Wine grape ripening, and therefore quality, results from the interaction of various factors: grape and rootstock variety, climatic conditions, geomorphometric attributes of vineyards, soil type and properties and agricultural practices. Climatic conditions, e.g. solar radiation, heat accumulation, temperature extremes, precipitation during the principal growth stages, wind, and extreme weather such as hail, during the growing season are particularly influential during the ripening process and account for most of the annual differences in production and quality. Studies on the effects of climate change on viticulture are generally based on global climate models. With respect to temperature and temperature-based indices, this may produce reasonable first approximations. Recent studies indicate that several viticultural regions may become more successful, and others less so, as high-quality wine production areas. However, it is not only average temperature but also a variety of other climate parameters and their variability that the allocation of chances and risks in impact assessments depends on. In this respect, global model resolutions are of limited value. However, current methods of regionalization by statistical downscaling or embedded regional climate models also show deficiencies and uncertainties. Research activities of the E. Mach Foundation on the effects of climate variability and change on viticulture include studies on the relationships between weather (bioclimatic indices, water balance, physical adversities such as frost, hail, drought stress) and plant physiology (phenology, berry ripening, leaf senescence), parasites development and agricultural practices. Results of grape ripening modelling show that heat requirements change according to the availability, indicating a possible adaptation/mitigation, that should be considered in the formulation of climate change scenarios