Late August to September 

3. Cotton Candy 

Even those who eschew grapes – or healthy food in general – can’t resist the allure of Cotton Candy grapes, which taste like pockets of sugary cotton candy and will appease even a corrupt Roman consul. Developed by International Fruit Genetics under David Cain, they were released in 2011, and since then, have been flying off the shelves. They are best straight right from the refrigerator, when the chill enhances their natural sweetness. 

Flavor: Distinctly reminiscent of cotton candy 

Season: Mid-August to late September 

4. Flame Red Seedless                       

If you’re looking for grapes offered for easy consumption, that is, table consumption Flame Red Seedless is one of the most popular options. Not only does it have a firm, juicy taste, but it is visually stunning, imparting a burst of radiant red on the vine. It requires hot summers for the best fruit. 

Flavor: Crisp, juicy flavor without the hassle of seeds 

Season: July through September 

5. Gum Drops    

Gum Drop grapes, a recent cultivar introduced in 2016, have a candy-like sweetness, but without the sugar dose – the kryptonite for every sweets junkie. They’re also on the smaller side, perfect for those who don’t like the visceral bite of jumbo-sized grapes. These compact grapes, limited in number, are tasty enough that it just might curb your enthusiasm for a pack of candy.  

Flavor: Sweeter than the average grape, with undertones of gummy bear candy 

Season: Mid-summer through early winter

6. Green Seedless      

Green grapes may be rather basic, but are a staple in snacking and charcuterie boards. If you’re looking for the cheap route, fresh green seedless grapes and meat sticks are a classic pairing.

Flavor: Similar to the Green California Table Grape, but bred for a wider cultivation scope; crisp, juicy texture 

Season: July to October

7. Faith

Devotees of grapes can take a bite of Faith, a newer hybrid developed by the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture in 2013 – among a myriad of other no-slip skin grapes with feel-good likes like Gratitude and Joy. The berries (yes, the fruit are known as such) ripen early and are nearly seedless, though trace seeds may develop during particularly hot seasons. 

Flavor: Neutral flavor with lychee-like sweetness

Season: Late July to early August 

8.  Canadice     

Canadice is well-sized and has been bred to tolerate a wide range of conditions, including cold weather. The vines are tightly packed with clusters, which can make them susceptible to black rot and other diseases that proliferate in humid climates. However, if you’re just concerned about sampling them, it shouldn’t matter. 

Flavor: Have slip-skins that burst easily; sweet with a hint of spiciness 

Season: Early August to late September 

 

9. Autumn Royal  

Autumn Royal is not for everyone; many find that it is overcompensating with its size. While commonly eaten raw, it is sometimes tossed into salads or processed into desserts, drinks, jams, and jellies. Its regal name is something of a misnomer, as it’s not the most well-received among grapes, with a bitter, noticeable peel and a rather boring flavor. 

Flavor: Neutral flavor with tannic (bitter) aftertaste 

Season: Late September to mid-October 

10. Carignan Black Grape

Although you can eat Carignan grapes raw safely, they are more commonly used in winemaking. It has a subpar reputation as a cheap, low-quality blending grape, often found in wines that many tend to pour down the sink, though it still has its fans – after all, there are those who would guzzle down vodka with relish. 

Flavor: Rugged profile with layers of red and dark fruit that lends a spicy grape flavor 

11. Pinot Noir 

Named for its dark color and pine-cone shape, Pinot Noir is a popular, yet difficult to grow grape of French origin. Most wine grapes do not translate well as table grapes, though there are some vague reports of people eating them fresh, if you’re lucky enough to obtain some cuttings.

Flavor: Aromas of ripe raspberry, red cherry, and wild strawberry, layered with subtle notes of white pepper, dried herbs, and caramel 

Season: August to September 

12. Thomcord  

A new seedless variety created from a cross between Thompson Seedless and Concord, Thomcord is a limited-time grape with a wonderful, grape-jelly flavor.  Clusters of blue-black grapes hang indolently on vines, leading some to grant it more appealing names like Jelly Drops. One negative aspect is that they only last a week in the fridge once harvested. 

Flavor: Specialty grape with classic, jelly-like texture 

Season: August