There are around 60 Vitis species in the world. Species in this genus are native to the temperate zones of the northern hemisphere, with a few species reaching the tropics. In North America, there are around two dozen species. A number of species occur in Asia, but just one is native to Europe, Vitis vinifera. This is by far the most economically important Vitis species and accounts for most commercial grape plantings, not just for wine. Nearly three quarters of world grape production is devoted to wine grapes, around a quarter for table grapes, and much smaller amounts for dried grapes (raisins) and non-alcoholic grape juice. (Vaughan and Geissler 1997)
