Exploring the Grapevine Microbiome: Insights into the Microbial Ecosystem of Grape Berries

Abstract

Plant growth, health, and resilience to stress are intricately linked to their associated microbiomes. Grapevine, functioning as a holobiont, forms essential relationships with fungi and bacteria across both its belowground (roots) and aboveground (leaves and berries) compartments. The root microbiome exhibits a stable, site-specific structure, whereas the microbiomes of ephemeral tissues such as leaves and berries, which regenerate annually, display more stochastic assembly patterns across growing seasons. Among these, grape berries represent a critical component in viticulture due to their direct influence on wine quality and flavor complexity. Berries provide a unique ecological niche, hosting diverse microbial communities composed of yeasts, bacteria, and fungi that interact with the grapevine and its surrounding environment. These microorganisms are not only pivotal to berry development but also contribute significantly to the synthesis of secondary metabolites and fermentation processes, ultimately shaping the sensory and organoleptic properties of wine. This review consolidates current knowledge on the grapevine microbiome, with a particular emphasis on the microbial dynamics of grape berries.