Vinifera grapes require the use of a rootstock and currently 3309 is a recommended rootstock for Long Island. The juice and jelly industry is based on American types. The French-American hybrid grapes are a cross between Vitis vinifera and Vitis labrusca. The hybrid grapes ideally have some of the fine wine qualities of the vinifera grapes and some of the disease tolerance of the American varieties. If managed properly, the hybrids can be high yielding and are less susceptible to winter injury in comparison to the vinifera grapes.
Hybrid grapes are a good first choice for a home winemaker.
In addition to the three major types of seeded grapes mentioned above, seedless grapes for fresh consumption are also grown throughout the country. Glenora, Remaily, Canadice, Himrod, Einset, Vanessa, Reliance, and Lakemont. Even though these seedless varieties are less than perfect, their flavor far exceeds that of Thompson and Flame seedless from the West Coast. The cultural practices differ for the seedless grapes in comparison to other types of grapes and can be a challenge to home gardeners. Refer to The Home Fruit Planting, Information Bulletin 156, A Cornell Cooperative Extension Publication for further information on growing seedless grapes.