Mission began in the South American Missions and then was brought to Spain in the 16th century and then from there travelled amongst the Franciscan Missionaries to be used for sweet (often fortified) sacramental wines.  In Chile and Peru it is known by the names Criolla and Pais, respectively.  However, in Spain it was wiped out every except the Canary Islands by Phylloxera.  The vine, itself looks like a thick twisted tree trunk over time and not resembling a typical grape vine.   It is drought resistant with wines that are thought of as inferior yet unique in light body, high tannin, no acid, and flavors of fig, caramel, nuts and toffee.  Throughout the California Missions, Mission grapes were often the first grapes planted and can be found at most California Missions as well as many historical landmarks that have grapes such as Alvera Street in downtown Los Angeles.