vinifera
noun
vi·nif·era
vī-ˈni-f(ə-)rə 
plural vinifera or viniferas
: a common European grape (Vitis vinifera) that is the chief source of Old World wine and table grape varieties
vinifera
adjective
Examples of vinifera in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The region now routinely hits the 180-day threshold needed to ripen vinifera vines (the type of grapevine that produces 90 percent of the world’s wine).
—
Alexandra Gillespie, AFAR Media, 23 June 2025
More than 80% of the varieties are Vitis vinifera (European vines).
—Per and Britt Karlsson, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Wine enthusiasts can explore the lovely Mas des Patriotes vineyard, nestled in the Richelieu Valley, where organic wines are crafted with care from hybrid and vinifera grapes that thrive in Québec’s Nordic climate.
—Bonjour Québec, AFAR Media, 22 Apr. 2025
The Vitis vinifera parent is ugni blanc (trebbiano in Italy).
—Per and Britt Karlsson, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Phytic acid gently refines skin texture, while vitis vinifera—derived from grapes—helps replenish moisture and smooth fine lines.
—Deanna Pai, Vogue, 24 Feb. 2025
According to Oregon State University’s Extension Service, more than 70,000 acres is devoted to growing hazelnuts in a region also well-suited to peaches, apples, and, of course, world-class vinifera grapes.
—Leslie Kelly, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024
Before the colonists’ vinifera vines died, however, the wind carried their pollen to wild grapevines nearby.
—Alex Mayyasi, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Nov. 2023
At Davis, Walker bred grapes with resistance to Pierce’s disease, which kills vinifera but not American grapes, that was still 97 percent vinifera.
—Alex Mayyasi, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Nov. 2023
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Alexandra Gillespie, AFAR Media, 23 June 2025
More than 80% of the varieties are Vitis vinifera (European vines).
—Per and Britt Karlsson, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Wine enthusiasts can explore the lovely Mas des Patriotes vineyard, nestled in the Richelieu Valley, where organic wines are crafted with care from hybrid and vinifera grapes that thrive in Québec’s Nordic climate.
—Bonjour Québec, AFAR Media, 22 Apr. 2025
The Vitis vinifera parent is ugni blanc (trebbiano in Italy).
—Per and Britt Karlsson, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Phytic acid gently refines skin texture, while vitis vinifera—derived from grapes—helps replenish moisture and smooth fine lines.
—Deanna Pai, Vogue, 24 Feb. 2025
According to Oregon State University’s Extension Service, more than 70,000 acres is devoted to growing hazelnuts in a region also well-suited to peaches, apples, and, of course, world-class vinifera grapes.
—Leslie Kelly, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024
Before the colonists’ vinifera vines died, however, the wind carried their pollen to wild grapevines nearby.
—Alex Mayyasi, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Nov. 2023
At Davis, Walker bred grapes with resistance to Pierce’s disease, which kills vinifera but not American grapes, that was still 97 percent vinifera.
—Alex Mayyasi, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Nov. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Vinifera.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vinifera. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share