Types of Wild Grapes in Georgia

Muscadine

• Muscadines are native to the southeastern United States and are particularly common in Georgia. They have thick, tough skins and very juicy pulp with seeds in the center. These sweet grapes are popular in southern wines and range in color from dark green to purple and black when fully ripe.

Petit Manseng

• Petit Manseng's are grapes most frequently associated with southwestern France. These unusual grapes also grow in Georgia. They are highly acidic with a greenish-white color and are popular in wines. They grow best in dry, rocky soil. They are resistant to Pierce's Disease, a common killer of grapes in Georgia.

Mourvedre

• Mourvedre is a dark purple, medium-size grape. It has large green leaves and is known as mataro in Georgia. These grapes ripen late in the growing season and thrive in humid climates. They are grown in the mountains of north Georgia, particularly near bodies of water like the Chattahoochee.

Nebbiolo

• Nebbiolo grapes are purple with skins that have a frosted appearance. They ripen late in the growing season and need lots of sunlight to produce a flavorful grape. The grapes are medium-size with a slightly bitter taste. The Professional Friends of Wine describes the taste of nebbiolo wine as, "...one of the great wine varieties, bigger, darker and more tannic, even bitter, than most types..."

Introduced Species

• Several species of grapes were introduced into Georgia in the 20th Century and these grapes now grow wild in some areas. These include the European bunch grape, a name that encompasses a variety of green, white and purple grapes frequently sold in grocery stores. The fall grape is another popular introduced species now growing wild. It's known for its small berries and, as its name suggests, ripens during the early fall in Georgia.