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Concord grapes

Concord grapes are a cultivar of the grape species *Vitis labrusca*, best known for their strong aroma, blue-black slip-skin berries, and use in juice, jelly, jam, and wine.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Concord grapes are a cultivar of the grape species *Vitis labrusca*, best known for their strong aroma, blue-black slip-skin berries, and use in juice, jelly, jam, and wine. The cultivar was developed in Concord, Massachusetts, and introduced in 1843, making it one of the oldest widely grown American grape varieties. Concord grapes are self-fruitful and can set fruit without another grape variety nearby.

Taxonomy and origin

Concord grapes are a cultivar of *Vitis labrusca*. They were developed in Concord, Massachusetts, by Ephraim Wales Bull and introduced in the mid-19th century.

Plant characteristics

The vine is a vigorous, woody climber with greenish spring flowers and clusters of blue-black berries. The fruit is usually seeded and has a slip-skin texture that makes it easy to separate from the pulp.

Cultivation

Concord grapes grow best in full sun with well-drained soil and are commonly trained on trellises or other supports. They are reported as hardy in a range roughly corresponding to USDA zones 5 to 8.

Uses

Concord grapes are especially associated with juice, jelly, jam, preserves, and wine. Their strong flavour and aromatic character have made them a standard American processing grape.

Key facts

  • Concord grapes are a cultivar of *Vitis labrusca* and are also called fox grapes.
  • The cultivar was developed in Concord, Massachusetts and introduced to commerce in 1843.
  • Concord grapes are one of the oldest cultivated American grape varieties still commonly grown.
  • The fruit is typically blue-black, seeded, and described as slip-skin, meaning the skin separates easily from the pulp.
  • Concord grapes are self-fruitful and can set fruit without another grape variety nearby.
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Canadian context

Concord grapes are relevant to Canadian horticulture because *Vitis labrusca* is associated with colder-climate grape growing and is reported as native to eastern North America, including areas extending into Canada.[2][14]

Frequently asked questions

What are Concord grapes?
Concord grapes are a cultivar of *Vitis labrusca*, known for blue-black, aromatic, slip-skin berries used mainly for juice and preserves.
Where did Concord grapes originate?
They were developed in Concord, Massachusetts, and introduced in 1843.
Are Concord grapes seeded?
Yes. Standard Concord grapes are typically seeded.
What are Concord grapes used for?
They are commonly used for juice, jelly, jam, preserves, and wine.
Do Concord grapes need another vine to produce fruit?
No. Concord grapes are self-fruitful and can set fruit without external pollen transfer.

References

  1. University of Minnesota — https://trees.umn.edu/nursery-tour/species/cogr
    Supports: Scientific name, origin, growth habit, fruit type, uses, and cultivation details.
  2. PubMed — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32256506/
    Supports: Hybrid origin and parentage of Concord grape.
  3. Chicago Botanic Garden — https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plant-information/plant-finder/vitis-labrusca-concord-concord-grape
    Supports: Plant height and general growing conditions.
  4. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/Concord-grape
    Supports: General description and uses of Concord grape-derived products.
  5. Cornell University — http://www.hort.cornell.edu/reisch/grapegenetics/bulletin/wine/winetext3.html
    Supports: Characteristics, ripening, uses, and importance of Concord grapes.
  6. University of Kansas — https://aihd.ku.edu/foods/Grapes.html
    Supports: Origin and historical notes; native range context.