Grapevine origin and diversity

This text is intended to be a brief discussion of some salient conceptual and methodological aspects concerning the cultivated grapevine (Vitis vinifera L). The essay, far from aiming to be exhaustive, strives instead to highlight original and significant steps taken by the international scientific community over the last thirty years to deepen the historical and biological path that this woody species, which has played an essential role in human history, has taken. Possible future scenarios involving genetic modifications to improve adaptive mechanisms are also discussed.