Grape Variety · Summer & Fall
Red Globe Grape
Red Globe grapes are large, round, and beautiful — with a distinctly impressive appearance on the plate or cheese board. Seeded with crisp, juicy flesh and mild sweetness, these elegant grapes are often halved to showcase their stunning deep red color and make an elegant presentation alongside cheese.
Available year-round with peak season from August through November, Red Globe is prized for its visual appeal and reliable quality. These grapes command premium pricing at farmers markets and specialty stores.
Species: Vitis vinifera (European wine grape species)
Flavor Profile: Mildly sweet with crisp, juicy flesh. Clean, pleasant flavor without the complexity of specialty varieties — perfect for fresh eating.
Texture: Crisp, crunchy, with thin skin. Seeded (unlike Thompson Seedless), but seeds are small and not problematic.
Appearance: Large, perfectly round grapes in deep red to crimson color. Visually stunning — arguably the most beautiful table grape.
Look for large, deeply colored (deep red to crimson) grapes that are perfectly round and firm. The color should be rich and uniform across the cluster. Stems should be green and flexible.
Red Globe grapes should feel heavy for their size, indicating high juice content and crispness. Avoid any soft spots, shriveling, or brown discoloration.
Peak Season: August through November for California-grown; available year-round with Chilean and other imports.
Store in the refrigerator in a ventilated bag or on the stem. Keep as dry as possible — moisture promotes mold. Red Globe grapes will keep for 1–2 weeks refrigerated.
These large grapes are visually stunning on a cheese board, so many prefer to keep them whole for presentation. Wash just before serving for maximum visual appeal.
Cheese Boards: Red Globe is the quintessential cheese board grape. Halve them lengthwise to showcase their stunning red color and create elegant presentation alongside cheese and cured meats.
Fresh Eating: Enjoy straight from the cluster. The large size and crisp texture make them satisfying to eat whole.
Roasting: Roast whole clusters at 425°F with olive oil and thyme until they blister. The large size maintains structure beautifully as they caramelize.
Wine Pairing: Serve as a palate cleanser alongside wine tastings. The crisp, juicy nature contrasts beautifully with both red and white wines.
Freezing: Freeze whole Red Globe grapes for a refreshing snack. Their large size makes them substantial when frozen.
Wine Making: Red Globe can be pressed for juice or fermented into wine, though they're primarily used for fresh eating due to their premium price and presentation value.
Vitamins & Minerals: Good source of vitamins C and K. The deep red color indicates the presence of anthocyanins and resveratrol.
Antioxidants: Red grapes contain polyphenol antioxidants associated with cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory benefits.
One cup of grapes provides about 104 calories, 1.4g of fiber, and 27% of the daily value for vitamin K, which plays a critical role in blood clotting and bone health.
Red Globe is a "presentation" grape — bred and cultivated primarily for its visual appeal and market value rather than flavor complexity. The large size and perfect round shape command premium prices.
These grapes are often individually wrapped in tissue paper during storage and shipment to protect their appearance, ensuring they arrive at market in pristine condition.
Red Globe is commonly available year-round from Chile during North American winter months, making them a consistent year-round option for elegant cheese boards.