There are currently between 5,000 and 10,000 varieties of Vitis vinifera grapes, cultivated on every continent except for Antarctica, but only a few are commercial significance for wine production. Dried fruits called raisins are enjoyed in Europe and North America, and the seeds are processed as an oil and used in cooking or salads. In traditional medicine in Europe, the sap of grapes was used to treat skin and eye diseases, and the leaves were used to stop bleeding. 

Several epidemiological and clinical studies around the world have pointed out that the moderate intake of wine produces positive effects on anti-oxidant capacity, lipid profile, and the coagulation system, that may be associated with the decreased incidence of cardiovascular disease, overall mortality, and other diseases.