Teinturier variety grape cell cultures produce anthocyanins and exhibit a red appearance, although the major cell population is composed of nonpigmented cells. A novel cell suspension culture was initiated from selected nonpigmented cells that were shown, to synthesize catechins. Anthocyanin synthesis has been triggered when cell division was reduced by Pi deficiency. Furthermore, the addition of dihydroquercetin resulted in a 10-fold increase in dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR) activity. Tn nonpigmented cells a higher level of precursors or an elevated level of substrate availability would induce anthocyanin synthesis.