How should fresh grapes be handled prior to serving them?

Wash your hands for 20 seconds with warm water and soap both  before and after preparing grapes. Also wash cutting boards, utensils, and other implements before and after using them. The same goes for the kitchen counter. 
 
If grapes are left in their bunch for fruit and cheese platters, rinse them briefly under cool water. Washing and removing grapes from their stems is about all that is required to prepare them for use in cold salads and the like. Do not soak the grapes in water due to the potential for cross-contamination. After washing them, pat the grapes with a clean paper towel.
 
To remove seeds from varieties that have them, simply cut the grape in half and scoop out the seeds with the point of a knife.
 
Some recipes call for peeling grapes, but this is rarely necessary. Grape skins contain most of the nutrients and flavor and should be used whenever possible.
 
Source(s):
FDA "Produce Safety: Safe Handling:
University of California "Safe Handling of Fruits and Vegetables"
Tonytantillo.com "Fruits: Grapes"