The plant is a long-lived woody vine. In commercial production it is drastically restricted in size by pruning, and is generally supported on a trellis, but some wine types are grown with a short, self supporting trunk.
Fruit is borne in clusters.
Skin is smooth and waxy, enclosing a juicy pulp to which it adheres. Both seedless and seeded kinds are among the dozens of varieties grown commercially. Fresh shipment, dried for raisins, wine. Oil is extracted from the seeds.