The importance of viticulture is widely acknowledged throughout Europe, playing a part in the cultural and socio-economic sectors throughout the last centuries in this continent. Famous winemaking regions in Europe, are characterized by the environmental characteristics prevailing in each region, therefore, given the known influence climate has on this crop, climate change can potentially influence vine yield and quality. Recent-past temperature trends, focusing on viticultural regions, show that the growing season mean temperatures have increased nearly 2ºC from 1950 to 2004 in Europe. Future trends point to temperature increases and precipitation changes in the growing season, which may bring changes to yield and wine quality. Although grapevines have several survival strategies, the amounting evidence for significant climate change in the upcoming decades urges adaptation measures to be taken. Short term adaptation measures should be considered as the first protection strategy against climate change and should be focused at specific threats. These measures mostly imply changes in management practices, while changes in the oenological practices, through technological advances. This study discusses the current state of viticulture in Europe, climate change impacts on this crop and possible adaptation measures to be taken.