Viticulture Tradition in Turkey

No other plant has played as decisive a role in people's agricultural and socio-cultural activities throughout history as the grapevine. In addition to the effects of the vine plant on civilizations in history, today the economic value produced from grape and grape products distinguishes it financially from other plant species. Anatolia is a central point in the journey of Vitis species. The South Caucasus (Georgia-Azerbaijan-Armenia) and the Fertile Crescent regions are accepted as the vine's homeland. Thus, these areas played a significant role in the cultivation and distribution of grapes. Genetic diversity also led to the diversification of usage purposes and has been an essential resource for breeding studies. In this review, the distribution of Vitis species in Anatolia has been reviewed within the scope of the current literature from different disciplines. Moreover, important V. vinifera L. varieties and their usage purposes are examined.