Abstract: Terpenoids are important aroma components in wine, and exist in both free and bound forms in wine grape berries. Grape-derived terpenoids undergo a series of changes during winemaking, mainly including the conversion of glycosidically bound terpenoids into free forms through acidic or enzymic hydrolysis, and molecular rearrangements of some terpenoids in the acidic environment of wine. The transformation and rearrangement of terpenoids and ultimately wine aroma are significantly affected by the winemaking process. The present paper summarizes the recent advances in research on the reactions involved in the transformation of terpenoids during winemaking, the mechanism underlying the phenomenon, and the factors regulating it. Meanwhile, future research directions are discussed.

Key words: wine; terpenoids; winemaking; transformation; regulation