Scientists from Chicago’s Field Museum have made a groundbreaking discovery in South America, uncovering nine new species of fossil grapes dating back 19 to 60 million years. This research, led by Dr. Fabiany Herrera, reveals that these ancient grape fossils provide the earliest evidence of the Vitaceae family in the Western Hemisphere. Among these findings is Lithouva susmanii from Colombia, which showcases how grapes began spreading globally after the extinction of dinosaurs. This study not only revises our understanding of the grape family’s evolution but also highlights the resilience of plants through major ecological changes, offering insights into both prehistoric ecosystems and modern biodiversity.