This warm and mostly dry summer has brought an exceptional grape ripening to the Chester College trellis, on the outskirts of Santiago de Compostela.
Although blackbirds and other birds enjoy this natural treasure, we wanted our pupils to take part in the school grape harvest, so that families could also share this wonderful gift of nature with us.
The Isabella variety: origin and history
The grapes grown at Chester College belong to the Isabella variety, whose origin is as intriguing as its flavor.
It is a hybrid vine between the European species Vitis vinifera and the North American Vitis labrusca, named by Swedish botanist Carl von Linné. This cross gives the Isabella grape great resistance to fungi—highly valued in rainy Galicia—and a special sweetness reminiscent of blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, and other red fruits.
The first recorded mention of Isabella dates back to 1816, when a nurseryman in South Carolina—or Delaware, according to some sources—named it in honor of Isabella Gibbs.
A grape found worldwide… and in Galicia
The Isabella grape is grown around the world, where it is known by different names:
- In Italy: Fragola.
- In France: Framboisier.
- In Galicia, particularly in the Ulla River valley: Catalán roxo or Romana.
In Galicia, it was once widely cultivated and gave its distinctive aroma to some of the region’s most traditional spirits.
The Isabella grape’s properties
Beyond its distinctive taste, the Isabella grape is notable for its high content of resveratrol, a natural antioxidant currently under scientific study for its potential health benefits.
It is also rich in natural sugars, minerals, and vitamins A, B, and C, making it a highly nutritious fruit for both children and adults.
How to enjoy Isabella grapes
The so-called Catalan grape is excellent as a table grape, but it has its own secret:
👉 Instead of biting into it, the best way is to press the skin between your thumb and forefinger and swallow it whole. That way you can fully enjoy its intriguing sweetness.
The grape harvest at Chester College: learning from nature
At Chester College, we believe that learning happens both inside and outside the classroom. Experiences like the school grape harvest allow our pupils to:
- Connect with nature.
- Discover Galician traditions.
- Learn about the history of a unique grape variety.
- Enjoy hands-on, community-based learning.
A treat to enjoy with the whole family!
We invite our families to savor the grapes from Chester College’s trellis—a small treasure that unites nature, tradition, and health.