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Grapes
History
- Grapes were first cultivated over 8000 years ago.
- Spanish explorers brought grapes to California almost 300 years ago.
- Fresh grapes were first shipped around 150 years ago.
The grape is one of the oldest cultivated fruits. Hieroglyphics (pictorial symbols used in the earliest known writing systems) show that Egyptians were involved in grape and wine production, and the early Romans were known to have developed new varieties. |
California
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Grapes have been grown in California for more than 300 years. In 1769, Spanish explorers established missions throughout the state and planted a European grape variety known as the Mission.
Native American wild grapes (of the species Vitis girdiana) grew along stream banks, but they were sour. As more settlers came to California, new European grape varieties (of the species Vitis vinifera) were introduced and used for eating fresh, and making raisins or wine. Vitis vinifera was first cultivated over 8000 years ago in the region between the Black and Caspian Seas near northern Iran.
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In 1839, William Wolfskill was the first farmer to ship fresh grapes to towns in Northern California. He planted the first table grape vineyard located on land now known as Los Angeles. He is also credited with founding California's citrus industry.
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In 1869, R.B. Blowers pioneered the transport of fresh table grapes to eastern markets. He shipped separate clusters wrapped in paper bags in 22-pound boxes. The first load was shipped by ordinary freight to Chicago.
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