Tests were carried out on the influence of low temperatures during winter dormancy on per cent of central and lateral buds freezing in Merlot Standard and its varieties. The method applied was in vitro artificial freezing of cuttings of one-year-old shoots in cold storage. Three low temperatures were applied: -15°C, -20°C and -25°C. Tests were performed simultaneously in all varieties three times during winter on December 25, January 25 and February 25 in 1998, 1999 and 2000.