This study examined the utility of the ratio of variable fluorescence to maximum fluorescence (Fv/Fm) to detect freezing injury on buds of two Vitis vinifera cultivars: Pinot noir and Pinot gris. Freezing treatments on buds caused a decrease both in Fv/Fm and percentage of budburst, more severely on Pinot gris than Pinot noir, specifically at the lower temperature (-20°C). Fv/Fm ratio showed a close correlation with percentage of budburst, and a threshold of the lethal Fv/Fm was proposed as an indicator of bud mortality. and L. Zulini, C. Fischer, M. Bertamini.