What Types of Grapes Are Typically Used to Make Grape Juice?

glass of Concord grape juice on a wood table

The choice of grape variety shapes both the flavor and color of grape juice. While a few key types set the standard, winemakers and juice producers worldwide use several grape varieties to meet different tastes and market preferences.

Classic Concord Grapes

Concord grapes are deeply associated with traditional grape juice, especially in North America. Their dark purple hue and robust, sweet-tart flavor make them instantly recognizable. The high natural sugar content and aromatic compounds give Concord grape juice its signature boldness and aroma.

Red and White Grape Varieties

Aside from the Concord, grape juice is also made from a range of other varieties:

Niagara grapes: A pale green variety derived from Concord, giving a lighter, floral, and mildly tangy juice.
Catawba grapes: Offering a pinkish hue and a musky, less-sweet profile, often chosen for blending.
Thompson Seedless: Widely used for white grape juice, with a gentle, crisp flavor and clear color.
Red Globe and Crimson Seedless: Popular for sweeter commercial red grape juices.

two glasses of red and white grape juice on marble

How Variety Impacts Flavor and Color

Different grapes yield unique juice personalities:

Concord: Intense, syrupy sweetness with a deep purple tint.
Niagara: Lighter color, aromatic, and refreshingly delicate.
Thompson Seedless: Mild, crisp, almost floral with clear to pale yellow juice.
Mixed red grapes: Typically bolder, fruit-forward, with ruby or pink color.

More Grape Juice Varieties Worldwide

In Europe and South America, juice may be made from wine grapes such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Muscat, lending dryness or floral notes not found in standard juices. Each region leans on its local grape bounty, so the experience of grape juice can be surprisingly diverse.

mix of grape varieties on a rustic table

Whatever grape is chosen, the essential qualities—natural sugar, acidity, and aroma—contribute to a rich juice, whether enjoyed on its own or as a base for drinks and culinary creations.