14C-L-phenylalanine is incorporated into a range of polyphenolic compounds when fed to grape cell cultures. Optimisation of several parameters such as the quantity of precursor applied and the duration of metabolism led to incorporation yields of 15% and to specific activities of 875 mu Ci g(-1) in stilbenes. Purification of the products by several chromatographic steps is reported. Both trans- and cis-resveratrols were easily obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis of their corresponding glucosides, with specific activity of 1200-1400 mu Ci g(-1). The specific radioactivity obtained for all the compounds is suitable for in vivo feeding trials to trace their metabolic fate when consumed by animals and for in vitro activity mechanism studies. Indeed, these polyphenols seem to be implicated in the health benefits associated with regular and moderate wine consumption but little is known about their pharmacokinetics and cellular uptake.