The evolution of cultivated plants played important role in the ascent of humanity. Research of their origin and evolution started at the beginning of the20th century, but till nowadays a lot of questions remain open. A large number of theories exist about the evolution of the European grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.). The Vitis sylvestris GMEL. in Hungary is a protected species.

The decision for grape berries to ripen involves a complex interplay of genetic regulation and environmental cues. This review explores the molecular mechanisms underlying the transition from vegetative growth to ripening, focusing on transcriptomic studies and the role of the NAC gene family. Transcriptomic analyses reveal a significant rearrangement of gene expression patterns during this transition, with up-regulation of ripening-related genes and down-regulation of those associated with vegetative growth. A molecular phenology scale providing a high-precision map of berry transcriptomic development, indicates that key molecular changes occur well before the onset of ripening.

The arrangements of flowers and wine counterparts are inextricably linked. Whether a fundamental aspect of tablescaping or acolytes to broader entertainment rituals, they have an entangled history since ancient times. The aim of this contribution is to verify the influence of visually delicate and robust flower arrangements on individual description of wines. Changes in the sensory description of wines were investigated during subjects’ (thirty-two participants) exposure to three different conditions: the presence of delicate, robust, or totally absent flower arrangements. In each condition, the same two wines were blind tasted: a wine previously defined as delicate – a Pinot Noir from Australia, and a wine known for its robust character – a Tannat from Uruguay.

Climate change is increasing the frequency of water deficit in many grape-growing regions. Grapevine varieties differ in their stomatal behavior during water deficit, and their ability to regulate water potential under dry soil conditions is commonly differentiated using the concept of isohydricity. It remains unclear whether stomatal behavior, water potential regulation, and the resulting degree of isohydricity has a relationship with changes to fruit growth during water deficit. This study was conducted on four varieties (`Cabernet Franc`, `Semillon`, `Grenache`, and `Riesling`) subjected to both short-term, severe water deficit and long-term, moderate water deficit applied at both pre- and post-veraison.

Grapevine phenology has advanced across many regions, nationally and internationally, in recent decades under the influence of increasing temperatures, resulting in earlier
vintages (Jones and Davis, 2000, Petrie and Sadras, 2008, Tomasi et al., 2011, Webb et al., 2011. Earlier vintages have several ramifications for the wine industry. There are direct implications on quality, due to the fruit ripening during the hotter conditions of summer and early autumn, which then impacts grape composition and wine style (Sadras et al., 2013, Buttrose et al., 1971, Mira de Ordũna, 2010). There are also indirect implications where the fruit is perceived to ripen at a faster rate and the crop reach optimum maturity over a shorter period (Coulter et al., 2016).