predominates, hybrid varieties still have "cult following" with some wine consumers. Furthermore, in some cases hybrid grapes are used to produce unique and exceptional products; for example, ice wine produced from Vidal blanc or Vignoles in Ontario and New York. Hybrid grapes are expanding in traditional vinifera wine regions, because they can be easier to grow and can ripen earlier than vinifera (which reduces bird predation and reduces the risk of fruit hanging into the Fall rains), and because they typically have much more disease resistance (thereby requiring less spraying, which lessens tractor fuel usage and the volume of spray applications). Therefore, hybrid grapes are considered a "Green" alternative to vinifera grapes. Grapevine species The best-known grape species in reference to viticulture include: Vitis vinifera, the so-called European or wine grape, indigenous in the Eurasian area. Classed within this species are the best-known table and wine grape varieties such as Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot noir, Merlot and Gamay. Vitis aestivalis, native to eastern North America. Vitis rupestris, native to North America. Vitis riparia (also sometimes known as Vitis vulpina), the "river bank grape", native to northeastern North America. Vitis amurensis, the Asiatic grape species, native to Siberia and China. Vitis rotundifolia, the muscadines, native to the southern half of the United States Vitis labrusca, native to northeastern North America. Concord and Niagara are both interspecific hybrids with a large labrusca content. While rare, interspecific hybrid vines can result in the wild from cross-pollination. Due to the abundance of American Vitis species one finds such natural hybrid vines on the American continent. The majority of the well-known hybrid vines however, have been artificially created. The earliest named hybrid in America was the Alexander grape, discovered around 1740 near a vineyard planted for William Penn along the Schuylkill. See also Propagation of grapevines Breeders Valentin Blattner: propagator of Cabernet blanc and creator of several other varieties T.V. Munson: often cited as the savior of European viticulture and the father of rootstock breeding, released dozens of cultivars and contributed greatly to the knowledge of wild American grape species. Albert Seibel: Probably the best-known breeder, who developed an immense number of breeding between 1886 and 1936 in Aubenas. The well-known Seibel grapes include De Chaunac, Chelois, Chancellor, Cascade, Rosette, Rougeon and Aurore. Joannes Seyve: Son of Bertille and creator of Chambourcin Elmer Swenson, of Wisconsin, breeder of St. Croix, St. Pepin, La Crosse,