The present study analyzes the related antioxidant and anti-stress properties of grape and wine polyphenols, as well as their impact on oxidative processes in food, affecting different classes of compounds: fatty acids, vitamins, amino acids. The composition, antioxidant activity and possible reaction mechanisms of flavonoids, flavonols, flavones, anthocyanidins are detailed. The composition of individual polyphenols and the antioxidant activity of Moldovan wines of autochthonous varieties were investigated. It was found that the local Moldovan wines: red - Rara Neagra, Feteasca Neagra and white - Feteasca Alba, Feteasca Regala, Viorica present genuine sources of bioactive compounds, with important antioxidant capacity. Among the important polyphenols, the major compounds determined in all samples were gallic acid, resveratrol, caffeic acid, catechin, epicatechin and procyanidins