This chapter introduces the grape family the Vitaceae. It begins with a summary of its ecology and economic importance continues with a discussion of the major morphological features of the family members and finishes with a survey of the genera and their phylogenetic relationships. The Leeaceae sister to the Vitaceae and the other family in the order Vitales is discussed and illustrated separately. Based on recent molecular phylogenetic studies the 15 formally recognized genera in the Vitaceae form five major clades although the details within the clades are not yet fully settled. Clade I likely the most basal includes Ampelopsis Rhoicissus Cissus striata/Clematicissus and Nekemias. Clade II consists of Parthenocissus and Yua. Clade III is made up of Vitis Ampelocissus Pterisanthes and Nothocissus. The largest genus Cissus forms Clade IV and Clade V consists of Cyphostemma Tetrastigma Causonis and Cayratia. Representatives of each clade are illustrated and the major features of each genus are discussed.