History Vitis labrusca

concord grapes.

according wine historian edward hyams , wine expert jancis robinson, vitis labrusca species seen leif ericsson growing wild along coast of vinland in 11th century. there ample evidence labrusca growing wild in north america before europeans arrived. however, vine not officially identified , recorded until carl linnaeus , peers started cataloging american vine species in mid-18th century. in 19th century, vitis labrusca among american vines transported europe carrying phylloxera louse cause widespread devastation european vineyards planted vitis vinifera.

also in 19th century, ephraim bull of concord, massachusetts, cultivated seeds wild labrusca vines create concord grape become important agricultural crop in united states.